Volkswagen ID.3 received a comprehensive update: here's what's changed

The most important innovations include the new ID.3 Pro S drive version with 170 kW, the long-awaited illuminated sliders for climate settings and volume, improved charging planning and finally pre-conditioning of the battery before quick charging.

The ID.3 will be equipped with enhanced version of the previous electric motor. In the German market, the ID.3 Pro S now delivers 170 kW as standard, while customers in other markets can decide after purchase whether they want to increase the basic output from 150 kW to 170 kW via function-on-demand. This “power-on-demand” option is new for Volkswagen and another component in its development of digital business models. Increasing the power to 170 kW improves 0 to 100 km/h acceleration to 7.1 seconds. The combined WLTP range for the ID.3 Pro S reaches up to 559 kilometres.

Preconditioning function makes sure the battery is pre-conditioned ahead of the next DC charging stop. This means that the ID.3 Pro S is supplied with energy as quickly as possible on long distances. The battery is heated to the optimum temperature so that it can be charged with a maximum output of up to 175 kW. This enables the charging time to be reduced by several minutes, particularly in winter. When route guidance by the navigation system with the enhanced Electric Vehicle Route Planner is active, pre-conditioning is started automatically on the way to the next quick-charging station. Without active route guidance, the function can also be manually activated using the charging menu in the infotainment system.

The cockpit in the ID.3 now has a new design. The latest-generation infotainment system features a larger touchscreen (diagonal: 12.9 inches) and a new, more intuitive menu structure. The multifunction steering wheel has also been enhanced, allowing for simplified and more intuitive operation. The driving mode selector has been removed from the housing for the Digital Cockpit and designed as a separate steering column switch – like in the ID.7, for example. The touch sliders, located under the Infotainment system display, now illuminated and designed.

The new IDA voice assistant can be operated with natural language. It enables a number of vehicle functions to be controlled, and also answers questions by accessing online databases such as Wikipedia. Another new feature is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) through ChatGPT.

Equipment options include innovative systems such as enhanced Travel Assist with swarm data utilisation. This enables assisted longitudinal and lateral guidance over the entire speed range as well as assisted lane changing on motorways. Park Assist Plus and the memory function for the system (automatic execution of a saved parking manoeuvre over a distance of up to 50 metres) are available as optional equipment. Park Assist Plus has been expanded to include a remote function for remote parking capability via smartphone app. The exit warning system is a new addition to the ID.3 product line: as an extension of the Side Assist lane change system. Within the system limits, it can prevent one of the doors from being opened if a vehicle approaches from behind. The system issues an acoustic and visual warning and, in the event of acute danger, briefly prevents the door(s) in question from being opened.

The Wellness App is a new feature, developed for increased well-being while driving or during breaks. In the ID.3 Pro S, the app uses features such as background lighting, sound and air conditioning for this. The following wellness modes will be available in the launch phase: Fresh Up, Calm Down and Power Break. The modes can also be customised: a Spotify playlist can be used instead of the pre-programmed sound, for example.

The ID.3 Pro S features an optional 480-watt sound system from audio specialist Harman Kardon. The 12-channel sound system offers four pre-configured sound settings: Pure (neutral studio sound), Relax (easy listening), Speech (focus on spoken words) and Vibrant (dynamic live sound). The sound can also be customized with an equalizer.

Pre-sales of the five-seat Pro S have already begun in Germany. The new version is available in the configurator with a base price of 47,595 euros. The VW configurator also includes the ID.3 Pro with a 150 kW rear motor and 58 kWh battery, which will probably still be offered. However, the old ID.3 Pro S with 150 kW and 77 kWh battery and four seats is no longer available.

Source: Volkswagen