In an era when electric cars are taking over the roads like a silent invasion, one model stands out for its straightforward approach: the refreshed Volkswagen ID.3. This compact hatchback, available from Belgian dealers starting at around €39,000, proves you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a car that accelerates confidently, offers plenty of space for daily use, and delivers a range that lets you drive from Antwerp to Brussels without breaking a sweat. With realistic range figures around 400 kilometres in mixed conditions, it shrugs off the traffic jams and rain that so often plague our country.
The design is clean and distinctive, with a friendly front end that gives a wink and rear lights that add a modern signature. No unnecessary gimmicks—just a car that looks fresh without shouting for attention. Park it in the narrow streets of Ghent or Leuven, and it feels right at home: short enough to squeeze into a tight spot, yet with a wheelbase that works wonders for rear legroom. The interior has been upgraded with better materials, an intuitive 12-inch touchscreen, and a head-up display that keeps your eyes on the road. Everything feels solid, as you’d expect from Volkswagen, with clever storage compartments and a 385-litre boot that easily swallows your shopping or holiday luggage.
Under the bonnet—or rather, under the floor—lies a 58 or 77 kWh battery paired with a 150 kW electric motor, delivering 204 hp. Zero to 100 km/h in about 7.5 seconds: not the fastest rocket, but smooth and silent, with torque that gives you an instant push when merging onto the E40. The larger battery claims over 550 km officially, but in a Belgian winter with the heating on, aim for 400—more than enough for most journeys. Charging? Up to 170 kW DC, meaning 10 to 80 percent in half an hour at a fast charger, quicker than a coffee break. And with adjustable regenerative braking, you recover energy in traffic as if the car is thinking ahead for you.
It’s not without its quirks: the touchscreen controls almost everything, which takes some getting used to if you prefer physical buttons, and on uneven cobbles you feel the firm suspension. But compare it to a Cupra Born—sportier but pricier—or a BYD Dolphin, cheaper but with less premium feel. The ID.3 wins on balance, with five-star Euro NCAP safety, adaptive cruise control that eats up traffic jams, and tax advantages in Flanders: no registration tax, minimal road tax, and premiums that bring the price down. For companies, it’s deductible like few others.
Drive it on Flemish roads or through Walloon twists, and you get it: this is electric driving without the drama—practical and enjoyable. The ID.3 isn’t a show pony, but a reliable workhorse that makes switching to electric easier than ever, proving German engineering pairs perfectly with batteries.
Ready for your own electric adventure? Dive into our marketplace, where you can browse and buy 100% electric cars without any hassle. Discover the range at https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
