Volkswagen’s big electric car gamble begins – the VW ID.3 is revealed

The Volkswagen big gamble that electric cars are mainstream ready, begins with the VW ID.3, revealed this evening at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Is the car world crying out for a high volume electric car from Volkswagen? That’s a question only time will answer, but if it is then VW thinks it has the answer – the new Volkswagen ID.3, revealed this evening at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

This is the VW Golf for the 2020s, a car similar in size, if a bit taller to accommodate the batteries under the floor, but despite its size it has a lot more room inside thanks to a wheelbase some 145mm longer, with a short overhang front and back.

The electric motor of the ID. 3 sits on the back axle, powered by a choice of three battery sizes – 45kWh, 58kWh or 77kWh – offering range from 200 to 340 miles, with the motor available with 148bhp or 201bhp. 

Inside there’s a digital instrument panel and 10″ infotainment screen on all models, with the instrument panel sitting atop the steering wheel (and moves with it when adjusted) and a real feeling of space thanks to the long, low windscreen.

You won’t be able to pop off to your local VW dealer tomorrow and drive away in an ID. 3, but next year you will, but initially only the ID.3 First Edition which gets the mid-size battery and the 201bhp electric motor. It will cost you about £35k after grant.

That will be next summer, with the full range – including the smaller battery pack, lower power model – costing around £10k less.

More to follow.