Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S

Overview

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.3 Pro S was the long-legged variant of VW's pioneering electric hatchback, offering the biggest battery for maximum range before its mid-cycle refresh. Aimed at families and high-mileage drivers, it blended practicality with zero-emission motoring. In the European market, a used 2023 ID.3 Pro S, which is now discontinued in this pre-facelift form, can be found for around €18,440. It was a solid contender in the competitive electric family car segment, packing a decent punch and a good chunk of range for longer adventures without fuss.

What's New for 2023?

For the 2023 model year, this pre-facelift ID.3 Pro S benefited from matured software, often shipping with ID.Software 3.x. This brought infotainment improvements, enhanced voice control, and an optimized charging experience. While not a full overhaul, these updates refined the user experience before the significantly facelifted ID.3 (with improved interior and tech) began rolling out later in 2023, eventually replacing this specific configuration. So, early 2023 Pro S models represent the peak of the original ID.3 offering before the major refresh.

Design & Exterior

The ID.3 Pro S sports a friendly, futuristic look, typical of VW's ID family, with smooth lines and a distinctive front light bar. As a hatchback, it measures 4261 mm in length, 1809 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1552 mm in height. The Pro S often featured distinct alloy wheels, sometimes larger than base models, and subtle 'Pro S' badging. Its short overhangs and long 2765 mm wheelbase are hallmarks of the MEB platform, hinting at the spacious interior and giving it a well-planted stance on the road.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the ID.3 Pro S offers a minimalist, airy cabin with a digital-first approach. While early ID.3s faced some critique for interior material choices, the layout is clean and user-friendly. This trim is available configured as either a 4 or 5-seater, offering good passenger space. For your luggage, there's 385 litres in the boot, which expands to a useful 1267 litres when the rear seats are folded down. No frunk, sadly! Tech centres around a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.3 Pro S is powered by a single PMSM electric motor at the rear, delivering 150 kW and a healthy 310 Nm of torque to its rear-wheel-drive setup. Acceleration from 0-100 km/h is achieved in a brisk 7.9 seconds, with a top speed of 160 km/h. It’s not a hot hatch, but offers smooth, confident power for daily driving and motorway cruising. The driving experience is typically refined and comfortable, with a selectable 'B' mode for stronger regenerative braking to help recuperate energy efficiently.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Pro S is the range champion of the early ID.3 line-up, equipped with a 77 kWh usable battery capacity (82 kWh nominal). Green Cars Compare estimates a real-world range of around 479 km, with an efficiency rated at 6.22 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port. For AC charging, it has an 11 kW on-board charger. When you need a quick top-up, the Pro S supports DC fast charging at up to 120 kW on its 400V architecture, which can add significant range pretty sharpish.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a strong point, with the Volkswagen ID.3 platform earning a top 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. The Pro S trim usually came well-specced with advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features often included Front Assist with emergency braking, Lane Assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional packages could add even more tech, such as Travel Assist for semi-autonomous driving capabilities, blind-spot monitoring, and parking assistance systems, making it a reassuring companion on any journey.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Volkswagen typically provides a 2-year, unlimited mileage basic vehicle warranty. More importantly for an EV, the high-voltage battery in the ID.3 Pro S is covered for 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, against excessive capacity loss. Maintenance for EVs like the ID.3 is generally less frequent and costly than for combustion engine cars, typically involving checks on brakes, tyres, and cabin filters. Specific service plans and costs can vary by region, so it's best to check with a local VW dealer.