Volkswagen has unveiled the facelifted variant of the iconic ID.3, which was first launched two and a half years ago. Despite its familiar exterior and interior design, Volkswagen assures us that the 2024 ID.3 has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, featuring the latest software equipped with advanced convenience and assist systems that promise to elevate the driving experience to new heights.
Although the aesthetic changes might seem inconspicuous at first glance, they are anything but. The minute details of the design updates give the facelifted ID.3 a more striking and commanding appearance. The most noticeable change is undoubtedly the front bumper, which has been imbued with a heightened sense of aggression, featuring enlarged air cooling openings that serve both form and function.
Exterior
Among the notable improvements are the new light signatures, which have been masterfully crafted to accentuate the vehicle’s LED headlights and taillight clusters, with the taillight segments located in the boot lid now illuminated for added flair. The aero-optimized alloy wheels are a sight to behold, oozing style and sophistication in equal measure, while the black roof with matt-silver trim on the edges is a nod to Volkswagen’s unwavering commitment to impeccable design.
As if that weren’t enough, the Dark Olivine Green iridescent metallic paint option will turn heads and make a bold statement wherever the ID.3 goes. But Volkswagen’s attention to detail doesn’t stop there. The compact electric hatchback’s front hood now appears longer, a subtle but impactful change achieved by removing the black strip under the windshield, with the recessed sections at the sides creating the same impression, adding an element of intrigue and mystique to an already impressive vehicle.
Interior
As we delve deeper into the interior of the revamped 2024 ID.3, we can’t help but marvel at the seemingly endless array of subtle yet significant changes that have been made. At first glance, the interior may appear to be similar to that of the current model, but Volkswagen assures us that it has incorporated numerous suggestions from customers to optimize the haptic experience.
One of the standout features of the new interior is the improved material quality, which features soft, foam-backed surfaces throughout the cockpit that provide an unparalleled level of comfort and luxury. The door panels have also undergone a significant overhaul, with the inclusion of softer and larger surfaces and more generous hand rests, making it easier than ever to relax and unwind in the ID.3’s plush interior.
But that’s not all – Volkswagen’s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices is evident in the ID.3’s animal-free interior, which boasts a high proportion of recycled materials. The Artvelours Eco microfiber material comprises an astonishing 71 percent recycled plastic waste, marking a significant step forward in the fight against pollution and waste. The 2024 VW ID.3 is no slouch in the display department, with a dizzying array of screens to keep drivers occupied.
Two separate displays are at the driver’s disposal, including a compact 5.3-inch driver display that can be operated using touch controls on the multifunction steering wheel, as well as a larger 12-inch touchscreen that controls an unfathomable amount of functions, ranging from the navigation system to telephone functions, media, assist systems, and vehicle settings.
The infotainment system has undergone several menu structures changes, resulting in a clearer and more informative charging menu that has now been moved to the top level of the main display. And that’s not all – the smart Electric Vehicle Route Planner has also undergone some impressive updates and improvements, particularly when it comes to connectivity. Now, on longer journeys, the system takes into account current traffic information and forecasts in addition to the battery charge level, scheduling charging stops so that the destination can be reached as quickly as possible.
Electronic Architecture
When it comes to the electronic architecture of the Volkswagen ID.3, the automaker has taken a bold and innovative approach. Instead of relying on a large number of small computers to distribute tasks, the car now boasts two high-performance computers known as ICAS, or In-Car Application Servers, as its main components. These advanced computers are capable of solving a number of tasks that were previously considered too complex, paving the way for new and improved vehicle functions.
Despite this radical shift, basic vehicle functions remain on their separate control units, ensuring that the car remains stable and reliable at all times. But that’s not all – the ID.3 also features some impressive updates in the area of assist systems. For example, the Travel Assist feature now utilizes swarm data, taking advantage of the power of collective intelligence to improve the overall driving experience. Additionally, the Park Assist Plus with memory function allows for automatic retrieval and use of saved parking maneuvers, making parking a breeze even in the most challenging of situations.
Powertrain, Battery, and Charging
The revamped Volkswagen ID.3, the EV that set the tone for the automaker’s ID family, is back with a vengeance. The latest iteration maintains the rear-mounted electric drive motor that delivers a robust 150 kilowatts (201 horsepower) and 310 Newton-meters (228 pound-feet) of torque. The 58-kWh and 77-kWh battery packs remain on offer, with identical WLTP range ratings, but they’ve got more in store than meets the eye.
The larger of the two batteries, which features in the ID.3 Pro S, provides up to 546 kilometers (339 miles) of range, while the smaller one, used by the ID.3 Pro, offers 426 km (264 miles) of range. While the manufacturer revealed that a smaller battery is in the works, specifics have yet to be provided.
With the 2024 VW ID.3, drivers can recharge their ride with lightning speed thanks to its innovative DC fast-charging technology. In as little as 30 minutes, the 77-kWh battery of the ID.3 Pro S can zap from 5 to 80 percent capacity at a rate of up to 170 kW. Meanwhile, the 58-kWh pack in the ID.3 Pro needs a mere 35 minutes to complete the same high-speed charging cycle at 120 kW. Customers in Europe are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the facelifted ID.3, set to hit the roads in the fourth quarter of 2023, although Volkswagen has yet to confirm an official shipping date.
Source and Images: InsideEVs