Volkswagen has revealed a second facelift for its all-electric ID 3 hatchback, now carrying the 'Neo' suffix. The VW ID 3 Neo gets styling tweaks, range improvements and, importantly, a revised interior with an array of physical controls. This move away from touch-based controls follows Volkswagen's statement earlier this year that future ID EVs would feature physical buttons based on customer feedback. The ID 3 currently serves as the entry point to Volkswagen's EV line-up internationally, and its current generation first received a facelift in 2023.
- Physical controls introduced for climate control, media functions
- VW ID Neo 3's 630km maximum range is 32km more than before
- Its reworked front fascia is in line with Volkswagen's newer EVs
The car manufacturer is moving away from number-based names for its EVs. For instance, the ID 4 is set to be renamed with its next major update. However, the ID 3 will keep its name due to the brand equity it has built up, as reported by our sister publication Autocar UK.
Volkswagen ID 3 Neo interior
The ID 3 Neo gets a completely updated cabin with better-quality materials and a clear shift towards physical controls. The earlier touch-sensitive sliders have been replaced by proper buttons and switches, including a volume knob and controls for the climate system. There are other usability changes too. The driver's door now gets separate buttons for all four windows, replacing the earlier two-switch setup. The steering wheel is also new and moves to physical buttons instead of the earlier haptic ones, along with an illuminated VW logo.
On the tech front, the ID 3 Neo gets a new 13-inch touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital driver's display. The instrument cluster can even be set to a retro theme with analogue-styled gauges, similar to what will be offered on the upcoming Volkswagen Polo EV. The dashboard design has been simplified, moving from a curved layout to a straighter one to free up more space. There’s also a new full-length centre console, which adds more storage, including space for a tablet and a wireless charging pad that can hold two phones.
Volkswagen ID 3 Neo range, battery packs
The ID 3 Neo continues with a rear-wheel-drive motor setup and offers the following battery and motor options: 50kWh-170hp, 58kWh-190hp and 79kWh-231hp. Range is up to 630km (WLTP), which is about 32km more than before. The 79kWh version supports up to 183kW DC fast charging, while the smaller 50kWh and 58kWh packs support up to 105kW. A successor to the wilder GTX Performance variant is also expected to be revealed later this year, and it could carry the GTI badge, according to Autocar UK.
Volkswagen ID 3 Neo exterior
As this is just another facelift, the changes on the outside are subtle. The main update is at the front, where the design has been revised to match Volkswagen's newer EVs, including the upcoming ID Polo. The wide light bar is now thicker and positioned lower than before.
From the side, there are no major changes to the hatchback. It continues with conventional pull-type door handles, but gets a new design for the wheels. Volkswagen has also dropped the gloss black paint for the roof and tailgate, replacing it with a body-coloured finish. At the rear, the tail-lights appear unchanged and remain separate, without a connecting light bar.
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