Electromobility has seen a monumental rise in popularity in recent times. Several popular automakers are determined to make an impact in the growing segment, with the likes of Tesla, Volvo, and even Cadillac giving the masses a taste of their own technological ingenuity. Volkswagen's entry into the EV segment was long-overdue, and the German giant's take on electrification proved to be immensely successful. The ID.3 all-electric hatchback from Volkswagen was well-received by the masses, with its demand at an all-time high.
The ID.3 is a compact C-segment electric car manufactured by Volkswagen. Its concept iteration was introduced to the world at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, with the positive reception of the striking concept car culminating in the production of the all-electric ID.3 in 2019. The success of the promising little hatchback only seems to snowball as Volkswagen managed to garner 144,000 orders of the ID.3 in the first year of its launch itself. Nearly 70,000 of these bookings came from new Volkswagen customers.
The success ratio of the immensely successful ID.3 translates to Volkswagen manufacturing 1,200 units of the all-electric hatchback in a single day. This incredible rate of demand for the ID.3 is down to the sound combination of its performance dynamics, innovative technological cues, and Volkswagen's renowned dealer and service network support.
A Specialized Platform
The capable all-electric hatchback is based on the Volkswagen Group's Modular electric-drive toolkit or 'MEB' platform. This modular car platform is specially designed for the German giant's electric car lineage, with the ID.3 is the first EV and the first model from the 'ID' series to utilize this advanced platform.
The 'MEB' architecture will make its presence felt on future EVs from Volkswagen as well. This advanced platform will aid in the application of the new driver-assistance technologies and will play an important role in the Volkswagen Group's gradual transition from combustion power mills to cleaner and more ecologically sustainable electric drivetrains.
The ID.3 Has Diverse Performance Dynamics
The all-electric ID.3 houses Volkswagen's 'APP 310' Permanent Magnet Brushless Electric Motor that is mounted just ahead of the rear-axle of the hatchback. The powertrain of the more premium variant of the ID.3 sports a 77 kWh battery pack and is capable of dishing out an impressive 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque, with an impressive 340 miles of driving range.
The all-electric hatchback features a single-speed transmission unit and is also available with a more modest and cost-effective 58 kWh battery pack that puts out a respectable 143 hp and 199 lb-ft of torque, with a claimed driving range of 263 miles.
With both these battery packs coming in several states of tune and a 45 kWh battery pack on offer, the sheer variety that encompasses the performance dynamics of the ID.3 makes for a more personalized ownership experience for the masses.
The lively powertrain of the ID.3 is complemented by its fun-to-drive character. The ID.3 is rather nimble and makes for easy and effortless overtaking maneuvers that in turn prove useful when cruising about in the city or the highway.
The ride quality of the all-electric hatchback is on the stiffer side when compared to other EVs in the segment but is by no means a dealbreaker. With an adequately precise steering system in the mix as well, the ID.3 is a rather well-rounded performer in its segment.
The ID.3 Stylish Interior
The impeccable engineering cues that surround the ID.3 make their presence felt on its interior as well. The cabin of the all-electric hatchback is roomy and well-equipped, with its overall construction sporting top-notch materials that accentuate the robust feel of the cabin. Subtle features like an interior ambient lighting set-up also contribute to the overall premium persona of the spacious all-electric hatchback.
The spacious interior of the ID.3 also features an optional AR Head-up Display feature, a voice assistant feature, and even a panoramic sunroof that offers a memorable in-cabin experience. The slim dashboard is also home to a small screen set-up that displays basic information and a larger screen that sits at the center of the dashboard. Overall, the ID. 3's cabin accentuates user-friendliness and sheer comfort.
The Price For All-Electric Goodness
The Volkswagen ID.3 is undoubtedly a well-rounded performer. In The EU the all-electric hatchback starts at a price point of approximately $39,000, making it considerably less expensive than its direct rival, the Tesla Model 3 that costs north of $50,000. Unfortunately, the ID.3 is not available in the US.
Both these machines are capable in their own right and can trade punches all day long when it comes to their overall package. However, the immensely successful Volkswagen ID.3 proves to be a more well-rounded value for money proposition in the segment. The pricing of Volkswagen seems to have hit a sweet spot, with its demand among the masses remaining at an all-time high.
Volkswagen's entry into the EV segment has taken the entire automobile industry by storm. The well-rounded all-electric ID.3 is a clear example of the German giant's superior engineering ingenuity, with every aspect of the ID.3 contributing to its successful overall package. The capable machine sports a superior purpose-built platform, a vast equipment list, and unmatched performance dynamics that combine to promote a near-flawless ownership experience. The initial success rate of the Volkswagen ID.3 looks to get stronger still, with the electromobility segment looking to flourish in the near future.