We are meeting the new Volkswagen ID.3 in Frankfurt, the first member of the ID family

At last. The long-awaited moment that many have been waiting for has finally arrived: getting an exclusive first look at the Volkswagen ID.3. The German brand already showed its clear intentions to offer electric variants back in 2014 with the e-Golf, but it is only now, five years later, that it has presented its first fully 100% electric model. On the occasion of the Frankfurt Motor Show, Volkswagen has chosen to unveil the ID.3 in advance, a vehicle that will mark a new era within the company and that will introduce a new family capable of revolutionising the concept of the electric car as we knew it until now.

With this in mind, we could not leave the Volkswagen ID.3 out of our trip to Frankfurt, which is why we will tell you live about each and every one of its details. There are still many unknowns surrounding this electric car, but the German firm has already revealed a series of figures that will change the way we see this segment.

Modern and futuristic

As is common with electric vehicles, we find a design that is generally cleaner and smoother. These two characteristics are found in the Volkswagen ID.3, where a completely closed front end is headed by two rounded headlights and a thin strip of LED lights (to be confirmed) that joins them together.

The rear does away entirely with any exhaust outlet, which is unnecessary in an electric vehicle, and with any trim intended to disguise it. Instead, we find a two-tone area, in which the tailgate has been finished in black to contrast with the bumper, alongside two slim, elongated taillights which give it a much more futuristic look.

A minimalist cabin

The interior of the new ID.3 follows a design philosophy that fits perfectly with the exterior. Minimalism is the order of the day, and the Volkswagen electric car is no exception in this respect. To achieve this effect, the designers opted for a flattened steering wheel of compact dimensions.

Behind it, we find a fully digital screen intended to display all kinds of information. To complement it, the German engineers have included a second floating screen that acts as the infotainment system, positioned quite ergonomically. The rest of the ID.3 interior is simple thanks to the removal of a large number of elements.

The materials used are soft and pleasant to the touch in the areas our hands touch most often, although it is true that in the cabin we can notice hard plastics in various areas.

Up to three different power ratings

Volkswagen did not want to impose limitations, which is why it will offer up to three different powertrain options. In this way, the range of choices will be broader and it will reach a greater number of customers, each with different preferences and needs.

To be more specific, the ID.3 will come with three different batteries that will vary both in power and range. At the entry level, we find a 45 kWh battery with a total range of 330 kilometres on the WLTP cycle. Its price will sit below 30,000 euros, but for those who need more, there is always the option of the 58 kWh battery, which increases the range up to 420 kilometres.

There will also be a third option, featuring a 77 kWh battery and a range of 550 kilometres, a figure more than sufficient to cover urban journeys and long road trips. At the same time, Volkswagen claims a charging time of 30 minutes to achieve a range of 290 kilometres, provided that a 100 kW charger is used.