Volkswagen ID.3 Neo debuts – EV hatch gets updated styling, more physical controls; up to 630 km WLTP

The Volkswagen ID.3 Neo has made its debut, and the revised battery-electric hatchback brings technology and ergonomic updates, over six years on from the debut of the original ID.3 and three years on from the debut of the ID.3 facelift.

Three specifications of electric motor are offered with the ID.3 Neo, and these produce 170 PS, 190 PS and 231 PS respectively, with the rear axle-mounted APP350 motor producing up to 350 Nm. Volkswagen claims electricity consumption has been reduced by 35% on the WLTP testing standard through detailed efficiency measures.

Providing the energy stores are three battery sizes, from a 50 kWh battery for the 170 PS motor version in the base Trend variant, while the Life and Style can be specified with a 58 kWh battery for the 190 PS motor version, while the top 231 PS motor version gets the largest, 79 kWh battery.

For fast-charging, variants of the ID.3 Neo with the 50 kWh and 58 kWh battery specifications will take up to 105 kW of DC charging, while the 79 kWh battery specification will take up to 183 kW of DC charging. Also included is a vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability of up to 3.6 kW for powering external electrical devices.

While the exterior of the ID.3 Neo is refreshed to give the electric hatchback a more conventional look, with its roof and tailgate now painted in body colour compared to the contrasting black finish used previously, the interior is where the major revisions have taken place.

For exterior dimensions, the ID.3 Neo measures 4,265 mm long, 1,809 mm wide and 1,553 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,764 mm. Luggage capacity ranges from 383 litres to 1,267 litres, and wheels measure up to 20 inches in diameter.

As with the cabin of the ID. Polo that was shown at the beginning of this year, the ID.3 Neo gets physical buttons on its steering wheel that is flattened at its top and bottom, along with physical toggle controls for its air-conditioning and a physical knob for the audio volume control.

The display ensemble in the ID.3 Neo is comprised of a 10.25-inch driver’s Digital Cockpit and a 12.9-inch central display for the Innovision infotainment system, which incorporates an app store for the downloading and activation of popular apps, as with a smartphone, says Volkswagen.

Optional equipment on the ID.3 Neo includes an augmented reality head-up display, a panoramic sunroof, 360-degree view camera system, massage and memory function for the front seats, a 10-speaker premium audio system by Harman Kardon, memory function for the Park Assist Pro feature and a removable bracket for mounting a bicycle carrier on the tow bar, which is rated for loads of up to 75 kg.

For driving assistance functions in addition to lane assist, front assist and the turning brake function, the ID.3 Neo gets Connected Travel Assist with optional traffic light recognition for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving, and a one-pedal driving mode.

Debut pricing has yet to be announced, though the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo will commence pre-sales in its native market of Germany and other European markets from today.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.