Volkswagen will unveil an updated version of its ID.3 next spring, and while the compact electric hatchback won’t be sold in the US, the planned updates could eventually spill over to the related ID.4 compact crossover.
Teaser sketches released by the automaker last week hint at a revised front fascia and a new dashboard with a larger (12-inch) infotainment screen. VW also confirmed higher quality materials for the cabin and a new software backend that will support over-the-air updates. The center console will also feature a revised design with dual cup holders, and the cargo area will get a removable floor.
The new software will also support VW’s latest electronic driver assistance features, which will be available to ID.3 customers. These include the new Travel Assist with swarm data, which builds on VW’s existing Travel Assist automated driving system for a single lane by adding crowd-sourced data so the system can work in more areas. An automatic lane change is now also possible. There should also be an automatic parking system with a memory function, VW announced.
The ID.3 is built in plants in the German cities of Zwickau and Dresden. With the arrival of the updated ID.3, production will be expanded to VW’s main plant in Wolfsburg, where the Volkswagen Group’s headquarters are located.
Teaser for updated Volkswagen ID.3 in spring 2023
VW will invest 460 million euros (about US$484 million) in the Wolfsburg plant to prepare it for EV production. VW is currently building the Golf for worldwide sale in the plant.
VW announced on Wednesday that it would also build a compact electric crossover at its Wolfsburg plant. The crossover will be based on an updated version of VW Group’s MEB platform found in the ID.3, ID.4 and several other VW Group products. Dubbed MEB+, the updated platform will feature a new common battery cell and will support charging at rates up to 200kW. VW said the MEB+ platform will also support longer ranges than is possible with the MEB platform.
“The MEB still has considerable potential,” said VW boss Thomas Schäfer in a statement. “Our goal is to take this platform to the next level.”
VW said the Wolfsburg plant will also eventually house the much-hyped Trinity model, which is based on a new, highly modular EV platform called the SSP. VW previously said the Trinity would arrive in 2026, but there are reports the model is facing delays.