Volkswagen strengthens appeal of ID.3 with another facelift (update)

Volkswagen facelifted the ID.3 extensively precisely one year ago, but it churns out another update. The entry-level version Pure is back with a different battery, and peak power for DC charging has increased. Customers can choose a power hike – even as an after-purchase option.

Nothing tells old from new on the outside. The facelift was heralded by the Pro S at the beginning of the month, but now the German car maker’s full model range is aligned.

Let’s begin with the features that concern all ID.3 models. As an example of the fast-pacedness of connectivity, the infotainment display, which was upgraded to 12.0 inches last year, grows further to a diameter of 12.9. Previously, this was impossible because the drive selector was placed on the Digital Cockpit speedometer. But it now sits on the steering wheel column, mimicking the more ergonomic layout on the ID.7.

Bits and bytes from ID.7

From its sibling, the compact BEV from Wolfsburg also receives the wellness app, which aims to offer some relaxation during charging stops. It’s based on a set of moods like ‘Power Break’, ‘Fresh Up’, or ‘Calm Down’, each affecting ambient lighting, air conditioning, and so on to different set-ups.

The addition of ChatGPT further enhances the interior experience. It is voice-controlled (IDA), provides fun facts, and controls vehicle functions. Music lovers will welcome the addition of a Harman Kardon sound system.

As for powertrains, Volkswagen ups the appeal of the Pro. The battery pack has a slightly bigger energy content, 59 kWh, up from 58 kWh, increasing the range by 8 kilometers to 434 kilometers. Optionally, this version can be boosted to the more powerful output of 170 kW, which is standard on the Pro S version (77 kWh battery). No pressure, customers can choose to upgrade by an over the air update. – a first for Volkswagen. The torque output of 310 Nm remains the same.

New entry-level Pure

At the bottom of the range, Volkswagen is re-introducing the entry-level Pure with a new battery capacity of 52 kWh (previously 45 kWh) in a bid to spool up sales with a more attractive price (not yet announced for Belgium but starting at €36,900 in Germany).

Last year, D’Ieteren sold 3,771 units of the ID.3 in Belgium (compared to 7,018 Golf units), and the new Pure must close that gap. Offering a range of 388 kilometers, this version features optional DC charging at 145 kW for those who wish to reconcile highway travel with low upfront costs.

Likewise, Volkswagen has increased the Pro S’s fast charging capability to 175 kW, accompanied by enhanced thermal management. The Pro S features pre-heating for speedier charging at the destination, a convenience that is automatically activated after input in the navigation system or by the charging menu.

Waiting times have been reduced to 26 minutes from 0-80%. The improvement will be most noticeable in winter. Volkswagen reserves its most advanced battery pack of 79 kWh for the hottest ID.3, the GTX.