Volkswagen Launches New ID.3 Models to Boost Market Competitiveness

TapTechNews June 5 news, since its listing in 2019, the Volkswagen ID.3, a compact, relatively affordable and stylish electric hatchback, has been selling well in regions other than North America. In order to enhance market competitiveness, Volkswagen has recently launched three new configured 2024 ID.3 models and reduced the prices of some models.

The 2024 ID.3 adopts a new style front bumper and a series of detail improvements such as an upgraded infotainment system, and the more important upgrade lies in the addition of three configuration versions: ProS, Pure and GTX.

The top-of-the-line GTX model focuses on performance. Its 285-horsepower electric motor is powered by a 79 kWh battery pack, and the range can reach up to 340 miles (based on WLTP testing standards). To highlight the sporty style, the GTX model uses red trim details in both interior and exterior details and has its own front bumper and 20-inch wheels. The ProS model has a 228-horsepower motor, and the infotainment system and appearance have also been upgraded.

Volkswagen has also launched a new entry-level Pure model, which is equipped with a 168-horsepower motor and a 52 kWh battery pack, with a range of 240 miles and a starting price of only 36,900 euros (TapTechNews note: currently about $40,000). Compared to the 47,595 euros ($62,000) of the Pro version, it is a lot cheaper.

It is worth mentioning that the new ID.3 has finally added a battery preheating function, which is a major pain point that the old model has been criticized for. This function can be manually turned on or automatically started when the vehicle navigates to a direct current fast charging station. Thanks to battery preheating, the maximum charging power of the new ID.3 can reach 175 kW, which is significantly improved compared to the 120 kW of the old model.

Insideevs believes that this facelift shows that Volkswagen is trying to cope with the competition from Chinese brands. The starting price of the new ID.3 is 36,900 euros, which is basically in the same price range as the similarly sized BYD Dolphin and MG MG4. The starting prices of the latter two models in Europe are between 33,000 and 35,000 euros. Whether Volkswagen can win the market with the new ID.3 remains to be seen, especially in the case of Chinese brands such as BYD and MG that are强势 entering the European electric vehicle market.