Let’s look inside Volkswagen’s new ID.3 electric hatchback

Image Credits: VW

The Volkswagen ID.3 that debuted ahead of the IAA International Motor Show in Frankfurt looks like a compact hatchback. And it is.

But inside, customers might feel like they’re sitting in a bigger car, thanks to how engineers and designers took advantage of the electric architecture. Without having to contend with an internal combustion engine, there was more room to play around with. A high-voltage flat battery is in the underbody to save space, as well as auxiliary units, such as air conditioning compressor or steering rack, that have been integrated into the vehicle front end.

The ID.3 is as long as a VW Golf, but because it has shorter overhangs, the wheelbase is larger.

Here’s an up-close look at the interior. 

 

Inside the ID.3 are two screens. The digital instrument cluster and a center 10-inch display mounted on the dashboard. Note the brake and accelerator use icons associated with playing music or video.The steering wheel features some controls.Left of the steering wheel are a few more controls, including the rear defrost.A view from the passenger seat.The special edition ID.3 1ST has special branding.Another up-close view. All controls, including those on the electrically adjustable steering wheel, are operated using touch-sensitive buttons.The back seat.The interior of the VW ID.3 in darker tones. VW says the navigation feature in the infotainment system can be updated.Here's another angle. The vehicle also comes with an inductive charging spot for smartphones. The center screen.The sound system can be enhanced by a Beats package, which offers an audio atmosphere like at a live concert — using eight loudspeakers plus a subwoofer.ID.3 MEB base with closed 58 kWh battery.ID.3 MEB base with closed 58 kWh (net) battery [view from top].The ID.3 MEB chassis.The ID.3 MEB base with a 58 kWh with sketched body.Volkswagen ID.3 will be produced in its Zwickau, Germany factory.

As a quick recap, the five-seater ID.3 will go into production this year. The all-electric vehicle, which is not coming to the U.S., will start landing in customers’ hands in spring 2020.

The first vehicle to go into production is a special edition called the ID.3 1ST. The special edition will come with a 58 kWh-battery pack with a range of up to 420 kilometers, or about 260 miles, and be offered in three equipment variants. The ID.3 1ST will start at less than €40,000 ($44,200).

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