Alright, let’s dive into Volkswagen’s latest stab at sprucing up its electric darlings, the ID.3 and ID.4. These cars, meant to be the flag-bearers of VW’s green revolution, have been knocking about for a while, haven’t they? And let’s be real, they’ve taken a fair bit of flak: glitchy infotainment, interiors that feel like they were designed by someone who loathes fun, and a nagging sense that they’re not quite the electric saviors VW hyped them up to be. But hold your horses, because Volkswagen has rolled up its sleeves, cracked its knuckles, and unleashed a facelift for both models that, they vow, will sort everything out. Everything! Let’s wade into this electric circus and see if it’s all hot air or sheer brilliance.
First up, the ID.3. This is VW’s electric riposte to the Golf, a car meant to be the people’s champ but ended up more like the people’s piñata. Early owners griped about a touchscreen with a mind of its own, buttons that weren’t buttons but maddening “touch sliders,” and an interior that looked like it was built on a budget tighter than a miser’s purse. The 2023 facelift already tried to slap on some bandages: better infotainment, a slightly less dreary cabin, and sharper looks. But apparently, that didn’t cut it. The 2025 facelift, which VW’s touting like it’s the end of days, promises to go further. They’ve taken cues from their little sibling, the upcoming ID.2. Think flashier tech, a cabin that doesn’t feel like it was sketched in a spreadsheet, and maybe, just maybe, they’ll ditch that cursed unlit touch slider. The ID.3 now comes in nine flavors, with battery options ranging from a 45 kWh pack for 425 km of range to a Pro S model boasting 553 km. It’s got a 204 hp motor that’ll zip to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and can slurp 125 kW of power to hit 80% charge in 38 minutes. Not too shabby, right? But here’s the kicker: it’s got drum brakes at the back. Drum brakes! In 2025! What’s next, a flip phone?
Then there’s the ID.4, the bigger sibling meant to take on the family SUV crowd. It’s been a bit of a sales dud, with VW’s Emden factory dialing back production because, frankly, nobody’s buying it. The Skoda Enyaq, its platform-mate, has been nicking its lunch money, and even the upcoming ID.7 hasn’t exactly set pulses racing. But VW’s not throwing in the towel. The 2025 facelift for the ID.4 promises more power and better efficiency, thanks to a new electric motor rolling out across the ID range. This motor, they claim, delivers more oomph while sipping less juice. The ID.4’s also getting a price slash, dipping below $30,000 in the U.S. market, though you’ve got to be quick to grab one before the deal vanishes like a politician’s pledge. And yeah, it’s got some new toys—better software, maybe a less infuriating touchscreen, and some exterior tweaks to make it look less like a fridge on wheels.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Volkswagen’s track record. The ID.3 was once Europe’s top-selling EV in October 2020, a brief moment of triumph before the complaints started flooding in. The ID.4, meanwhile, has been outshone by its Czech cousin, the Enyaq, which shows you can build a solid EV on the same platform without ruffling everyone up. VW’s promising to fix the “biggest annoyance” with the ID.3 by 2026—likely that wretched touch slider—but you can’t help wondering if they’re just papering over the cracks. The ID.3’s sales are up 104% in Q1 2025, sitting pretty at number six in Europe, so maybe VW’s onto something. Or maybe buyers are just desperate for anything that’s not a Tesla.
What’s refreshing is VW’s newfound humility. They’ve admitted the ID.3 and ID.4 weren’t flawless, and they’re throwing everything at these facelifts to make things right. The interiors are getting plusher materials, the tech’s being dragged into the modern age, and there’s even talk of a sporty GTX version of the ID.3 with 328 hp and all-wheel drive. That’s the kind of thing that gets the pulse racing, though I’ll believe it when I see it. For now, the ID.3’s rear-wheel drive and tight turning circle make it a hoot to fling into corners, and the ID.4’s extra space is handy for those hauling kids or IKEA flatpacks. But both cars still feel like they’re playing catch-up in a world where Chinese EVs are coming for blood, and even VW’s own Skoda is showing them up.
So, what’s the verdict? These facelifts are Volkswagen’s bid to turn “meh” into “marvelous.” The ID.3 and ID.4 are getting more power, better range, and tech that might actually work without needing a PhD to operate. Prices are dropping, with the ID.3 slipping below €30,000 in some cases if you play the subsidy game right. But drum brakes? Touch sliders that still don’t light up? Come on, VW, it’s 2025, not 1985. There’s promise here, no doubt, but it’s hard to shake the feeling that VW’s still a step behind the curve. If you’re in the market for an electric hatch or SUV, these updated models are worth a gander, especially if you’re allergic to Tesla’s minimalist vibe or the badge snobbery of a BMW i4.
For those ready to dive into the world of 100% electric driving, check out our marketplace at Volty. You’ll find a range of electric cars, including the latest from Volkswagen, ready to zap you into the future.
