VW ID.3 EU orders open

European orders for the 30,000 limited First Edition Volkswagen ID.3 can be placed from June 17.

Delivery to the “First Mover Club” members (pre-bookers included) starts in early September, with an option of later deliveries planned for the last quarter of this year.

Reports of VW struggling with the ID.3’s software appear correct with VW saying the later version will be equipped with all functions.

“At market launch in September, the App Connect function and the distance feature in the head-up display will not yet have been activated,” the company says.

“The Volkswagen brand’s large-scale electric offensive is literally taking to the road with the ID.3,” VW chief operating officer Ralf Brandstätter says.

Volkswagen is providing for an exchange of experience among all “ID.3 1st Movers” – and also establishing a direct line to Volkswagen.

It will not only be possible to engage direct with customer enquiries, but will also enable VW to collect feedback on everyday experiences along with comments from ID.3 first drivers for use in further development.

“To say thank you, all 1st Movers who are leasing their vehicles will not pay any leasing rates for the first three months”, VW Passenger Cars management board sales, marketing after-sales member Jürgen Stackmann says.

The general ordering system for ID.3 models begins four weeks later – and pre-bookers have an opportunity to join the 1st Mover Club until then.

VW e-mobility representative Thomas Ulbrich says working under difficult COVID-19 pandemic conditions for the past few months has been challenging for the ID.3 team.

The ID.3 first edition has the larger 58kWh battery driven by an electric motor at the rear axle. It generates 150kW and delivers 310Nm torque, accelerating to 60 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

It comes with a one-year charging credit and is available in three fixed configurations, while customers can choose the paint colour.

The basic version costs under 40,000 euros in Germany and includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, ‘Air Care Climatronic’ air conditioning system with two-zone climate control, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, fast charging with 100kW direct current (DC) or 11kW alternating current (AC) and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Standard features include ‘Light Assist’, natural voice control and ‘ID. light’ in the interior.

The ID.3 1st Plus (priced below 46,000 euros) additionally features a rear view camera system and a keyless access locking and starting system, tinted windows, a silver exterior ‘Style’ package, LED rear tail lights with dynamic turn signal and 19-inch alloy wheels.

The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1st Max for under 50,000 euros also includes an augmented reality head-up display (AR), two additional loudspeakers, a large panorama roof as well as 20-inch alloy wheels.

This equipment scope is supplemented by the ‘Travel Assist’ driver assistant including the ‘Side Assist’ lane change assistant and ‘Emergency Assist’ as well as the ‘Comfort’ telephony function with inductive charging. Comfortable seats including electrically adjustable front seats with massage function.

VW intends offering EVs in all the main vehicle segments by 2022, investing 33 billion euros throughout the group up to 2024, 11 billion of which is earmarked for VW alone.

It expects to produce 1.5 million EVS by 2025.