New clarity in the interior. At Volkswagen, the enhancement of an existing model is referred to as a product upgrade. In the case of the ID.3 Neo interior, Volkswagen went one major step further: the cockpit landscape and centre console including centre tunnel are more like a model transition from one generation to the next in terms of development effort and results. This is because here too, Volkswagen has listened precisely to what customers expect in terms of operation, haptics and appearance and has designed new solutions accordingly.
High quality, clear and intuitive operation. As soon as the doors of the ID.3 Neo open, it becomes clear that a completely new level of quality and clarity has emerged. New, soft and elegant materials, a consistently horizontal layout of lines and surfaces, new ergonomic and intuitive controls and buttons for central functions, newly developed displays, a new-generation multifunction steering wheel that is particularly easy and precise to operate, sturdy and upholstered centre armrests between the driver and front passenger as well as completely redesigned upholstery fabrics for the seats and doors ensure that the interior of the ID.3 Neo conveys the feeling that you are sitting in a vehicle of the next-higher class – that 100% Volkswagen feeling.
Crystal-clear displays. In the dashboard area, every detail on board the ID.3 Neo has been redesigned and developed. The new, rectangular and larger Digital Cockpit as well as the new infotainment display are arranged on one visual axis. The Digital Cockpit features crystal-clear graphics and measures 26.0 cm (10.25 inches) across the diagonal. Unlike the smaller digital instruments in the predecessor, the new Digital Cockpit also offers various graphical ‘views’ – including integration of the map display from the (optional) navigation system. What is more, using the View button on the multifunction steering wheel, the driver can now also call up a retro display as a graphic of the Digital Cockpit which shows the instrument view of a late-model Golf I from the 1980s. In this case, there is a classic speedometer on the left and a rev counter on the right. In the case of the ID.3 Neo, however, it does not display the engine speeds, but rather the energy output or energy absorption (by recuperation) of the drive as a power display. In addition, other modern functions such as the display for Dynamic Road Sign Display and other assist systems are integrated into the layout of the retro display. The Innovision infotainment system has also been newly developed and redesigned. It replaces the previous Discover system and, like the previous version, will be launched in three configuration levels. A new app store has also been integrated into the In-Car Shop of the new infotainment system, which allows functions and services to be activated or extended digitally, flexibly and on a vehicle-specific basis. Like with a smartphone, popular apps relating to audio, video streaming, parking, charging and gaming are available here for download. The design and graphics of the touch display itself follow the display of models such as the ID.7, the current Golf or the new ID. Polo and ID. Cross. The crystal-clear display and the diagonal of 32.77 cm (12.9 inches) make the display look like a high-quality, horizontal tablet.
New features of the mobile online services. In the new software generation of the ID.3 Neo, the VW Connect package is implemented free of charge for ten years from initial delivery. In future, it will include numerous functions that were previously part of the VW Connect Plus paid offer, including the IDA online voice assistant, navigation services, a digital vehicle key, various charging services and several remote functions. In general, the specific functional scope of individual services depends on the hardware installed in the vehicle. In addition to the standard online features, Volkswagen offers clearly structured additional packages. These include:
- VW Comfort & Entertainment with, among other things, 20 GB data volume per month and a Wi-Fi hotspot (included for 1 year from initial delivery).
- VW Safe & Secure as an optional package with services such as support in the event of vehicle theft and Online Anti-Theft Alarm.
Digital vehicle key – access with mobile device. The new digital key for the ID.3 Neo enables convenient access to the vehicle with a mobile device – in other words, a smartphone or smartwatch. The function of the digital vehicle key supplements the classic vehicle key. Communication takes place wirelessly in a similar way to payment processes with a smartphone or smartwatch; a special app is not required.
Multifunction steering wheel with precise operation. The multifunction steering wheel has been completely redesigned with a rim that is flattened at the top and bottom and clearly structured button panels. The functions of the cruise control system or, depending on equipment, Adaptive Cruise Control and Connected Travel Assist are combined in the button group to the left of the airbag. Also located there: the redundant volume control in the ID.3 Neo. To the right of the airbag is the button panel for controlling the Digital Cockpit, activating the IDA voice assistant (together with ChatGPT) and operating the steering wheel heating (heating function can also be activated later on demand). The steering column switches for gear position and the parking brake (right) as well as for the turn signal, main beam and wiper functions (left) are located behind the steering wheel Integrated in the steering column: the separate start/stop button for the drive. The ID.3 Neo can also be started with the brake pedal depressed by turning the position selector to D or R. The central functions for the headlights and tail light clusters are located on the left of the dashboard.
Centre console with classic buttons. The central climate control functions – temperature control, blower, air conditioning on/off, automatic climate control mode, air recirculation, windscreen defroster, rear window heater – are integrated separately into a strip with buttons in the centre console, while the hazard warning light switch is located in the centre. The easy-grip buttons resemble rocker switches and look and feel like the controls in iconic sports cars. In the level below, there is a stowage compartment for two smartphones (on the driver side with inductive charging function depending on equipment), two drink holders that can be varied in size using plug-in elements and the centre armrest that can be folded out to the left and right. A large stowage compartment that can even accommodate an up to 13-inch tablet is located beneath the folded-open centre armrest.
Rotary audio control and second level of the centre console. A new rotary knob for the audio volume is integrated between the smartphone tray and the drink holders. It can also be used to change songs and stations using the track function. Volkswagen has responded here to the clear wish of customers to control the audio volume intuitively using a classic control instead of a slider. Practical: below this area of the centre console there is a second level, open to the sides, which offers space for a small handbag, for example. Volkswagen has also redesigned the door trims. As in the entire interior, haptically and visually more elegant materials are used here. There is now also a completely new touch panel in the driver’s door for the four electric windows, which are now much easier to operate.
AR head-up display. Like the ID.3, the new ID.3 Neo is optionally equipped with an augmented reality head-up display – still a unique feature in this segment. The AR head-up display projects the information relevant for driving into the driver’s field of view, so they can keep their eyes on the road. The active navigation of a mobile telephone connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is now integrated into the augmented reality display. In addition, there is once again the practical ID. Light, which uses an interactive LED strip in front of the lower area of the windscreen to alert the driver to dangers, for example, or displays intuitively understandable navigation, charging or telephone instructions. Depending on equipment, there will also be 10- or 30-colour background lighting on board the ID.3 Neo again.
Comfort for long journeys. Like all electric Volkswagen vehicles, the ID.3 Neo impresses with exceptionally good use of space. In combination with its ergonomic seats and good ranges, the fully-fledged five-seater also enables comfortable long-distance journeys with family or friends. As with the ID.3, Volkswagen will once again offer the ID.3 Neo with optional ergoActive front seats including electric adjustment, memory function, seat depth adjustment, pneumatic lumbar support and massage function.
Space for travel. Behind the asymmetrically split and folding rear seat backrest equipped as standard, there is a practical luggage compartment with a volume of 385 litres. If the rear seat backrest is folded down, the maximum luggage capacity of the 1,601 mm long load compartment increases to 1,267 litres. The ID.3 Neo will also be optionally configurable with a practical bracket for bicycle carriers. This is concealed behind the hinged number plate cover for optimal accessibility and is simply plugged in when required. Thanks to a drawbar load of up to 75 kg, it is also suitable for transporting heavy e-bikes.