Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S was VW's Golf-sized electric hero in Europe, a compelling compact hatchback that, sadly, never officially graced US shores. Imagine a funky, rear-wheel-drive EV with a practical twist! The Pro S trim, particularly the 2023 version, was a sweet spot, offering an impressive (for its class) real-world range. Had it come Stateside, it would've been a strong contender against rivals like the Chevy Bolt, with hypothetical pricing likely in the competitive $40,000-$45,000 range before any potential tax credits, offering a distinct European EV flavor.

What's New for 2023?

For 2023, the ID.3 Pro S, as part of a wider model refresh, got some seriously needed upgrades! VW spruced up the cabin with nicer, squishier materials – a big win over the earlier scratchy plastics. The infotainment screen grew to a slick 12-inches standard, running updated software for a smoother experience. Outside, it got a slightly more chiselled front bumper, making it look a tad more aggressive. Plus, tech like Plug & Charge capability was rolled out, making public charging a bit less fiddly. These tweaks made the already capable Pro S even more desirable.

Design & Exterior

The 2023 ID.3 Pro S sports that distinct, almost MPV-like, yet funky hatchback silhouette that stands out. It's compact but clever, measuring 167.8 inches long, 71.2 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 61.1 inches tall. The refresh brought a sharper front bumper and cool optional matrix LED headlights with a connecting light bar, giving it a modern, techy face. The Pro S often rolled on stylish alloy wheels, typically 18 or 19-inch designs, adding to its confident stance. It's less shouty than some rivals, more of a quietly cool EV that’s all about smart European design.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the 2023 ID.3 Pro S, and you'll find a minimalist, airy cabin, especially with the improved materials introduced this year. It seats four comfortably, or five in a pinch, with decent passenger space for a compact. You get a respectable 13.6 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a useful 44.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat – though no frunk, sadly. Tech-wise, the big news was the standard 12-inch central touchscreen, a big upgrade, running VW’s latest software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It’s a clean, digital-first environment.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.3 Pro S, with its rear-wheel-drive setup, is surprisingly fun to chuck around! It zips from 0-60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds, topping out at 99 mph, thanks to its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of instant torque. This makes it plenty nippy for city driving. The ride is generally comfortable, and its compact size makes it super maneuverable. VW’s regenerative braking is smooth, with a 'B' mode for stronger regen, helping you eke out extra miles. It’s a well-balanced, easy-to-live-with EV.

Range, Battery & Charging

Rocking a substantial 77 kWh usable battery, the ID.3 Pro S boasts a Green Cars Compare estimated real-world range of 298 miles – pretty solid for its class! It sips juice at around 3.87 mi/kWh. For home charging, its standard 11 kW AC onboard charger can top it up overnight, say in about 7-8 hours. Out and about, it supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW, meaning a 10-80% boost could take roughly 35 minutes. For a hypothetical US version, it would use the common CCS Type 1 port. No fancy V2L here, though.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The ID.3 scored a top-notch 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, showcasing its strong safety credentials (though no NHTSA rating as it wasn't sold stateside). The Pro S trim, especially the 2023 version, came well-equipped with Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite. This typically bundles goodies like adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, Front Assist with emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors were usually standard too, making it a reassuring car to pilot, whether you're navigating tight city streets or cruising on the freeway. Some advanced features might have been optional extras.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

If the ID.3 Pro S had landed in the US, expect Volkswagen’s typical EV warranty. This would likely mean a basic vehicle warranty of around 4 years/50,000 miles. Crucially, the high-voltage battery would be covered for a solid 8 years or 100,000 miles, guaranteeing at least 70% of its original capacity. Powertrain components would fall under similar coverage. VW USA often throws in a couple of years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which for EVs is minimal anyway – mostly just tire rotations and cabin filter checks. Generally, ID.3s have proven fairly reliable.