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The covers have finally come off the fully-electric Volkswagen ID.3 at the Frankfurt motor show.

 

At launch in Europe, the brand’s first mass-market, fully-electric model will start in price “below €30,000” which translates to approximately $48K AUD.

 

Australian EV enthusiast will need to be patient, the ID.3 isn't scheduled to arrive locally until 2022.

 

Like all future ID. models, the ID.3 is built on the new modular electric drive matrix (MEB), which has been designed for an electric drive system.

 

In its home market, Volkswagen will offer the car with three battery size options that drive a 150kW/310Nm electric motor mounted on the rear axle. Every variant has a top speed of 160km/h.

 

The range opens with a 45kWh battery that offers an electric driving range of up to 330km (as per WLTP). Moving to the 58kWh battery increases the range to 420km, while the range-topping 77kWh option can cover up to 550km.

 

When using a 100kW DC fast charger, 290km of range can be added to the battery in around 30 minutes.

 

The battery pack is integrated into the underbody, which has a positive effect on driving dynamics, as it lowers the centre of gravity.

 

In terms of size, Volkswagen says the ID.3 is approximately the size of a Golf with interior space to rival the Passat.

 

On the inside, buyers get a fresh layout with a newly developed, centrally positioned, 10-inch touchscreen providing all the key information.

 

Depending on the market, the entry-level ID.3 First Edition includes navigation, DAB+ digital radio, seat and steering wheel heating, armrests at the front, a Mode 2 charging cable and 18-inch light-alloy wheels.

 

Moving to the ID.3 First Plus adds a rear-view camera, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, unique seats, a centre console with two USB-C connections, ambient lighting, tinted windows, silver design highlights, matrix LED headlights, LED side lights, brake lights, turn indicators and tail light clusters as well as 19-inch light-alloy wheels.

 

The top-of-the-range ID.3 First Max brings an augmented reality (AR) head-up display, a Beats sound system, a large panorama sliding/tilting glass roof, 20-inch light-alloy wheels, lane keeping assist, lane change assist, wireless high-voltage smartphone charging and comfort seats.

 

Volkswagen expects the ID.3 to reach Australia in 2022 at the earliest. There is no local specification or pricing information at this stage.