Volkswagen ID3 Car Review, Specs, Range & Features & Lots, Lots More

This also all starts off straight from the front end, which is very distinctive because it doesn't need a traditional grille for cooling an engine as you need in traditional petrol cars or diesel cars, for instance.

As a result, this gives it a smooth and friendly face, which many will love.

The main feature here, though, is the large Volkswagen badge, which sits proudly in the centre.

Then, on higher-spec models - such as the ID.3 Tour Pro S, more on the models in a bit - this is connected by a gorgeous looking light bar that stretches between some very nice looking LED headlights, giving the car a very recognisable signature - especially at night.

The lower front bumper here also features a honeycomb-patterned grille as well, adding a bit of texture and visual interest here as it does so in our view.

When viewed from the side, the ID.3's electric nature is a lot more obvious.

For example, here, the front and rear overhangs – the bits of bodywork that hang over the wheels – are incredibly short.

This, combined with a long 2,770 mm wheelbase (the distance between the front and rear wheels), pushes the wheels right to the corners of the car.

This, in turn, not only helps create a huge amount of interior space but also gives the car a very solid, planted stance as it does so as well.

Here, a subtle shoulder line then runs the length of the body, adding a touch of definition to the smooth panels to finish off the side look, which we really like.

The rear design is then neat and tidy, with the most prominent feature being the large, all-glass boot lid, which is finished in black regardless of the car’s body colour.

This then creates a striking two-tone effect, which is really nice.

The slim LED tail lights then mirror the design of the front, and on posher versions, they can also feature dynamic 'swiping' indicators when you are turning, which looks the part very much as well.

Just like the front, a large VW badge sits in the middle of the tailgate here as well.

The roofline of the ID.3 is then both smooth and gently curved, helping it to slip through the air efficiently to maximise its range as it does so here.

Most models here also feature a contrasting roof colour, usually black, which visually lowers the car and gives it a more dynamic, 'floating roof' appearance as well - which is a really nice touch.

You also get an integrated spoiler at the top of the boot lid, which isn't common in cars in this class, which can also add a good sporty touch to the design and also help with aerodynamics simultaneously as it does so.

Moving to the wheels, here Volkswagen offers a range of alloy wheel designs for the ID.3 - typically starting from 18 inches on entry-level models and going up to 20 inches on the top-spec versions.

Many of the designs are partially enclosed or have a flat, aerodynamic surface as well. This might look a bit unusual at first, but it's done deliberately to reduce air turbulence around the wheels, which can then help eke out a few extra miles of battery range for you as well.

For your wheels and suspension options, here you have:   

The ID.3 was also launched with a very vibrant palette of colours to show off its modern character as well.

For instance, here, alongside the usual whites, greys, and blacks, you can find it in eye-catching shades like Makena Turquoise, Moonstone Grey, and a distinctive Manganese Grey, which are very distinctive.

This then allows you to have a good degree of personalisation, especially when combined with the contrasting black roof and silver roof arches as well, which is really good to see in a car of this price point as well, to be honest.

For your paint options, here you have:

The dashboard, for instance, is a simple, horizontally layered design that improves the sense of width and space in the cabin as it does so.

Unlike a traditional petrol car, there's no bulky centre console connecting the dash to the floor, which allows for a completely flat floor and adds to the airy feel inside the cabin as well.

The materials here are also a mix of soft-touch plastics on the top surfaces and some harder, more durable plastics lower down as well, which just work really well, in our opinion.

This is then supported really nicely with some great ambient lighting strips, which are neatly integrated, allowing you to change the colour of the cabin to suit your mood very easily.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is then also large, with a 10-inch 'floating' touchscreen display here.

This really is the command centre for almost all of the car's functions, from your satellite navigation and music to your climate controls and more.

Below the screen, there are then a few touch-sensitive 'sliders' for adjusting the volume and temperature here as well.

This is then topped off as the system also includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, but its reliance on touch controls as well - making getting access to stream your music and apps really simple.

Behind the steering wheel then sits a small, 5.3-inch digital display as well.

This screen is then mounted directly to the steering column, so it moves up and down with the wheel, making sure it's always in the perfect position as a direct result.

It also easily provides you with all the essential information you need at a glance, such as your speed, remaining battery range, and navigation prompts, to name a few here.

The gear selector is also a quirky rotary controller attached to the side of this display as well, which you twist forward for 'Drive' and back for 'Reverse' - as simple as that.

The front seats are then comfortable and supportive and are designed to be great for both short city trips and long motorway journeys alike.

There's also plenty of adjustment here as well to help drivers of all shapes and sizes get comfortable.

Then, on higher-specification models, you can get 'proactive' seats, which offer you more electric adjustment, a massage function, and adjustable armrests on both sides - making them just feel like captain's chairs from a larger vehicle in our view.

However, when you then move to the rear seats, this is where the ID.3 truly excels in our expert opinion.

Thanks to the long wheelbase and flat floor here, your rear passenger space is vast – comparable to a much larger car like a Volkswagen Passat.

As a result, there is ample legroom (760mm) and headroom (940mm) for two tall adults to sit comfortably, and because there's no transmission tunnel running down the middle, a third person can sit in the middle seat without having to straddle a big lump in the floor as well - which is nice.

Practicality is good when it comes to its storage options.

Here, for instance, you get a floating centre console between the front seats, which offers you a lot of flexible storage with configurable cup holders and a large covered cubby for hiding your valuables as well.

The door bins are also of a decent size, and there is a reasonably sized glovebox, too.

Overall, it’s a cabin with plenty of spots to store your phone, wallet, keys, and drink bottles, which is really nice to see.

The boot offers you a lot of space, up to 385 litres of space in fact - which is slightly more than you get in a Volkswagen Golf.

Overall, it’s a good, square shape, which makes it easy to load bulky items like a pushchair or a couple of suitcases for a holiday, for instance.

The rear seats also fold down in a 60/40 split if you need to carry longer items as well, and on most models, there's a false floor that you can set at two different levels.

This floor then allows you to either maximise the total space or create a flat load floor with no lip when the seats are folded as well.

Space and practicality, though, is where the ID.3 really shines, in our opinion.

Here, thanks to that clever electric platform, the inside is just massive.

There's no lump in the floor in the back, so three people can sit there more comfortably than in a petrol or diesel hatchback.

The headroom and legroom are also brilliant, both front and back, and the boot is a decent size, too, so it’ll swallow that weekly shop or a couple of suitcases with no trouble here.

Overall, the ID.3 is just a very comfortable car to travel in, and this impressed us a lot.

The electric motor is virtually silent, for instance, and there's very little wind or road noise, making for a quiet and relaxing cabin.

The ride comfort is also generally excellent, soaking up bumps well here, and the combination of a spacious interior, comfortable seats, and quiet performance just makes it a very pleasant place for you to want to spend a lot of time in.

The ID.3 is also a very easy and relaxing car to well just drive.

Here, the steering is light, making it a doddle to park, and it has an incredibly tight turning circle of 10.3 meters (33.8 feet), which is a massive help in city centres.

On the motorway, it's also quiet and stable, and the ride is generally very comfortable, soaking up most of the bumps you find on British roads.

Overall, it's a competent, safe, and very comfortable car to drive in our view.

For driving modes, here you get a few driving modes to choose from – 'Eco', 'Comfort', and 'Sport'.

'Comfort' is the default, and it's fine for most situations. 'Eco' then dulls the accelerator to help you save battery and increase your range, while 'Sport' sharpens everything up for a bit more fun and quicker acceleration.

You can also select 'B' mode on the gear selector, which is a bit different and increases the level of regenerative braking you get back from the car.

Here, for instance, when you lift off the accelerator, the car slows down quite sharply and uses that energy to put a little bit of charge back into the battery, increasing your range as a result.

It also allows for 'one-pedal' driving in town, which is very smooth and handy once you get used to it as well - and a nice feature we must note here.

In the real world, you need to factor in things like temperature, your speed, your driving style, the drive mode selected, and whether you've got the heating on full blast.

However, for the 58kWh model, you should expect around 200-220 miles in summer and maybe 160-180 miles in the coldest depths of winter.

For the bigger 77kWh battery, you can realistically aim for 280-300 miles in good weather, dropping to around 220-240 in the cold - which is still more than plenty for most people, so range anxiety won't be a thing on your daily drive no matter the weather.

Charging for the ID.3 is also straightforward as well.

For instance, at home, with a 7kW wall box charger (which most EV owners have), a full charge on the 58kWh battery will take around 9 hours overnight.

If you are then out and about, you can use public rapid chargers with DC connectors as well.

Here, the ID.3 can charge at up to 120kW (or even faster on newer models), which means you can top up the battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes – just enough time for a coffee and a comfort break, and you are back on the road after a few hours of driving already.

A breakdown of the performance and technical specifications for the two main ID.3 battery and motor combinations you can buy, the Pro Performance and the long-range Pro S, is below.

Here, you get a nice-sized small screen in front of the driver, which is clear and simple to use, which is great in our view.

Especially as this supports the big central touchscreen really well and controls almost everything – from the sat-nav to your air conditioning.

So much so it is a bit like using a tablet, which is responsive to use when you're driving as well.

For your connectivity features, here you get all the modern kit you'd expect.

Including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are standard, so you can plug your phone in and use your own apps on the big screen.

Then there's also a 'We Connect' app for your phone as well, which lets you check the car's battery status, pre-heat the car on a cold morning, and send destinations to the sat-nav remotely before you even get in it.

Then, the good news in regards to the tech side of things is that Volkswagen can update the car's software over the air automatically for you, just like a smartphone.

This means they have been able to send out updates automatically to fix any software bugs and add new features that become available moving forward for you, all without you needing to even visit a dealership to get the latest ones installed as well - which is a nice bonus, we must admit.

An autonomous emergency braking system that can detect cars, pedestrians, and cyclists and will warn the driver or apply the brakes automatically to prevent a collision.

This system helps you prevent the car from drifting out of its lane unintentionally by gently steering it back on course.

Monitors the driver's behaviour for signs of tiredness and recommends taking a break if needed.

Includes front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as a central airbag between the front seats to prevent occupants from colliding with each other in a side impact.

In the event of a serious accident, the car can automatically call the emergency services and send your location.

Warns you if one or more tyres are losing pressure.

This is a semi-autonomous driving feature that combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist.

It can then help you with steering, braking, and accelerating on motorways, keeping you in your lane and a safe distance from the car in front.

Automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead and can bring the car to a complete stop in traffic and start again automatically.

A blind-spot monitoring system that warns you of vehicles in your blind spot when you indicate to change lanes.

Can detect if the driver has become inactive (e.g., due to a medical emergency) and can take control to bring the car to a safe, controlled stop in its lane.

If the car senses an imminent collision, it will automatically tighten the front seatbelts and close any open windows and the sunroof to brace for impact.

Here, these fall into a number of different areas, consisting of:

Wheels and Suspension  

• 7½J x 18" 'Aero' steel wheels with 215/55 R18 tyres and full-size wheel trims

BEV Specific

• Charging cable Mode 3 Type 2, 32 A  
• Exterior e-sound
• 7.2 kW 1-Phase and 11kW 3-Phase AC and 100 kW DC charging

Exterior      

• All-LED headlights with reflector technology
• Black roof
• Body-coloured bumpers and door handles
• Body-coloured door mirrors with integrated indicators
• LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function    
• LED rear tail lights

Interior 

• Basic seats in 'Fragment' design cloth
• Centre console and armrest integrated into the front seats 
• Multifunction steering wheel

Infotainment 

• Ambient lighting with 10 colour options
• 'App-Connect' with Wireless Connection for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital dashboard
• Digital radio DAB+
• ID.Light
• Natural voice control

Connectivity  

• Car2X - intelligent vehicle networking
• Security and Service
• We Connect ID. app

Safety and Security

• Anti-theft alarm with interior protection, deactivation via infotainment screen
• Forward collision warning and extended and proactive pedestrian protection

Comfort and Convenience  

• 'Air Care Climatronic' air conditioning system
• Electric windows, front and rear
• Heated rear window
• Keyless start

Driver's Assistance    

• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), including Front Assist, radar sensor controlled distance monitoring system, City emergency braking system, cruise control and speed limiter
• Driver Alert system, fatigue detection
• Electronic parking brake - with auto hold function
• Lane Assist
• Parking sensors, front and rear
• Power-assisted steering, speed-sensitive
• Remote tailgate unlocking via key fob

Services

• Free WeConnect Start for the first 3 years  
• Mobility guarantee in case of car breakdown (3 years included)
• Special WeCharge conditions for ID.3 customers within the first 3 years

Comfort Pack

• Automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors with projection light, including automatic dimming function on driver's side, door mirror puddle lights and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on passenger's side
• Front centre console high
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Rain sensor
• 2 x USB-C connection, rear

Infotainment Pack

• Discover Navigation Pro capacitive touchscreen navigation infotainment system with 10-inch display

Interior   

• Style seats in Flow/Art Velours microfleece

Design pack:   

• Ambient lighting strips below trim in front doors and dashboard. Choice of 30 colour options
• 'IQ. Light' with welcome scenario (Eye technology)
• 'IQ. Light' LED dipped and main beam headlights, including Dynamic Light Assist. Including LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function and Dynamic curve lighting
• Illuminated light band between headlights and logo
• LED rear light clusters with animation
• Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted

Assistance pack:

• Illuminated door handles
• Keyless entry including Start/Stop button on centre console
• Proactive occupant protection
• Rear-view camera

Interior

• Style seats in Flow/Art Velours microfleece

Design pack plus:

• Ambient lighting strips below trim in front doors and dashboard. Choice of 30 colour options
• 'IQ. Light' with welcome scenario (Eye technology)
• 'IQ. Light' LED dipped and main beam headlights, including Dynamic Light Assist. Including LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function and Dynamic curve lighting
• Illuminated light band between headlights and logo
• LED rear light clusters with animation
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted

Comfort pack plus:

• Climate control - 2Zone electronic air conditioning with automatic air recirculation
• Electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors, including automatic dimming function on driver's side, door mirror puddle lights, and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on passenger's side
• Front centre console high
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Variable boot floor, height-adjustable and removable
• 2 x USB-C connection, rear

Assistance pack: 

• Illuminated door handles
• Keyless entry including Start/Stop button on centre console
• Proactive occupant protection
• Rear-view camera

Interior

• Style seats in Flow/Art Velours microfleece

Design pack plus:       

• Ambient lighting strips below trim in doors and dashboard. Choice of 30 colour options
• 'IQ. Light' with welcome scenario (Eye technology)
• 'IQ. Light' LED dipped and main beam headlights, including Dynamic Light Assist. Including LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function and Dynamic curve lighting
• Illuminated light band between headlights and logo
• LED rear light clusters with animation
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted 

Interior 

• Style seats in Flow/Art Velours microfleece

Design pack plus:  

• Ambient lighting strips below trim in front doors and dashboard. Choice of 30 colour options
• 'IQ. Light' with welcome scenario (Eye technology)
• 'IQ. Light' LED dipped and main beam headlights, including Dynamic Light Assist. Including LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function and Dynamic curve lighting
• Illuminated light band between headlights and logo
• LED rear light clusters with animation
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted

Infotainment pack plus:

• Discover Navigation Pro touchscreen navigation infotainment system with 10-inch display
• Head-up Display
• Sound pack: 6+1 speakers

Assistance pack plus:

• Emergency Assist
• Illuminated door handles
• Keyless entry including Start/Stop button on centre console
• Proactive occupant protection
• Rear-view camera
• Side Assist
• Travel Assist

Interior 

• Driver's and front passenger's seat with pneumatically-adjustable lumbar support and massage function
• Style Plus seats in Flow/Art Velours microfleece

Design pack plus:

• Ambient lighting strips below trim in front doors and dashboard. Choice of 30 colour options
• 'IQ. Light' with welcome scenario (Eye technology)
• 'IQ. Light' LED dipped and main beam headlights, including Dynamic Light Assist. Including LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function and Dynamic curve lighting
• Illuminated light band between headlights and logo
• LED rear light clusters with animation
• Panoramic sunroof
• Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted

Infotainment pack plus:

• Discover Navigation Pro touchscreen navigation infotainment system with 10-inch display
• Head-up Display
• Sound pack: 6+1 speakers

Comfort pack plus:

• Climate control - 2Zone electronic air conditioning with automatic air recirculation
• Electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors, including automatic dimming function on driver's side, door mirror puddle lights, and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on passenger's side
• Front centre console high
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Variable boot floor, height-adjustable and removable
• 2 x USB-C connection, rear

Assistance pack plus:

• Emergency Assist
• Illuminated door handles
• Keyless entry including Start/Stop button on centre console
• Proactive occupant protection
• Rear-view camera
• Side Assist
• Travel Assist

Sports pack plus:

• Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC)
• Progressive steering

Interior

• Driver's and front passenger's seat with pneumatically-adjustable lumbar support and massage function
• Style Plus seats in Flow/Art Velours microfleece
• 4 seats in lieu of standard 5 seat configuration

Wheels and suspension

• 'Andoya' 7½J x 19" alloy wheels with 215/50 R19 tyres and anti-theft wheel bolts

Design pack:  

• Ambient lighting strips below trim in front and rear doors and dashboard. Choice of 30 colour options
• 'IQ. Light' with welcome scenario (Eye technology)
• 'IQ. Light' LED dipped and main beam headlights, including Dynamic Light Assist. Including LED daytime running lights, which perform the indicator function and Dynamic curve lighting
• Illuminated light band between headlights and logo
• LED rear light clusters with animation
• Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards, approx. 65% tinted

Infotainment pack plus:

• Discover Navigation Pro touchscreen navigation infotainment system with 10-inch display
• Head-up Display
• Sound pack: 6+1 speakers

Comfort pack plus:

• Climate control - 2Zone electronic air conditioning with automatic air recirculation
• Electrically heated, adjustable and foldable door mirrors, including automatic dimming function on driver's side, door mirror puddle lights, and reverse activated kerb-view adjustment on passenger's side
• Front centre console high
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Rain sensor and automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror
• Variable boot floor, height-adjustable and removable
• 2 x USB-C connection, rear

Assistance pack plus:

• Emergency Assist
• Illuminated door handles
• Keyless entry including Start/Stop button on centre console
• Proactive occupant protection
• Rear-view camera
• Side Assist
• Travel Assist
    

The Model 3 is a saloon, while the ID.3 is a hatchback. This makes the Tesla longer, but the ID.3 is taller, which helps with headroom inside.

With their dimensions match up as:

As two of the original mainstream electric hatchbacks, the ID.3 and Leaf are very closely matched, though the ID.3's clever packaging does give it a longer wheelbase on a shorter body.

With their dimensions match up as:

The Kona is a compact SUV, so it's taller and has a slightly different footprint. The ID.3's longer wheelbase is key to its impressive interior passenger space.

When it was launched, the ID.3 was priced competitively to encourage people to make the switch. As of 2024/2025, the new car market has evolved, but the ID.3 still remains a strong contender in the family EV segment, especially when it comes to its price points.

The used market is now also very strong, and an early ID.3 represents fantastic value for money if you are looking for a used EV here as well.

All in all, a well-cared-for model from 2021 or 2022 can be had for a similar price to a brand-new petrol supermini today but with far more space, tech, and much lower running costs as well.

This is where the real savings are made.

For instance, if you can charge at home overnight on an off-peak electricity tariff, the cost to "fill up" the battery is incredibly low.

In fact, a full charge of the 58kWh battery could cost as little as £5-£7, giving you over 200 miles of range - which for most people may be a charge every 1 to 2 weeks.

Compare that to the £70-£80 it costs to fill a petrol hatchback, and the savings are obvious. Using public rapid chargers is more expensive, more like half the price of petrol, but this is usually only necessary on long journeys.

The good news continues here. As a pure electric vehicle, the ID.3 is exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) or road tax. It is also exempt from clean air zone charges, like London's ULEZ. Servicing is also simpler and cheaper than for a combustion-engine car. There are far fewer moving parts – no oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust systems to worry about. A service is typically just a check of the brakes, tyres, suspension, and battery health. Insurance groups are generally on par with other modern family cars.

This table outlines the key specifications and pricing for the different trim levels of the Volkswagen ID.3, based on the Pro Performance and Pro S powertrains.

Please note: These prices can change over time.

We also have several authorised main dealer local dealership locations across the South West of England and can offer you a wide range of new and approved used Volkswagen - both large and small cars - as well as servicing, repairs, MOTs and genuine parts as well.

We also pride ourselves on providing excellent customer service and a comprehensive selection of vehicles to suit your various needs and budgets, from petrol and diesel engines to those being fully electric, along with a good selection of hybrid cars as well.

So, whether you are looking for a brand-new model or a quality pre-owned car, we can offer you flexible finance options and professional guidance to help you make the right choice, especially as we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

In addition to our car sales, we can also provide you with full aftersales support, including MOT testing, routine maintenance, and repairs, all carried out by trained technicians using the latest equipment.

Consequently, we are proud to have a high commitment to your customer satisfaction, and we have become a popular choice for Volkswagen owners and buyers for a long time as a result.