Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition

Overview

The Volkswagen ID.3 1st Edition was a pivotal launch, heralding VW's mainstream electric offensive. This special edition, produced in Germany from 2019 to 2021, served as an ambassador for the new MEB platform, offering a compelling package for early adopters in Europe. Packed with unique "1st" badging and often extra kit, it aimed to be the electric people's car. On the used market, this pioneering hatchback can be found for around €17,770, making it an interesting proposition for those diving into EV ownership. It’s a significant marker in VW’s shift to electric mobility.

What's New for 2021?

As a launch-specific trim, the "1st Edition" had a defined set of features from its 2019/2020 debut, with production concluding in 2021. For the broader ID.3 range, 2021 saw continued software enhancements rolled out via over-the-air updates. These updates aimed to improve infotainment responsiveness, charging logic, and overall system stability. While the 1st Edition's hardware spec remained fixed, later builds or updated vehicles would benefit from these crucial software refinements, making the user experience smoother and more polished as the ID.3 platform matured throughout its availability.

Design & Exterior

The ID.3 1st Edition boasts a sleek, modern design that clearly distinguishes it from VW's internal combustion engine cars. It's a compact five-door hatchback, measuring 4261 mm in length, 1809 mm in width (excluding mirrors), and 1552 mm in height. Special touches for the 1st Edition often included unique 18 or 19-inch alloy wheels, "1st" badging, and sometimes exclusive exterior colours. Its friendly face, short overhangs, and flowing lines give it a contemporary, aerodynamic appeal, looking every bit the forward-thinking family EV for European roads.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside the ID.3 1st Edition, and you're greeted by a minimalist, airy cabin with a futuristic vibe. A digital driver’s display and a central 10-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) handle most controls. The 1st Edition often featured unique interior accents and upholstery. Passenger space is generous for five. For luggage, there's a practical 385-litre boot, which expands to a handy 1267 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The provided specifications indicate no front trunk (frunk) is available on this model.

Performance & Driving Experience

The ID.3 1st Edition is a sprightly performer, hitting 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds. Its rear-wheel drive layout, powered by a single PMSM electric motor generating 150 kW and 310 Nm of torque, makes it surprisingly agile and fun to pilot, especially in city traffic. The ride is generally comfortable, and handling is neat and predictable. Regenerative braking is well-integrated, with a more aggressive 'B' mode for increased energy recovery. It’s a smooth, quiet, and responsive drive, perfect for daily duties and offering a bit of zest.

Range, Battery & Charging

Equipped with a 58 kWh (usable) battery pack, the ID.3 1st Edition offers a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of approximately 365 km. Its energy efficiency is rated at a decent 6.29 km/kWh. Charging is handled via a CCS Type 2 port. For AC charging, it features a standard 11 kW on-board charger, ideal for overnight top-ups. When you need a quicker boost, it supports DC fast charging at up to 100 kW, which can replenish a significant portion of the battery in around 30-35 minutes under optimal conditions.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a key focus for the ID.3, and the 1st Edition proudly achieved a full 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. These launch models were typically well-specced with advanced driver-assistance systems. Standard features often included adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, and parking sensors. Depending on the specific "1st Edition" variant (like Plus or Max), you might also find features such as a head-up display and more sophisticated parking aids, making it a reassuringly safe choice for families.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

In Europe, Volkswagen typically backs the ID.3 with a 2-year/unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty. The critical high-voltage battery receives a more extensive 8-year or 160,000 km warranty, guaranteeing it retains at least 70% of its usable capacity during that period. Powertrain components are generally covered under the main vehicle warranty. Maintenance on EVs like the ID.3 is generally lower than petrol cars, focusing on tyres, brakes, and cabin filters. While early models had some software quirks, VW addressed many with updates, improving reliability over time.