The ID.3 isn’t becoming the ID. Golf… yet.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is getting a facelift for 2026, plus a new name.
But whereas the facelifted ID.4 will be renamed the ID. Tiguan and the new small EV will be called the ID. Polo, VW’s family-size electric hatchback will be called the ID.3 Neo.
Why not ID. Golf? Well, that’ll be the next-generation car that’s due in a few years time. Why ID.3 Neo? We’re not really sure why it needed renaming, given that it still features the ID.3 moniker.
The new car will be released in April 2026, when we’ll see the extent of the styling changes. These renders hint at reprofiled bumpers and tweaked headlights, plus new wheels. The badging shot below suggests a new, darker blue paint colour.
We know that the Volkswagen ID.3 Neo will benefit from an updated Travel Assist system, which groups all of the driver assistance tech into a semi-autonomous driving package. The systems can now detect traffic lights, and the ID.3 Neo will offer full one-pedal driving – meaning the car will come to a complete standstill when you take your foot off the accelerator.
Currently, the car slows itself down to a few miles per hour, then the driver has to apply the brake to come to a full stop.
The ID.3 Neo will also offer Vehicle-to-Load functionality, letting you power small electricals such as a coffee machine or an e-bike from the car’s battery.
As part of this tech-lift, the ID.3 Neo will let you use your phone as the car’s key, meaning you don’t have to take both items with you.
While we haven’t seen the interior of the ID.3 Neo yet, VW says that physical buttons have been reinstated to make it easier to control the car’s functions.
More details will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Versatile Volkswagens for you
Shop used Volkswagen ID.3 cars for sale at Motorpoint, or read our Volkswagen ID.3 review to see what we think of the outgoing model.
