You have to give it to Volkswagen. Because after Dieselgate, the company completely recovered and overturned almost the entire corporate structure. Not only behind the scenes but also in terms of vision. Because economical diesel cars had to make way for an emission-free future. The ID.3 was the figurehead of that transition. A car that – in VW’s words – would become the spiritual successor to the Golf. Just like the Golf did with the Beetle. At its launch, however, the response was meager. Not only by the assembled trade press, but also by customers. Customers who found the ID.3 an emotionless refrigerator on wheels with an almost useless infotainment. However, fear not! Because Volkswagen is now here with a solid refresher. What’s new?
Sportier face
On the outside, Volkswagen is already sweeping away one of the most frequently heard complaints. Namely that the front shows less emotion than the Brother FAX-2840 fax machine. By installing air vents on both sides of the front bumper and sharpening the “bonnet” drawing, the front gains flair. What’s more, the new front provides better aerodynamics along the side. Coming to the rear, we notice no visual changes. Or at least, when the lights go out. The red strips on the black boot lid are actually illuminated these days. This was not the case with the pre-facelift model.
In terms of rim designs, not much seems to change, although Volkswagen does introduce 3 new exterior colours. In addition to the existing colors, there is now a new kind of black, a fresh blue and a modern olive green. The latter color is also the launch color for this ID.3 facelift.
This is what it’s all about
However, you will encounter the major changes from the facelift on the inside. Let’s be honest: that’s where the ID.3 fell short the hardest. First things first: from now on the door panels at the front are actually finished with soft materials. How they! Believe it or not, the ID.3 simply received a molded hard plastic panel at its launch in 2020. That period is now behind us. Volkswagen says it has put serious work into upgrading the panels and elements that you will touch every day. The steering wheel is now no longer made of real leather. Better for animals and the environment.
If we look at the pain point of the ID.3, we see that Volkswagen has done its utmost. For example, the infotainment system now measures 12 inches and the software has been refreshed. The same goes for the digital instrument cluster right in front of you, which allows for more functions. Optionally, a head-up display is also available. Those who look closely will see that the haptic buttons on the steering wheel and the caress strip under the infotainment remain present. VW is also aware of this, but was not ready in time to bonjour a completely new generation of infotainment in this ID.3. It will most likely be another year or two.
Also tinkered under the hood?
Volkswagen does not say a word about the technical specifications of the ID.3 facelift. That only means one thing, of course: that there are no technical changes. As a result, the ID.3 is still available with a battery of 58 kWh or an impressive 77 kWh. Via the 204 hp electric motor on the rear axle, these versions cover 426 km and 546 km respectively in the WLTP cycle. As before, the ID.3 comes as Pro Life Business2, Pro Business2, Pro Business Premium2 & Pro S Business Premium3. Admittedly, those names still sound a bit like a Brother fax machine.
We also encounter a small – but useful – change in the version with a large battery. It can now charge at 170 kW DC instead of 135 kW DC. The standard battery of 58 kWh sticks to 120 kW. Since December 16, 2022, Volkswagen has been taking orders for this ID.3 facelift. As a result, customers who have ordered an ID.3 from then on will receive a facelift variant anyway. For that they have to wait until the end of 2023.
Check out our review of the VW ID.3 at its launch here:
