Volkswagen ID.3 review

Volkswagen ID.3 may sound like a new Star Wars character, but it’s a car. A very important one, actually – VW’s first electric car based on a bespoke electric platform.

The ID.3 replaced the e-Golf as its family-sized choice for those with a green conscience. It's so important that the 3 in its name represents its position as the manufacturer's third major launch of all time, after the original Beetle and the ever-popular VW Golf.

It comes with a choice battery sizes, providing varying performance and range to suit your needs. There’s quite a big difference between them, and the knock-on effect of that is the fairly wide price gap between the cheapest and most expensive ID.3.

Cheaper ID.3s face the Nissan Leaf and Renault Zoe as rivals while the more expensive models take on the most popular electric car in the world: the Tesla Model 3. Those are all regular hatchbacks and saloons, but there are SUV alternatives to consider too, such as the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro. 

Speaking of the Beetle, the ID.3 has something rather crucial in common with the original Volkswagen: its ‘engine’ (which is an electric motor, of course) sits at the back driving the rear wheels. That, and the fact that the ID.3’s battery is below the floor for a low centre of gravity, should help its cornering prowess. 

Whether you’re looking to make the swap to electric for the first time or you already own an electric car and are looking to renew it, read on for our in-depth review of the Volkswagen ID.3. We'll tell you all about it, including more about its handling, whether the interior is well put together and how economical it is to run.

When you’re ready to buy your next car, don’t forget about the free What Car? New Car Buying service, which can make the process as easy as tying your shoelaces and could save you a bundle of cash. It's where you'll find some of the best Volkswagen ID.3 deals available.