Volkswagen ID.3 Sales Begin July 20 With 7 Preconfigured Models
EV buyers in Europe will be able to order a Volkswagen ID.3 in one of 7 preconfigured versions starting July 20. Jürgen Stackmann, Volkswagen brand board member for sales, says, “I am convinced that e-mobility will now make its breakthrough. Our model names like Family, Style, Tech and Tour already reveal that we will have the right ID.3 for everyone — at an attractive price. This way, we are realizing our vision of enabling emission free mobility for all.”
Cars ordered in July ware expected to be delivered in October and will be eligible for a €9,480 incentive in Germany, of which one third or €3,480 comes from the manufacturer. Most other European countries have similar sales incentives on offer. Some customers who take delivery of ID.3 cars this Fall will receive a no-cost update for two digital features — AppConnect and the distance feature of the augmented reality head-up display for the “Tech” and “Max” models in the first quarter of 2021. All models delivered in the first quarter of 2021 will be equipped with all of their functions, the company says.
7 Preconfigured ID.3 Models
Volkswagen is offering 7 preconfigured models of the ID.3. Frankly, the assortment of features and pricing is more than a little confusing, but we’ve tried to simplify and summarize things as clearly as possible. According to the latest press release, 6 of the models will come with a 58 kWh (usable) battery and a 150 kW rear-mounted motor with 310 Newton-meters of torque. WLTP range is listed as 420 kilometers (261 miles) and the 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) sprint will take 3.4 seconds.
The first preconfigured models will be called Life, Style, Business, Family, Tech, and Max. Let’s look at how Volkswagen describes each one, assuming we got our heads around each one accurately. (Frankly, in addition to getting their digital technology program on track, they could use a little help writing press releases that are understandable to people of ordinary intelligence.)
Life — €37,788
Intended for customers looking for an economical entry-level product without sacrificing comfort. The comfort package includes steering wheel heating, seat heating and two additional USB-C ports.
Style — €40,946
Includes a major design package with matrix LED headlamps, LED tail lights with dynamic swiping function, and panoramic glass roof.
Business — €41,287
A typical all-rounder is the ID.3 “Business” with the small design package including matrix LED headlamps and tinted windows, comfort package and assistant package with rear-view camera and the “Keyless Access” locking system.
Family — €42,306
Offers considerable space, light, and convenience with the major design package including matrix LED headlamps and large panoramic glass roof, the major comfort package with 2-zone “Air Care” air conditioning system and the assistant package with rear-view camera and Keyless Access.
Tech — €44,810
Includes matrix LED headlamps, major assistant package with Travel Assist, Side Assist and Emergency Assist as well as major infotainment package including Head-up Display and Premium Sound package. [In other words, if you want the major driver aids many other manufacturers include on their least expensive models, it’s gonna cost you.]
Max — €43,680
Offers a maximum of design, technology, sport and comfort, with all the equipment packages, an electric 12-way massage seat, progressive steering and DCC (Dynamic Cruise Control) on board.
Tour — €40,936
Based on the four-seat ProS model, it has a 77 kWh battery (usable) with a range of up to 550 km (WLTP) and 125kW DC charging. A second version of the Tour, priced at €45,917.48, comes with a head-up display and sound package, matrix LED headlamps, comfort package, 12-way massage seat and assistant package with all driver assistance systems included, and 19-inch aluminum wheels.
Now that we have all that information, Volkswagen muddies the waters with this news: “In addition to the seven pre-configured models, customers in Germany will also be able to order the two basic models ID.3 Pro Performance and ID.3 ProS, a four-seat model with a larger battery for a longer range. Then there is the Pure model, which comes will a smaller battery and a range of 330 kilometers WLTP. It will start at under €30,000 and will be available “a few months later.”
So, it seems there are actually at least 10 versions of the ID.3 that will be available for order before the end of the year. Many manufacturers have found it is far less expensive to offer 2 or 3 configurations of their cars, as having too many options creates problems for dealers who need to stock a dizzying array of vehicles in order to meet the expectations of all customers. Others find the best way to deal with that amount of variety is to have each car custom ordered by the buyer and built specifically to the buyer’s taste. Volkswagen is taking something of a middle ground.
“For the ID.3, we are focusing production on the most popular battery variants and equipment levels. In addition, customers have a free choice of colors, exterior styling packages, wheel rims and interior equipment as well as other individual options such as a heat pump and the popular bicycle carrier preparation option,” says Thomas Ulbrich, Volkswagen brand board member for e-Mobility. “Thanks to the use of renewable energy for vehicle and battery production, the ID.3 has a neutral carbon balance.”
All 7 of the preconfigured ID.3 models are equipped for high-speed charging (at least 50 kW), but the larger-battery variants get ultrafast 125 kW DC charging capability. All ID.3 drivers will have access to the high-power Ionity network and well as thousands of conventional EV chargers. VW dealers will assist customers with getting a home charger installed as well.
We are anxious to test drive an ID.3 for ourselves and expect a flurry of reports from the automotive press in coming months as the first production cars become available. Volkswagen has made a huge bet on the ID.3. Soon we will know whether that bet was worthwhile.
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