Volkswagen ID.3 Production in Zwickau | German Car Plant

Volkswagen presents the pioneering ID.3 on the evening before the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.

The ID.3 from Volkswagen opens a new era of climate-friendly mobility. This first model from the ID. series features carbon-neutrality, the impressive driving dynamics that are characteristic of electric cars, and full connectivity. Like all future ID. models, the ID.3 is based on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB), which has been designed for an electric drive system without compromise.

The ID.3 flaunts the newly developed design DNA that makes it immediately identifiable as a zero emission vehicle. Designed for an electrifying future, it brings a new level of design quality to the compact vehicle category.

The interior is also revolutionary. The long wheelbase of the MEB layout, combined with very short overhangs, results in an expansive vehicle interior: the Open Space. With the room and spaciousness this creates, the five-seater ID.3 sets new standards in the compact class.

Digital, entirely newly designed display elements and controls ensure that every driver will intuitively find their way in the ID.3. Apart from the display in the cockpit, a newly developed, centrally positioned, ten-inch touch display provides drivers with all key information.

The ID. light, which is also new, supports drivers with an LED strip during navigation and can, for instance, prompt them to brake in the event of any dangers. All controls – including those on the electrically adjustable multifunction steering wheel – are operated using touch functions featuring touch-sensitive buttons. Only the electric windows and hazard warning lights are still operated using tactile switches. This is supplemented by intelligent natural voice control. Thanks to App Connect, the ID.3 can be connected with your smartphone within seconds.

At series production launch, the ID.3 will be available with three battery size options. The basic variant has a usable energy content of 45 kWh and enables an electrically powered range of up to 330 kilometres (as per WLTP). The entry price for this ID.3 version is under €30,000. Alongside this is a battery variant with 58 kW, which enables the ID.3 to achieve a range of up to 420 km (as per WLTP). The energy content of the largest battery is 77 kWh, and its electric range is up to 550 kilometres (as per WLTP). Thanks to its fast charging capability, it is possible to charge the ID.3 sufficiently for a range of around 290 kilometres (WLTP) within 30 minutes, using a charging output of 100 kW.

The batteries themselves are integrated into the underbody. This positioning has a positive effect on driving dynamics, as it moves the centre of gravity in the ID.3 significantly lower. The ID.3 is also characterised by optimum weight distribution between front axle and rear axle.

ID.3 1st – the limited launch edition
Volkswagen started pre-booking for ID.3 1st – the limited launch edition – in May of this year. This permits interested buyers in Europe to place a non-binding reservation in respect of a production slot for the ID.3 1st for €1,000. From autumn, those who have pre-booked can advance their orders by entering the order phase with their respective dealership, and configuring their preferred version of the ID.3 1st.

The first edition – the ID.3 1st – has a 58 kWh battery which is driven by an electric motor at the rear axle. It generates 150 kW and delivers a maximum torque of 310 newton metres, facilitating a maximum speed of 160 km/h for this 5-door vehicle. The ID.3 1st is priced at under €40,000.

The ID.3 1st will be offered in three fixed configurations that are geared towards typical customer preferences. In addition, the paintwork colour and the vehicle interior’s colour can be selected.

The basic version of the ID.3 1st includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

The ID.3 1st Plus additionally features a rear view camera system, ACC Adaptive Cruise Control and the Kessy Advanced keyless access locking and starting system. The vehicle interior of the ID.3 1st Plus also includes design seats, a centre console with two USB-C connections and ambient lighting. Forming part of the exterior equipment scope are tinted windows, the exterior Style package in silver, matrix LED headlights, matrix side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1st Max, also includes an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, the Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof as well as 20-inch light-alloy wheels. This equipment scope is supplemented by a lane keeping system with Emergency Assist, a lane change system, telephony featuring contactless high-voltage battery charging and comfort seats.

[GeoStreber]

I like it. VW has done a good job in my opinion. Both design-wise and from a technical standpoint.

[unfug]

... the comment section is going crazy over drum brakes ... tssss. At a company like VW there are armies of highly skilled engineers assessing every detail in a new product. Those processes take months and from experience I know that each cable, every screw, etc is discussed in loooong meetings. Designs going back and forth. So, could there be logic behind their decision? Is there a reason why they chose drum brakes in rear? #think

[RETROtastisch]

Früher hat man da Trabbis gebaut, heute moderne Elektroautos. Sehr cool!

[Funhubble]

Beautiful Thing !! VW have learned from the Past !!

[L.M]

What an immensely huge, cold and sterile factory. If not for the little car driving past the factory I would have sworn this was of yet another distant uninhabited planet.

[raffaelezaccherini]

I know that ID3 production will start in november. Is it pre production?

[santillbrezon]

It looks like vw has a lot of good electric vehicles coming out.

[eisenjeisen]

I still like my VW Tiguan and taking it to Switzerland

[pioneer]

From a reddit thread:"
Why would you need disks at the rear axles for such a small car and EV?
Most braking is done with the front disks or regen.
Brake disks at rear axle in smaller cars are usually more of an optical thing rather than a pratical thing. A brake disk might even start to rust or the brake caliper to lock because they don't get used enough.
Drum brakes are cheaper too."

[KrustyKlown]

2:50 only the worthy cars get the VW badge... the defective ones get a Toyota Prius badge.

[Enhancer]

There goes the ”rear wheel drive only” :D. There is a motor in the front of the car, and a real close up on the front drive shaft too :).

[jtee]

Disappointed it seems the ID 3 buggy Concept is not going to be in the market

[eulenginethrottle]

germans are supreme in engineering 💪👷👮🛠️🇩🇪. 👍🕵️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👩‍❤️‍👨💃🕺👩‍🔧👩‍🏭💖💖💖

[mpcartman]

Good Job VW for moving forward with electric. But never we will never forget dieselgate

[desirefan]

Ab November Serien Produktion, ab Sommer 2020 Auslieferungen. Was passiert bis dahin mit den Autos?

[c.l.kenney]

Being a German car I would expect disc brakes all the way around but it comes down to cutting costs and drums are cheaper. For what this car is designed for the average customer won't care if there are drums in the rear. To bad it's not comming to the U.S. I would choose it over the Prius, Bolt, Leaf

[thomaswagner]

Trommelbremsen an den Hinterrädern ?

Das gab es beim Renault ZOE bisher auch.
Beim neuen ZOE Phase 2, dessen Auslieferung noch in diesem Jahr beginnt

wurde auf 4 x Scheibenbremsen umgestellt !

[bikesqump]

is that a 2020 EV with drum brakes? woah...

[MsPokey]

Here what I WANT~ a Simple Electric Car! EX: Use Old style 2 door VW Bug ~ rear Motor ~100<200 Mile per charge on 110vac. NO COMPUTER in Dash ~ just a digital readouts~ etc. I will go up to $20, 000 = in their court!

[philippecordier]

Never a VW, some people have forgotten the dieselgate, not me!