Volkswagen ID.3 2024 review
Photo: Alexander-93, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The facelifted Volkswagen ID.3 is VW's answer to a simple question: what should the electric Golf be? Built on the MEB platform it shares with the Cupra Born, the 2024 ID.3 keeps the 204PS rear-mounted motor and 58kWh battery of the Pro model, delivering up to 265 miles of WLTP range — a figure reviewers find honest, with around 260 miles realistic in mild weather.
The facelift's biggest job was fixing the cabin. Soft-touch materials replace the scratchy plastics of early cars, the seats are better and the software is faster, although the unlit touch sliders survived on early facelift cars (a backlit 12.9-inch screen arrived from mid-2024). Space remains the ID.3's trump card: a Golf-sized footprint, a 385-litre boot with underfloor cable storage, and a tiny 10.2-metre turning circle that makes town driving easy.
UK prices for the simplified 2024 range started at £35,700 for the Pro Essential 58kWh, rising to £40,050 for the long-range Pro S Match with its 77kWh battery. That is a premium over the MG4 and its Cupra Born sibling, but the ID.3 counters with a five-star Euro NCAP rating — reaffirmed under tougher criteria in 2025 — 2% benefit-in-kind for company-car drivers, and cheap servicing with no oil changes.
Charging peaks at 120kW DC on the 58kWh car (5–80% in around 35 minutes), which trails 800-volt rivals such as the Kia EV6. But for UK buyers wanting a right-sized, well-built electric hatch with genuine long-distance ability, the facelifted ID.3 is the most complete package in its class.
Related reviews: VW ID Buzz 2024 review · Volkswagen Golf 2024 review · Ford Focus 2024 review
UK price from: £35,700
Specifications
| Motor | Rear-mounted electric motor |
| Power | 204 PS (201 bhp) |
| Torque | 310 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 7.3 seconds |
| Battery | 58 kWh (usable) |
| WLTP range | 265 miles |
| Max DC charging | 120 kW (5-80% in around 35 min) |
| Transmission | Single-speed direct drive |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 385 litres |
| Kerb weight | 1,812 kg |
| Insurance group | 27E |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 204PS rear-mounted electric motor with 310Nm of torque
- 58kWh usable battery; up to 265 miles of WLTP range
- 10-inch Discover Pro navigation (12.9-inch screen from mid-2024)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless phone charging
- Heated front seats and keyless start
- Adaptive cruise control with lane assist
- Front and rear parking sensors
- 18-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin pollen filter | £19.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £23.99 | Bosch AeroTwin 650/450mm |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £149.99 | Estimate; equivalent Varta/Yuasa type |
| Front brake pads (set) | £57.99 | Pagid/Euro Car Parts equivalent |
| Tyre 215/55 R18 (each) | £134.99 | Premium brand, fitted |
| Rear wiper blade | £11.99 |
Pros
- Real-world range of around 260 miles from the 58kWh battery
- Golf-sized cabin space with a 385-litre boot
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating, reaffirmed in 2025
- 2% benefit-in-kind and cheap servicing for company-car drivers
- Comfortable, near-silent motorway manners and a tiny turning circle
Cons
- Infotainment still fiddly on early facelift cars
- No one-pedal driving — B-mode regeneration only
- 99mph top speed and slower DC charging than 800-volt rivals
- Pricier than the MG4 and Cupra Born on shared hardware
Frequently asked questions
What is the real-world range of the ID.3 Pro 58kWh?
How long does the ID.3 take to charge?
How long does the ID.3 battery last?
Does the ID.3 have a heat pump?
Is the ID.3 a five-seater?
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