VW ID.3: Update brings larger infotainment system and new engine

Volkswagen is launching a new update of the VW ID.3, which has now been unveiled. The compact electric car has been given a new infotainment system with a larger display, new software and numerous improvements. The engine output of the ID.3 Pro S has also been increased to 170 kW.

VW ID.3: New update brings many improvements

Volkswagen is once again updating the VW ID.3 compact electric car, giving the entire model series a completely redesigned cockpit landscape, in which the new infotainment system is particularly eye-catching. It now features an even larger 12.9-inch touchscreen and a new, self-explanatory menu structure.

The multifunction steering wheel has also been further developed and enables simplified and more intuitive operation. In addition, the gear selector lever has been detached from the “Digital Cockpit” housing and can now be operated separately, as in the ID.7, for example.

Below the infotainment system, the manufacturer has installed illuminated and ergonomically designed touch sliders, which are responsible for controlling the temperature in the interior or the volume, for example.

The new IDA voice assistant is easier to operate and is not only used to control vehicle functions, but can also answer questions. To do this, it draws on online databases such as Wikipedia and can now also use AI functions via ChatGPT.

Another new feature is a wellness app that adjusts the ambient lighting, sound and air conditioning in the VW ID.3 Pro S to increase well-being while driving or during breaks. There are three modes to start with: Fresh Up (refreshment), Calm Down (relaxation) and Power Break (pause), but the modes can be customized and can even be linked to a Spotify playlist.

VW ID.3 Pro S with more power and faster charging

The VW ID.3 Pro S has also been given a more powerful and efficient engine, which delivers 170 kW as standard instead of the previous 150 kW. This should reduce acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h to 7.1 seconds – 0.8 seconds less than with the previous engine. At the same time, the drive is more efficient, increasing the maximum range to 559 kilometers according to the WLTP.

As with the ID.3 GTX, charging is now also possible with up to 175 kW. An innovative charging and thermal management system ensures that the battery is preconditioned before the next DC charging stop and that the battery is brought to the optimum temperature.

When the navigation system with the further improved e-route planner provides active route guidance, preconditioning is started automatically on the way to the next fast-charging station. Without route guidance, it is also possible to navigate directly to the next quick-charging station at the touch of a button in the infotainment system.

The ID.3 Pro S also comes with new assistance systems such as cruise control, the Front Assist emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Lane Assist lane departure warning, the turn-off braking function and traffic sign recognition. The Car2X local hazard warning system also comes as standard. It supports the driver with information on traffic conditions and can thus provide early warning of roadworks, accidents, the end of a traffic jam or emergency vehicles.

Another new feature is the sound system in the ID.3 Pro S, which now has an optional output of up to 480 watts and is tuned by Harman Kadron. The 12-channel sound system offers four preconfigured sound settings: Pure for a neutral studio sound, Relax for a relaxed tuning, Speech with voice focus and Vibrant for a dynamic live sound. The sound can also be individualized using an equalizer.

Price and availability

The new edition of the VW ID.3 Pro S can already be configured by the manufacturer. Prices start from 47,595.00 euros before the Volkswagen environmental bonus.