Volkswagen’s ID.3 wants to be the Beetle of EVs… in Europe

With the first production member of the new ID. family comes a new logo for Volkswagen, which replaces the one it used since 2012. “Clean and simple, focused and open,” says Volkswagen. Nice teal shade on that ID.3, too.

Due to their fairly simple packaging compared to internal combustion vehicles, even smaller EVs can provide generous interior space. The ID.3 doesn’t disappoint in that respect, enjoying the benefits of the comparably long-wheelbase of VW’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform. What’s more, its short overhangs should improve agility in tight spaces, making this a very versatile five-seater hatchback.

The ID.3’s powertrain consists of a 150 kW electric motor on the rear axle, which delivers a maximum torque of 228 ft-lb, capable of pushing the car to a maximum speed of 100 mph. The base car comes with a 45 kWh floor-mounted battery pack for a range of up to 205 miles. One level up is a 58 kWh pack granting 261 miles, while the range-topping 77 kWh model is a 341-mile affair. More importantly, Volkswagen says that using a charging output of 100 kW, the ID.3 can be charged to a range of around 180 miles within 30 minutes. Fitting numbers for Europe, as well as certain Asian markets.

Inside, perhaps the centrally-mounted 10-inch touch display is the ID.3’s most characteristic feature, which—according to reporters at the Frankfurt Motor Show—uses a fast and intuitive app package.

Following current product rollout trends, Volkswagen will launch the ID.3 in Europe as the 1st edition, which is limited to 30,000 units and features a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable, 18-inch alloy wheels, design seats, a center console with two USB-C connections, and ambient lighting. One level up is the ID.3 1st Plus, which adds a rear view camera system, Adaptive Cruise Control and the Kessy Advanced keyless access locking and starting system, as well as tinted windows, the exterior Style package in silver, matrix LED lights all around, and 19-inch alloys.

Spend it all, and you get to the top-of-the-range ID.3 1st Max, which comes with augmented reality (AR) head-up display, the Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof and 20-inch alloy wheels. At this level, VW also throws in a lane keeping system with Emergency Assist, a lane change system, telephony featuring contactless high-voltage battery charging, and comfort seats. What’s more, all 1st ID.3s come with 2000 kilowatt-hours of free charging.

Now, if all this sounds a whole lot more exciting than driving the current e-Golf, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, VW reportedly has no plans to bring the ID.3 to the U.S.; there are plans for North America in VW’s EV strategy, but things to play out in a larger, less premium package.