Volkswagen ID. 3 Pro S 2023 facelift - Any Improvements? (ENG) - Test Drive and Review

Volkswagen ID.3 is a compact electric car, the successor to the e-Golf and the first of Volkswagen's range of cars on the MEB modular EV platform. It's been four years since Volkswagen took a deep dive into the world of electromobility, and launched its first electric model designed from the ground up - the ID.3. Today I’m reviewing the face-lifted version of the compact EV. What has changed? Let’s find out!
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↔ Volkswagen ID.3 dimensions:
✔ length: 4264 mm
✔ width: 1809 mm
✔ height: 1564 mm
✔ wheelbase: 2770 mm
✔ boot/trunk: 385-1267 L
💲 Volkswagen ID.3 starting price: 40 000 euro
💲 Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S 77 kWh price as tested: 54 000 euro
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#MarekDrivesENG #VW #ID3
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Chapters:
0:00 intro
0:50 MEB platform
1:55 what's new?
2:55 boot
3:25 interior materials
3:55 rear seat
4:50 cockpit
6:30 Volkswagen app
7:00 performance
7:45 range
8:55 charging
9:30 route planning with charging
9:45 driving impressions
10:30 pricing
11:00 conclusion
💲Transparency note: 💲
Marek Drives reviews are independent and based on personal experience with cars provided by car manufacturers for media to review. No carmarker has any influence on what is being said in the review, nor are they given a preview. No carmarker pays me to do these reviews. My sponsors are you - the viewers, Channel Members, and occasional non-carmaker entities, whose sponsorship is always clearly marked.

[@nicolasdepaye4672]

I have an ID.3 for 2 months, no issue with software and very very confortable to drive! Highly recommended!

[@thiagolima5232]

perfect car !

[@travelbird9359]

I "ditched" my Golf Mark VII for an ID3 this year and I don't regret it for one second. I never had any problems with it so far (driven over 17.000 km) and I've never had a car that drove so well!

[@19MJ74]

I bought my ID3 new in 2022. Never had one single issue with the car and we’re doing doing about 2300km monthly. Traded in my 2019 Golf for it and I do not regret the decision. For a commuter here in Ireland, it saves me about 50% of what I would have spend on petrol, even with today’s super high electricity prices. The only thing I can compain about is how fast the tires are wearing off. Need a new set every 1.5 years. Will go for an ID 4 with the bigger battery and IQ Lights when the PCP term is up.

[@snich63]

There should be a bonus video of Marek “manifesting his disbelief” at the taped off charger.

[@bcm-n7244]

I HAVE A GOLF MK7(Kombi) 2.0 TDI 150 HORSE-POWER AND i agree with the statement "PEAK VW was the GOLF MK7" !

[@edgk490]

Good for you

[@ObiePaddles]

We had a MK7 1.4 TSI from new for 9 years and it was amazing. Can’t believe they call their EVs ID. We could cope with names not that long ago. Why not call it the Golf Electric and then drop the electric name in a few years?

[@Da_StormtroopeR]

All the magic of this video was the music in it. And there was a car...

[@laupakhin]

Thanks for revisiting the ID.3 Marek. It seems like Volkswagen have gotten their act together on the software, but the damage to the ID series' reputation might take a while to repair. I'm not sure what EV I would choose in that price range, but it would definitely be one with an indicator stalk and a physical shifter :D

[@MarekDrivesENG]

This price range is unacceptable for me. I'd probably go smaller EV for the city, and something with a regular engine to drive long distance if necessary.

[@evaansounds]

Great review and a very good soundtrack!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Glad you think so!

[@extreme8808]

Haha you got me! I was just thinking "WOW! Marek will not complain about charging this time!" . . and then came the taped charging spot 🤣😅

[@Hell-Hound1]

Cheers Marek👍

[@robertgidaa2705]

I am still Happy with my ID.3 after 70k km.

[@kresimirkalman6113]

I will rather wait for 10 years, when they produce something like Golf 7 with price of Golf 7

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Fingers crossed.

[@meme4one]

50k for a golf just seems wrong unless it's some v6 4x4 monster.

[@dragangasic5680]

its a daylight robbery

[@michaelsteiner5775]

When my old Toyota once dies (in 20 years or so...) I will probably consider a hybrid or EV. The question is if a VW EV makes sense. I would prefer if Toyota would sell a EV to be honest because VW tends to have rather complex designs and I would like to avoid expensive repairs.

[@Ellipirelli69]

Haha, nice review😅. However, if you prefer a Volkswagen over an Alfa, something very bad must have happened 😅

[@MarekDrivesENG]

They Alfa is rubbish :)

[@cosettapessa6417]

@@MarekDrivesENGthey? What do you mean?

[@psz2929]

I know I’m commenting under an older video but trying to decide between the basic model of the id3 and the basic model of the Smart #1. This will be our sencond car (next to older x5) I need something smaller for dropping kids to school and errands. What are your thoughts? Initially wanted the id3 but reviews have scared me a bit and the smart seems to be getting better feedback although I think it is a bit bigger. Thanks

[@MarekDrivesENG]

We don't get (al least not yet) the new Smart here in Poland, so I can't tell. I'll know more or less what it's like, when I drive the EX30 in a couple of months. It's the same platform, different body.

[@spoenk7448]

I've been saying it elsewhere, but as someone who has driven the first plus for 6 months now, I think this car was reviewed a bit too harshly. It has flaws, but it is still a very comfortable and roomy car that's just a bit expensive.

[@andreiplesuvu]

It’s a pity that in EU Ev from VW are 60-70% more expensive that in china.

[@rachelehrenberg9231]

Dziękuję Marek. Dobrze widzieć, że Volkswagen rzeczywiście słucha klienta. That said I agree that it is too expensive

[@MrAndrei4777]

I drove similar one as a replacement for my company car recently. I have to admit that it is very easy to drive, However, I didn't like the interior. The central airvents are always blowing into my knees (I'm 187cm). Lack of a normal drivers display for detailed info like satnav forces you to look at the central display. Also the aivents were making an annoying noise (maybe only this particular vehicle?). Either way, it is a nice car overall.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Small driver's display is suppose to push you towards the AR HUD.

[@renebergqvist599]

I have a model 3 and my wife have has an id.3 with now 130.000 km on the clock. The VW SW has beeb a nightmare - as late as this summer it was over 1,5 months in the dealer - that was the 6th time. VW was so 'embarassed' we got an id.5 loaner they let us take for our holiday in France. I would chose the Tesla any time - though the basic car and the battery in the id.3 has held up well - it is the SW and the UI computer that us a total disaster.

[@CampervanTime]

100% Agree - Golf Mk7.5 was peak VW ! Quick question though - would you take the Born or the facelift ID.3 if you had to pick one or the other?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

It's like asking about my favourite STD :) Something smaller for the city. Probably a Corsa e with the new, bigger battery (I assume the will give it the 54 kWh battery).

[@thiagolima5232]

the best EV.

[@robalamont]

Hi Marek, like the attitude! Electric cars? Still early days for me. We live in Turkey, have you driven Turkey’s own home grown TOGG? We live in Turkey ( but used to work in Qatar, Czesia was our neighbour! and we still keep in touch - say hi from Lyn & Rob!)

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Of course! I think I have your Far Side book :) I'll tell her you said hi. I've heard of Togg, but obviously never seen it in the flesh. Here in Poland the outgoing administration desperately tried to design and produce a national EV, but it looks like all they managed is to invite the Chinese to come and rebadge something for us.

[@robalamont]

⁠Marek, if you ever come to Turkey to test drive a TOGG your more than welcome to stay a night or two. Keep up the good work and ‘unique’ style! 🛺💨

[@niprbmw_210]

I didn't like the ID.3 when was launched due to the software and the voice control on the car but I belive this model could be better based on my personal opinion... (Just to clarify, I haven't been in of an ID.3 but I heard that the car wasn't good when it was first launched if I was correct, I'm also saying that the facelifted model could be better but it's just like the preface lift just that the software is now newer.)

[@robtt997]

Extraordinary price ! Would love to see you give it the beans round a country road . With all that weight it wouldn’t be much fun I would bet. I will stick with my four year old totally reliable Seat Leon and will probably change to a petrol Astra in a couple of years . I do long distances winter and summer and like to drive quickly An ev makes no sense at all for me .

[@Olliebobalong]

There are huge amounts more soft touch materials in the facelift. It feels like a different car.

[@FreakyKiky]

still not fan of touch controls for essential functions, those should be physical buttons.

[@jellyd4889]

Why do you need to remote open the car with an app, or start it with an app?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

That's a great question. Some brands presented the remote opening scenario as a convenience feature, when a courier can drop off a package into the boot of your car. Same with online grocery shopping. A bit far fetched, especially in less nice parts of any town, but whatever. I can see a situation, where I'm meeting someone, the weather's crap, and one of us is either lat or early, and the other person can open the car. As for remote start, there's a whole virtual key function, for example in BMW, where you can assign a person their virtual key on their smartphone, and they can drive the car using their phone as a key. This can be limited to certain times, revoked at any time, etc.

[@TheAllMightyGodofCod]

No. I won't change my Golf for this one because mainly the electric isn't quite there for me yet and also because .... Well .. I don't have a Golf. I want to like this car but it is so expensive, I like how it looks and how efficient it is but if I went for an EV e-C4, Mégane E-tech and Kia Niro would be my first choices.

[@jonkisby4871]

Thats a very expensive car. Sticking with ICE for now, electric vehicles still have a long way to go.

[@AdamC66]

Good looking car especially in that new greeny-bronze colour, the size is right and it probably drives okay, but the interior, haptics, piano black, sub-par supercharging network and price... not good. My Tesla Y 2wd has a load of things that need work and should be better, but I still don't think it was the wrong decision.

[@TEVAssociation]

Still regret it’s not sold here

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Funny. Lots of EV haters on this one. A few facts. The batteries don’t die after 4-5 years. Yes, there are occasionally battery problems but then the cars don’t have exhausts and all the other stuff that goes wrong on petrol cars. Tyre wear isn’t keeping me awake at nights. Last word: taxis. Taxi drivers are going electric. If EVs were unreliable and expensive to run, do you think that would be happening?

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Taxi drivers have a specific use case scenario. Lots of city traffic, where EVs excel.

[@nevco8774]

It looks like AWD version never entered production? Only if Tesla launches a hatch called Model 2 that vehicle would be a true 5 doors competitor hatch to this VW ID3.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Was there ever an AWD version in the cards? There's an AWD high-performance version of the MG4. That could be an interesting competitor for the TM2.

[@MrRaitzi]

VAG group is like 80% ready product in EVs. They are lacking in efficiency. I don't if they are using reluctance motors or silicon carbide transistor or other latest tech.

[@erezyoal]

Like your channel 👍 The id3 is Too expnsive, Endless warrnty problems, softwear glichess, the horable tach pads and weight 2 tons ? No thank you.

[@JunkerOnDrums]

I have been driving the ID.3 for more than two years now. And I am quite satisfied. Have never driven cheaper and more comfortably. Will not own a Tesla for one reason only: Elon Musk, whom I greatly dislike!

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Tesla's on my shit list as well :)

[@edgarLV]

Why everyone is worried about the head room? ID.3 is already too high. Why everyone wants to be in a hall?

[@ianstewart2723]

I like the look of the car and I agree not much change to the interior. I hate the wheels they are ugly and the touch controls. The New VW Tiguan has reverted back to physical buttons on the steering wheel and all car manufacturers should do the same. Great Honest Review as always.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Thanks. Yes, I know, they seem to have listened and improved some things in the Tiguan.

[@HyBy]

Still EVs are a pass for me. I am waiting for the next gen of batteries (SSB etc) to see how big of an improvement they will be since they will be adressing the two main issues, weight and charge capacity.

[@tommyjakobsen5504]

I take the MG4 2024 anytime... much more fun, and more quiter. and the quality is better. also i need tow hook, thats NOT a option on ID3.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

Shit. I thought the tow hitch they were displaying so proudly in the press photos was for something more, than just a bike rack, but I just called the PR department, and they confirmed it's bike-only.

[@DavidMeggers]

Far too expensive for what it is and what you get. Tesla price for something significantly inferior, no wonder MG4 is selling well 😁

[@Mr11ESSE111]

capacity of VW baterries will go down on 70-80% in 6-8 years and depend on mileage !! Even VW admits that

[@whatthe6532]

Rubbish

[@Mr11ESSE111]

@@whatthe6532 yes rubbish batteries ! that was statement of VW too but clowns as you lives in lalala land obviously

[@Mr11ESSE111]

spartanic cheaply interior and exterior too and price are like from Mercedes E class

[@kevinn1158]

When I test drove the ID4 my first impressions were, sharp looking car, no to the piano black, my god who created that awful infotainment??????? The car felt kind of heavy and I thought for what I was getting it was overpriced. 9% lease rates VW Canada?? Pass the crack pipe. Anyways, their revisions look very promising so I'm willing to see what the new more efficient, powerful, much improved software ID4 has to offer. Which makes me wonder why VW didn't give this car the new shifter, new main screen, new motors, new ID7 software.. that ID3 main screen and software still looks like something you give a 3 yr old to throw out of their stroller. Thanks for the video Marek! ID3 will probably never come here.

[@MarekDrivesENG]

This is a facelift. You don't put Jaws in the first reel of the movie.

[@kevinn1158]

@@MarekDrivesENG well put. Ha. In this movie it feels like jaws never makes the movie or he’s more like a big gold fish.

[@whyyoulidl]

3:53 Gut Fart! (on screen) I guess that's my reaction to affordability 🤔

[@notroll1279]

I always found the ID.3 pretty bland and unattractive but I understand the technical upgrades are quite significant. I live in an inner residential area of Berlin and can't charge at home - so I'm not keen on changing to an EV yet. Since I drive far fewer kms per year than average, I'm not prepared to take the high depreciation of a new car which would cost me a lot more than the total cost of ownership of my old but well maintained ICE car. I may buy one at long last ... todays shiny new cars are tomorrow's used car bargains....

[@turboclown]

Good car, but just too expensive

[@carstenhjorth7076]

No tow bar = useless for me no matter how good

[@stefanconstantinescu1576]

Model 3 is way way better value for money

[@maxus1820]

For 54.000€ I'd get the BMW M3 Competition 2020. all day long

[@utb8536]

You don t know thr prices for m3 i see

[@maxus1820]

@@utb8536 And you obviously live in some shit hole of a third world country

[@gerasimospapad1520]

54000 euro? 😂😂😂

[@takuan650]

When I see black piano interiors I start to gag until I vomit. To pay 54 Grand for this 'pleasure' I'd rather use my bicycle. I can't detect any compelling reason to buy a heavy Vee Dub.

[@Commentator541]

To pay this much for a crap car is really beyond me. I would purchase a Mercedes if I had money to burn, but even then not an EV. Who can find this appealing? Constantly having to deal with the charging, at least Teslas charge quickly when on the road thanks to the Superchargers.

[@gustavopedrosa81]

Tesla all the time 😊

[@mattesrocket]

never Tesla, never VW 😂

[@RusokuLab]

Another one crap from Germany

[@RevanParker]

Volkswagen has become so extremely boring inside their cars, jeesh

[@AlanRambler]

EV cars will be extinct in a few years, they catch fire, range is rubbish, fights at charging stations (if you can find one), insurance is colossal, extra wear and tear on tyres because of weight and when you need a battery change in say 4 to 5 years it will cost about £20000 for replacement need I go on. It also doesn’t protect the environment as they would like you to believe. It’s more polluting to build one than a petrol car.

[@DanDan-dn5lt]

Tell them! Those electric heads. A friend of mine got the ID.4 , but right now, he's highly regretting why he didn't go for the RAV4 hybrid instead. His new ID.4 is already developing battery problems in just less than two years 😮

[@fredfeinbein678]

Nonsense. "they catch fire": much less than ICEs - "range is rubbish" - enough for me and more than 90% of all drivers and trips - "if you can find one": There are enough charging points and the car is doing this for me (in the opposite to an ICE with gas station) - "It also doesn’t protect the environment" - yes it does. Repeating a lie over and over again does not make it true.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

Wow thanks for the factual information where did you get your information ?

[@ObiePaddles]

You win the “FUD facts about EV” Bingo.

[@Mr11ESSE111]

VW would bancrot with this kind of junk and overpriced vehicles by the chinese competition which are cheaper and better