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VW ID.3 1st Edition 2021

ID.3 surprises in long-distance test

After many months until the software operating system for the ID.3 was finally released, the electrified successor to the Golf is already part of everyday street life in 2021. In our long-distance test, it sets a few standards by which the competition in the compact class can orient itself. A look at the references for ID.3.

Special model 1st Edition Max as a test vehicle

The 1st Edition Max version tested by us is the fully equipped special model at the start of sales and its technical equipment is comparable to the current Max equipment line. The Plus version already includes, among other things, light alloy wheels with a larger diameter, a keyless entry and start system, the LED matrix headlights, exterior mirrors that can be electrically folded and heated, and a reversing camera. The Max equipment also includes the 20-inch wheels, the innovative augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD), driver assistance systems, panoramic roof, multi-adjustable seats with massage function, a sound system and the heat pump in the equipment package.

VW ID.3 1st Edition LED
VW ID.3 1st Edition LED

Augmented reality head-up display

Volkswagen is offering a digital treat with the new, innovative head-up display. It is structured in two stages with different information content. In the upper area for the dynamic displays, the information is built up at a virtual distance of around 10 meters in the driver's field of vision. Depending on the requirements and driving situation, information from the assistance systems as well as the turning arrows and starting and destination points for the navigation appear here.

slider

With its operation via slider fields and touch control, the central infotainment display is a turn for Volkswagen towards a digital tablet. The high position in the direction of travel and the slight incline are ergonomically ingenious. The digital representation is structured conservatively and hierarchically. After a short period of familiarization, the controls for the drivers are in place.

Updates and Services

As with any operating system, the ID.3 software can be continuously updated to meet current requirements. Two high-performance computers centralize many functions, the software is designed to be flexible like on a server. This creates the conditions for updates and, in the future, function upgrades to be fed in via the cellular network. The We Connect Start service connects the car with the owner's smartphone, controls charging and air conditioning, and displays traffic information and live data on the charging stations on the map. The Connect app included in the series connects streaming services via the smartphone.

VW ID.3 1st edition display
VW ID.3 1st edition display

Charging on the supercharger

All ID.3 models are designed for charging with alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). The ID.3 battery charges with 125 kW of power in around 30 minutes of direct current for a distance of over 350 km. On the go, the We Charge charging service grants access to more than 150.000 charging points in Europe. In the garage at home, the ID. Charger makes the charging process easy and convenient. With Volkswagen green electricity from 100 percent renewable sources, the operation of the ID.3 becomes climate-neutral. Its production is already carbon-neutral in terms of the balance sheet. From the end of 2, it is obviously planned to have a choice between 2021 and 130 kW when purchasing. At 170 kW you should be able to recharge electricity for a range of 170 kilometers in ten minutes.

Conclusion

Even the basic version of the VW ID.3 is adequately equipped in terms of range, charging time and driving functionality. In terms of battery size, the power of the electric motor and the complete charging equipment, there is now a large selection of models. With a wide range of equipment lines and special equipment, Volkswagen also offers a wide range of options for configuring an individual ID with regard to customization.

Addendum

Test from spring 2021

You can find more trends and detailed tests in the current magazine. Subscription under

N. Hawthorn
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