Volkswagen returns to the true “Volkswagen” appearance facelift ID.3

These two completely updated electric models take inspiration from the smaller ID.2

Volkswagen is preparing a host of improvements to the ID.3 and ID.4 that will not only overhaul their design, but also introduce new interiors and revamp their underpinnings.

While the ID.3 and ID.4 were among the Volkswagen Group’s first truly compelling electric cars in their respective segments, sales didn’t quite live up to expectations. When the ID.3 was launched in 2019, some thought it could challenge the Tesla Model Y’s dominance. Apparently, that’s not happening, and part of the reason may be the design language of Volkswagen’s current ID models. Luckily, things are about to change, with a design now inspired by the upcoming ID.2, which was previewed in concept form last year.

New look, new direction

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Volkswagen development chief Kai Grünitz confirmed that both the ID.3 and ID.4 will benefit from the brand’s new design language. “We will bring a redesigned look to the ID.4 and ID.3, with a completely new design language from a design perspective, returning to our original starting point and returning to what Volkswagen is known for.”

That means ditching the somewhat vague styling of the current ID model in favor of a more coherent and recognizable aesthetic. Leading the charge is Volkswagen design chief Andy Mindt, whose new approach features a cleaner, more defined hatchback silhouette that should help give it an identity. Create a clearer identity.

Read: Volkswagen dials back touchscreens, rediscovers physical buttons

In addition to the new look, Grunitz also hinted at more practical improvements. “We also have a lot of improvements in terms of battery cost and performance, and we will also bring new features and driver assistance features,” he added. “So there will be a huge improvement both in terms of our costs and the benefit to our customers.”

In other words: better range, improved performance and a host of new technologies designed to make the ID.3 and ID.4 even more attractive to buyers

Interior Overhaul: Goodbye, Cheap Plastics

If you’ve spent any time in an ID.3 or ID.4, you know that the interior feels a bit…cold, to put it mildly. Volkswagen seems to have taken the hint. Customers will be happy to know that VW is working hard to improve its cabin. The ID.2all concept also heralds a new interior design direction and adds more physical buttons and switches. One of the concept’s key features is a row of physical switches for climate control, neatly located below the central infotainment display.

The British magazine also mentioned that VW will make several quality improvements to the cabins of the ID.3 and ID.4. In September, Mindt revealed that the brand planned to ditch cheap plastic materials in favor of using more fabrics.

When will the new ID.3 and ID.4 arrive?

As for when we can expect these refreshed IDs. Volkswagen has been tight-lipped about its upcoming models. These cars likely won’t hit the market until 2026, but given the pace the EV market is currently developing, this might just be the perfect time to make these updates work.