- The Volkswagen ID.3 Neo will replace the ID.3.
- It should remain on sale for the next few years before making way for the Golf 9.
- The facelift will bring more physical buttons.
One of the most popular EVs in Germany is set to get a major update soon with a new name. ID.3 will no longer be “ID.Golf”. It’s not expected before 2028 with the ninth-generation Golf. But in April 2026, Volkswagen will introduce the ID.3 Neo. Now, the first teaser images have been released.
Along with the generational change, the ID.3 gets an extensive digital product upgrade. At the same time, the VW ID.4, ID.5, and ID.7 are already available to order in Europe with the latest software generation. The new software adds additional features to ID. Line up
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Source: Volkswagen
These include, among other things, an updated Travel Assist with Traffic Light Recognition and One-Pedal Driving, which slows the vehicle all the way to a stop using regenerative braking. Also new is the “Innovation” infotainment system.
Another new feature is the optional digital vehicle key. It allows access to the vehicle via a mobile device such as a smartphone or smartwatch, complementing the traditional key fob. Communication is wireless — similar to mobile payment transactions — and requires no dedicated app.
The concept of control is also being revised: the ID of the future. Models will once again have physical buttons on the steering wheel to simplify operating key functions. I.D. The Polo cockpit is likely serving as a reference here. Whether the ID.3 Neo will also get a retro-style display is unclear.
Original buttons on the steering wheel of the new VW ID. polo
Photo by: Motor1.com Deutschland
Changes have also been made to the powertrain and battery. The “pure” entry-level versions of the ID.4 and ID.5 will get the new APP 350 electric motor, rated at 188 hp. It delivers more torque and aims to reduce energy consumption compared to the previous APP 310 motor. in the ID.4, which translates to up to 25 miles (40 km) in the WLTP range. Combined with a new Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) high-voltage battery with a net capacity of 58 kWh, the system is designed to operate robustly and efficiently.
Motor1’s Tech: The ID.3 Neo is a stop-gap model for those who want a bigger electric hatchback than the ID. Polo, but not willing to wait for ID. Despite the Golf’s new name, it’s not really a second-generation model but rather an extensive revision of the current car, which has been around for about seven years.
For a true next-generation model, the recently teased ninth-generation Golf should offer significant improvements in range and charging speed thanks to an all-new platform. The software will also be different, as VW is collaborating with Rivian. However, that’s still at least 2-3 years away, so in the meantime, the updated ID.3 will have to do.
