The Volkswagen ID.3 has been updated, but the most annoying problem is still there

The brand emphasizes that Volkswagen has listened carefully to its customers. Well, not good enough! Because the most annoying problem of the Volkswagen ID.3 is still there after the facelift.

Volkswagen used to be known for its neatly finished interiors with nice upholstery materials. However, the ID.3 was very plastic on the inside. So that has improved a lot with the renewed Volkswagen ID.3.

Still these sliders in the Volkswagen ID.3

According to VW, there are now softer materials on the door panels and on the dashboard. The cabin is also animal-free as standard – leather is no longer available – and consists largely of recycled materials.

It’s nothing short of amazing that there’s one thing VW hasn’t addressed. In the ID.3 you control the volume of the audio system and the temperature of the air conditioning with a so-called slider, a strip over which you have to swipe your finger to the left or right.

It’s a crime during the day (what the heck is going on with a simple knob?), but even more so in the evenings and at night. The sliders aren’t backlit, so you just can’t see them. Why VW hasn’t improved this is really a mystery.

Still no physical buttons on the steering wheel

Another thing, VW announced last year that the facelifted Golf will get physical buttons on the steering wheel again. According to the manufacturer, the existing touch keys are not appreciated by customers. Why are they still in this ID.3?

Better voice control and head-up display

In any case, what has been improved in the interior is the infotainment system (which now runs on a larger 12-inch screen), voice control and augmented reality in the head-up display.

Between the lines of press releases we read that the ID.3 is ready for on-demand features, such as subscribing to the navigation system or dual-zone air conditioning. BMW has been doing this for a long time and has received a lot of criticism for it.

In addition, the ID.3 now has a wireless phone charger and an e-vehicle route planner as standard, which takes any charging stops into account when planning the route.

Volkswagen ID.3 in two versions

The new Volkswagen ID.3 is currently available in two versions: Pro and Pro S. Both have a 204 hp and 310 Nm electric motor. The Pro has a 58 kWh battery and travels 426 kilometers. The Pro S travels 546 kilometers with its 77 kWh battery.

There is also a difference in loading speed between the two. With a suitable fast charger, you cannot get beyond 120 kW with the Pro. The maximum charging power of the Pro S has increased from 135 kW to 170 kW. It takes half an hour to charge from 5 to 80 percent.

The upgraded Volkswagen ID.3 can be ordered from early April and will arrive in the Netherlands in June. Over time there will also be a version with a smaller battery. At the top of the delivery program is the sporty GTX.