2024 Volkswagen ID.3 electric hatchback updated again with new long-range variant to rival the MG4, Cupra Born and Tesla Model 3, but when will it finally land in Australia?

Volkswagen has updated its ID.3 electric hatchback range overseas, upgrading its safety features and adding a new long-range 77kWh Pro S variant, which also scores a more powerful 170kW motor.

This new variant can travel 559km on the WLTP testing cycle, and can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.1 seconds. An upgraded temperature management system for the battery allows it to charge at a maximum rate of 175kW in a wider range of ambient temperature scenarios, reducing the time to charge by several minutes according to the brand.

Inside, the updated ID.3 gets a larger multimedia touchscreen (now 12.9-inches) with a tweaked menu structure, and the drive mode selector has been moved to a physical switch. The touch-based adjustment sliders have been redesigned and are now illuminated. Volkswagen has also added a ChatGPT-based voice assistant, which can access the internet to answer occupant’s questions. 

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The eclectic hatch also scores a new wellness app, and a new 480-watt Harmon Kardon sound system.

The ID.3’s safety tech has also been tweaked to include ‘Travel Assist with swarm data utilisation’ allowing for better guidance in the navigation and assisted lane changing on freeways, remote and memory functions for the ‘park assist’ suite, and a door exit warning system has also been added.

ID.3 gets a larger multimedia touchscreen.

The new variant adds to the existing range in VW’s home market of Germany, where it offers a standard-range Pro variant (58kWh/435km range), as well as the go-fast GTX version, which is fed by a 84kWh battery and single electric motor that channels up to 240kW/545Nm to the rear wheels.

Volkswagen Australia has been talking about the ID.3’s arrival in Australia as far back as 2019, although has faced significant delays in being able to bring its range of fully electric models Down Under. It was struck by issues negotiating with the factory for supply during the COVID years as demand for electric vehicles in Europe soared, and more recently has held back from launching models which were soon to receive updates.

Volkswagen has updated its ID.3 safety features.

Speaking to CarsGuide a Volkswagen Australia representative explained it plans to launch the ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs in the middle of this year and the ID.Buzz van range will arrive before the end of the 2024.

The ID.3 is still planned for a 2025 launch, with the local outfit waiting for confirmation of the start of production date for models earmarked for our market. They also confirmed Australia would receive the most up-to-date version of the hatch at time of launch.

The ID.3 is still planned for a 2025 launch.

Previously the brand has earmarked a sub-$60,000 price-tag for the ID.3 for it to be competitive in our market, but said further information will be released about local variants and specifications closer to its launch.

Volkswagen will have a task on its hands carving out space in the increasingly crowded EV market, now facing competition from both European manufacturers like Volvo, Polestar, Peugeot, and Mini, but also from lower-cost players like BYD, MG, and GWM.