What's the news?
The order books have opened for the Volkswagen ID.3, the company's first model in its vast electric vehicle strategy that will be built on the modular MEB platform that will underpin 20 models rolled out over the coming years. There will be three different versions of the ID.3 using 45-, 58- and 77kWh batteries and offering 330-, 420- and 550 kilometres of driving range according to the WLTP test cycle. The ID.3 will be capable of rapid charging at between 100- and 125kW depending on the battery model.
Around the same size as a Volkswagen Golf, the ID.3 will come as a five-door hatchback directly rivalling cars like the Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric. Volkswagen is claiming that the ID.3 will offer as much interior space as cars a segment higher. Adding to this the ID.3 will be available to order with features like a large panoramic glass roof and innovative driver assistance systems such as an augmented reality head-up display. A contrasting roof colour and upgraded LED matrix style headlights will also be available.
Speaking at today's announcement, Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen responsible for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales said: "With the ID.3, we will be ushering in the third major chapter of strategic importance in the history of our brand, following the Beetle and the Golf. With the ID.3, we are making the electric car fit for mass mobility. Initially, we will electrify Europe with the ID.3 and then other regions with further electric models in the ID. family which are to follow in the near future."
Anything else?
Interested parties can place a €1,000 registration deposit via an online booking system to get their place in line. Volkswagen plans to start delivering vehicles to customers in the middle of 2020. Customers will be able to cancel orders and receive a full refund up until April 2020 upon which the order will become binding.
A special ID.3 1st edition model will mark the launch with production limited to 30,000 vehicles. This particular model will feature the mid-size battery with a 420km range. There will be three specifications, starting with the ID.3 1st that will have voice control and navigation, a mid-level ID.3 1st Plus with upgraded IQ. Light headlights and a two-tone exterior and interior design, and the ID.3 Max which gains a panoramic glass roof and has the augmented reality head-up display.
Volkswagen is also offering buyers of the ID.3 1st free access to selected public charge points through its We Charge app and the IONITY rapid-charge network, for up to one year or a maximum of 2,000kWh. In Germany this 1st edition version will cost €40,000, there's no confirmation yet of pricing in Ireland, but Volkswagen has said that the 45kWh version will start at "under €30,000 in Germany."
The Volkswagen ID.3 will take over from the Volkswagen eGolf, which will not be renewed when the eighth generation Golf goes on sale next year. Volkswagen does plan to offer plug-in hybrid versions of the next-gen Golf and may continue to produce the current Mk7 eGolf for some markets.