The Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback has received another update, bringing a raft of changes both inside the cabin and under the skin.
Upgrades include the next generation of Volkswagen infotainment with ChatGPT integration, as well as an improved powertrain for the Pro S with more range, more power, and faster charging.
The latest update follows one revealed in 2023, which brought tweaked exterior styling and more driver assist technology.
While Volkswagen Australia has confirmed it will launch its first MEB-based electric vehicles (EVs) this year, it has said only that the ID.3 will arrive “beyond 2024”.
With the latest update, Volkswagen has added a larger 12.9-inch touchscreen display with an updated menu structure.
Volkswagen’s new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration features in the ID.3, which can be used to control systems including infotainment, navigation, climate control, and answer general knowledge questions by accessing databases like Wikipedia.
A Wellness App adjusts the ambient lighting, sound and air-conditioning for “increased wellbeing while driving or during breaks”, with multiple customisable modes.
Also inside the updated ID.3 are an optional 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system and a simplified multi-function steering wheel.
Under the skin, there’s an updated electric motor for the ID.3 Pro S, now capable of delivering 170kW of power as standard in the German market.
Customers in other markets can decide after purchase if they want to increase the basic power output from 150kW to 170kW via function on demand – a new addition with the latest upgrade.
Volkswagen claims the ID.3 Pro S can achieve a 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds, and it boasts an improved 559km of range on the WLTP test cycle.
The ID.3 Pro S features a charging and thermal management function to pre-condition its battery ahead of a charging stop, allowing for a slight increase of up to 175kW of DC charging.
It also includes an enhanced ‘Electric Vehicle Route Planner’, which allows automatic battery pre-conditioning and the planning of routes with up to 10 charging stops via a smartphone or the web portal.
The updated ID.3 retains safety features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and pedestrian and cyclist monitoring.