The Volkswagen ID.3 has evolved significantly since it first arrived as Volkswagen’s dedicated electric hatchback. With a wider choice of batteries, improved range, upgraded technology and better equipment, the Volkswagen ID.3 is now a more rounded electric car for everyday driving.
The latest UK range includes everything from a 52kWh entry-level version to 79kWh models, with the longest-range versions capable of up to 371 miles under WLTP testing. That gives buyers considerably more choice than the earlier versions of the car.
The Volkswagen ID.3 was launched as a purpose-built electric hatchback, combining a compact footprint with a spacious interior and rear-wheel drive.
While the familiar shape remains, Volkswagen has continued to develop the model with revised equipment, software and drivetrain options. The current range is offered in several trim levels, including Pure, Pro, Pro S and GTX versions, giving buyers a much wider choice depending on their priorities.
The current Volkswagen ID.3 range is available with 52kWh, 59kWh and 79kWh battery options. The entry-level versions are designed to provide an accessible route into electric motoring, while the larger battery models focus more heavily on long-distance driving.
Range has become one of the biggest improvements to the Volkswagen ID.3.
The current UK range includes:
The exact range varies according to battery, trim and equipment. Volkswagen currently quotes an overall ID.3 range of approximately 240 to 371 miles across the UK line-up.
That makes the larger-battery versions particularly interesting for drivers who regularly cover longer distances.
For buyers considering an electric car for the first time, range should still be considered alongside charging access, driving conditions and the type of journeys you normally make. Our guide to buying a used electric car covers some of the wider factors to consider when choosing an EV.
Charging performance depends on the version you choose.
Volkswagen’s larger 79kWh battery can accept up to 185kW of DC charging on the GTX versions. Volkswagen states that the GTX Performance can charge from 10% to 80% in around 26 minutes when connected to a suitably powerful rapid charger.
The smaller-battery versions have lower maximum charging rates, but they can still be suitable for everyday commuting and shorter journeys.
As with any electric vehicle, the actual charging time depends on the charger, battery temperature, state of charge and other conditions. A rapid charger capable of supplying a high output does not necessarily mean the car will charge at that rate throughout the session.
Interior quality was an area Volkswagen focused on as the ID.3 evolved.
The current Volkswagen ID.3 features a 12.9-inch infotainment display on many versions, with equipment varying between trims. Volkswagen has also continued to improve the technology and usability of the cabin compared with the earliest versions of the car.
Higher-specification versions can include features such as navigation, Matrix LED headlights, ambient lighting, upgraded seats and additional driver-assistance technology.
The interior remains one of the car’s strengths because the electric platform allows Volkswagen to make good use of the available cabin space without making the car particularly large externally.
The Volkswagen ID.3 continues to use rear-wheel drive on its conventional versions, giving the car a different character from many front-wheel-drive electric hatchbacks.
Power outputs vary significantly across the range. The standard versions are designed around smooth, efficient everyday driving, while the GTX models provide considerably more performance.
The ID.3 GTX uses a 79kWh battery and produces 285PS, while the GTX Performance increases output to 326PS. The GTX Performance can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124mph.
The GTX Performance also benefits from adaptive Sport DCC suspension, giving buyers the option of a more performance-focused setup while retaining the practicality of a five-door hatchback.
Technology remains an important part of the Volkswagen ID.3 package.
Depending on specification, equipment can include adaptive cruise control, Front Assist with autonomous emergency braking, lane-assistance systems, parking assistance, navigation and advanced lighting technology.
Higher-specification models can also feature Matrix LED headlights and additional driver-assistance equipment. Volkswagen’s current UK range includes a broad spread of technology, with equipment increasing as you move through the trim levels.
The result is an electric hatchback that can be configured with considerably more technology than the earliest versions of the model.
Despite being a relatively compact electric car, the Volkswagen ID.3 offers useful everyday practicality.
It has five doors and five seats, making it suitable for family use as well as commuting. The electric platform also helps maximise interior space, while the hatchback body makes loading luggage and shopping relatively straightforward.
Boot capacity varies depending on the version and equipment, but the ID.3 remains a practical proposition for buyers who want an EV without moving into a larger SUV.
That is one reason the Volkswagen ID.3 continues to sit between smaller electric cars and larger family EVs.
The price varies considerably depending on the battery, trim and specification.
At the lower end of the current UK range, the 52kWh Pure Essential is listed at £30,850 including VAT, while the larger-battery Pro S and GTX models sit significantly higher. Volkswagen’s pricing and available stock can change, so buyers should check the latest Volkswagen ID.3 specifications and pricing before ordering.
This wider range of prices gives the Volkswagen ID.3 broader appeal than it had when the model first launched.
For someone looking for a straightforward electric commuter, the smaller battery could make more sense. Drivers regularly covering long distances may prefer the additional range offered by the 79kWh versions.
The Volkswagen ID.3 faces strong competition from electric hatchbacks and compact family cars from across the market.
Depending on budget and requirements, buyers could also consider models such as the MG4, Cupra Born, Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV3.
The ID.3’s strengths include its established electric platform, rear-wheel-drive layout on standard versions, broad range of battery choices and access to Volkswagen’s extensive UK dealer network.
If you’re more interested in buying a used EV rather than a new model, the choice becomes even wider. Our used cars for sale section includes vehicles from a wide range of manufacturers.
The Volkswagen ID.3 has come a long way since its introduction.
The combination of larger battery options, improved range, better equipment and the addition of faster GTX versions means there is now an ID.3 for a much wider variety of drivers.
The biggest attraction is arguably the choice. The entry-level versions are focused on affordability and everyday use, while the 79kWh models offer substantially more range. At the top of the range, the GTX Performance demonstrates that an electric family hatchback can also deliver serious performance.
For anyone considering a new electric hatchback, the Volkswagen ID.3 remains an important model to consider.
If you’re not ready to buy new, there are plenty of alternatives available on the used market. You can browse used cars for sale on MotorHype and compare vehicles from private sellers and dealers across the UK.
The Volkswagen ID.3 has developed into a much more complete electric hatchback.
With battery options ranging from 52kWh to 79kWh, up to around 371 miles of WLTP range and a choice of comfort-focused or performance-oriented versions, it offers significantly more flexibility than the original model.
For buyers looking for a practical electric hatchback with modern technology and a strong choice of specifications, the latest Volkswagen ID.3 is certainly worth a closer look.
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