VW Unveils ID.3 EV

Volkswagen AG took the wraps off the all-electric ID.3 small car earlier today ahead of this week’s Frankfurt auto show.

The production model, which will debut in Europe next summer, is the first of several EVs the carmaker will market under its new ID sub-brand. There are no plans to offer the ID.3 in the U.S.

The production model closely resembles the ID hatchback concept VW presented at the 2016 Paris auto show. Riding on VW’s MEB EV platform, the ID.3 is slightly larger than the current Golf compact car.

Exterior styling is highlighted by LED headlights connected by a thin lightbar across the hood. The matrix-style LED headlights automatically adjust high beams so as not to blind oncoming traffic.

The clean front end has no conventional upper grille but does includes a large lower air intake. The rear gets a glass hatchback and a large roofline rear spoiler.

The Spartan interior features a 10-inch floating infotainment screen and an optional head-up display. All controls—including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel—can be operated via touch pads. The only conventional buttons are for electric windows and hazard warning lights.

Many vehicle systems also can be accessed via “natural conversation” voice control. The EV’s 13.4-cu-ft of rear cargo space is equivalent to the Golf’s.

The car’s electric motor generates 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. VW claims the ID.3 will have “intuitive handling” and “phenomenal performance,” with a top speed of 99 mph.

As previously announced, the ID.3 will offer three battery choices: 45, 58 and 77 kWh. The options provide WLTP ranges of 330, 420 and 550 km, respectively. The batteries have an eight-year/160,000-km (100,000-mile) warranty.