Why the ID3 electric car is VW's most versatile, high-tech model yet

Volkswagen is staking the brand's future on its new ID family of affordable electric vehicles, led by the mid-September launch of the ID3 in Europe. Automotive News Europe had a chance to test drive the Golf-sized hatchback to experience the end result of five years of development work.

While ANE does not typically do car reviews, given the strategic importance of the ID3 -- and a hotly anticipated sibling, the ID4 compact crossover, that will share many of its characteristics -- we felt it was important to weigh in on whether VW got it right.

We spent an afternoon driving an ID3 Pro Performance Max, the fully loaded mid-range variant that retails for about 45,920 euros including tax.

It comes with features such as the brand's Travel Assist highway driving system, a huge panorama glass roof, a head-up display, matrix LED headlights for improved nighttime visibility and ergonomic seats with massage functions.

The ID3 does everything you would expect from an electric car: it's quiet when exiting a parking space and while driving, and you get a very quick boost of acceleration when needed.

Small enough to fit in a duffel bag, the electric motor positioned over the rear axle can deliver all its power to the wheels from a standstill. Since it can withstand up to 16,000 revolutions per minute, there is no need for a complicated transmission to prevent mechanical damage when pressing the accelerator to the floor. One speed suffices.

Since one speed suffices, the ID3’s throttle response allows it to accelerate smoothly and predictably without interruption or momentary lag when switching gears, which happens often in cars with combustion engines.

While its top speed is a modest 160 kph (99 mph), the ID3 is still a compelling car to drive, but the characteristics that make the vehicle unique have nothing to do with performance.

Although slightly shorter than a Golf, its wheelbase is nearly as long as the Passat's, giving a roomy interior where many people would be able to cross their legs comfortably.

Along with being deceptively spacious, the ID3 is remarkably agile, with a 10.2-meter turning radius that is better than that of VW's Polo small car. Being able to turn so sharply is appreciated on Europe's narrow roads and an advantage over the clumsier handling of the Tesla Model 3, which has an 11.8-meter turning radius.

These are all characteristics that would not have been possible had the ID3 adopted proportions typically found on a combustion engine car. As it only needs to have space for the power electronics, the front of the vehicle has very short overhangs.

This also explains the lack of a so-called frunk, or front trunk offering cargo space under the hood. The lack of a frunk is not a detriment because the ID3 can accommodate 385 liters of luggage, rising to 1,267 liters with the rear seats folded down.

Since there is no more need to allocate space for the engine, the dashboard moves forward to provide greater roominess. This presented its own challenge, as the 10-inch middle console had to be largely detached and free floating to make it easy to use.

For the same reason, the 5.3-inch instrument cluster is mounted on the steering column. Attached on the side is the gear knob that is twisted forward or backward to put the ID3 into drive or reverse using a shift-by-wire system. It's probably the least ergonomic feature in the car, but the knob will be used rarely because the car only offers the choice of forward and backward.

Unfortunately, all the bugs had not been worked out on the head-up display in the model that was tested. As a result, the augmented reality function was not working. Officials said the feature will be functioning by the time the ID4 is unveiled in late September. That means the first wave of ID3 owners will have to return to their dealers for a free software update to add the feature, VW said.

A half point is deducted from the ID3 for the useless starter button where a conventional ignition key would normally be inserted.

There are some very clever design quirks worth noting. A thin band of light right below the windshield provides direction cues toward a destination when using the navigation system.

The burnished metal brake pedal has a pause symbol while play emblazons the accelerator.

The interior can be subtly lit in a variety of different colors that lend a warm or cool feeling to the cabin. "Light is the new chrome," Silke Bagschik, head of sales and marketing for VW's electric vehicles, told ANE.

Costly gimmicks such as the eighth-generation Golf's gesture control system have no place in the ID3, however.

"Much like the Neanderthals, I don't expect this evolutionary branch will survive," Bagschik said of gesture controls. "Everything is moving toward voice command."

In the ID3, occupants can request the car to find a restaurant nearby or adjust the temperature using intuitive language cues such as, "Hello, ID. I'm cold."

When passengers exit the car, the brand's sound logo plays a sort of good-bye jingle, too. Sadly, though, the VW badge on the hood will not be lit up in European Union markets due to legal restrictions.

Overall it's safe to say the ID3 is the VW brand's most versatile and technologically advanced car yet. Naturally, the fully loaded Max variant offers the most fun, but if the price tag is a bit too high, the Tech trimline delivers the most important features at a more affordable price. 

For those who prefer the SUV look, interested customers may want to wait a little longer: The ID4 compact crossover is slated to launch at the end of the year.