The Volkswagen ID.3 is certainly an enticing piece of forbidden fruit for those of us in North America. Small, relatively cheap, and seemingly less anodyne than the kind of dour ID.4 crossover, the ID.3 has been finding homes in the driveways and car parks of everywhere else but here since its introduction in 2019. But, it looks like Volkswagen isn’t content to let the ID.3 languish in its lineup, the brand has introduced three new models and cut the price some to broaden the car’s appeal.

Of course, this is hot on the heels of Volkswagen’s recently unveiled ID.3 facelift. The 2024 ID.3 has a few minor stylistic changes, like a new front bumper and a revised infotainment screen. The real story is the brand’s three new trim levels for the ID.3: Pro, Pure, and GTX.

Starting off at the top of the line, we have the GTX. The hot-rod GTI-like electric hot hatchback has officially reached sale here. This car comes with a performance-oriented 285 horsepower motor, fed by a 79 kWh battery. Together, the two can deliver up to 375 miles of range, albeit on the somewhat easier European WLTP cycle (as are all of the range ratings cited in this story, unless otherwise noted.)

To show off how sporty the GTX is, it’s chock full of red-outlined badges on the inside and out, and a GTX-specific front bumper. The 20-inch wheels are also GTX-specific. The ID.3 Pro S gains the same infotainment and visual upgrades as the rest of the lineup, but now the rear motor is rated for 228 horsepower.

Volkswagen has also introduced a new entry-level model: the ID.3 Pure. Sporting only 168 horsepower and 52 kWh of battery, this 241-mile range EV rounds out the bottom of the ID.3 lineup. Pricing starts at €36,900, well below the Pro.S’s €47,595 price. 

Also, the ID.3 now has battery preconditioning enabled, something owners in the past have complained about. It can be activated manually, or will turn on automatically when the car is en route to a DC fast charging station. This preheating allows the ID.3 to reach up to 175 kW of power, much quicker than the old car’s 120 kW max power.

Although I think it’s a grave misstep for VW to not sell the ID.3 here in the U.S. and Canada to capture the surprisingly large amount of affordable EV buyers in search of something that isn’t a crossover, these updates show that VW is attempting to fend off the onslaught of reasonably priced Chinese EVs.

At a base price of €36,900, the new ID.3 is within a stone’s throw of the similarly sized BYD Dolphin and MG 4, both of which start within the €33,000 to €35,000 range. 

Will Volkswagen win out with the updated ID.3? We’ll just have to wait and see, especially since BYD and MG are making serious inroads into Europe’s EV market. 

Contact the author: kevin.williams@insideevs.com 

German automaker Volkswagen has unveiled the updated 2024 Volkswagen ID.3, equipped with three new trims as it sets its sights on Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 has been redesigned with a sleek and modern exterior, showcasing Volkswagen’s commitment to producing cutting-edge electric vehicles. The three new trims, named Pro, Pro S, and Pro Performance, offer varying levels of performance and features to cater to a wide range of customer preferences.

The Pro trim is the base model, offering a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge and impressive acceleration capabilities. The Pro S trim adds more advanced technology and features, such as a panoramic sunroof and augmented reality head-up display. The Pro Performance trim is the top-of-the-line model, boasting a range of up to 350 miles and lightning-fast acceleration.

Volkswagen’s decision to introduce these new trims reflects the growing demand for electric vehicles with advanced features and performance capabilities. With the updated 2024 Volkswagen ID.3, the company aims to compete with BYD, a Chinese automaker known for its innovative electric vehicles and cutting-edge technology.

BYD has been a dominant player in the electric vehicle market, with a strong presence in China and other global markets. Volkswagen’s move to target BYD signifies its ambition to establish itself as a major player in the electric vehicle industry and capture a larger share of the market.

The 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 represents a significant step forward for the company, showcasing its commitment to producing high-quality electric vehicles that rival the best in the industry. With its three new trims and updated design, the ID.3 is poised to make a strong impression on customers and solidify Volkswagen’s position as a leader in the electric vehicle market.

As the competition in the electric vehicle market continues to intensify, companies like Volkswagen are stepping up their game to stay ahead of the curve. The updated 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 with its three new trims is a clear indication of Volkswagen’s determination to innovate and provide customers with cutting-edge electric vehicles that are both stylish and high-performing.

In conclusion, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.3 with its three new trims is a significant development for the company as it aims to challenge industry giants like BYD. With its advanced features and performance capabilities, the ID.3 sets a new standard for electric vehicles and solidifies Volkswagen’s position as a major player in the ever-growing electric vehicle market.