Volkswagen updated the pricing for the facelifted 2023 ID.3 in Germany, making it significantly more expensive than before while reducing the available trims. Compared to the market launch of the VW ID.3 in 2020, the price increase on the same trim levels varies between €6,088-10,149 (equivalent to $6,414-10,693 at current exchange rates) or between 15-25%.

More specifically, according to the official configurator, the cheapest currently available trim of the compact EV is the ID.3 Pro Life starting at €43,995 ($46,336), when two years ago it was listed for €37,788 ($39,804), translating to an increase of €6,207 ($6,541).

Read: BMW Rumored To Increase U.S. Prices By As Much As 3.7% In 2023

Things are even worse for prospective buyers of higher trim levels. The mid-spec ID.3 Pro Style which has more features including the matrix LED headlights and the panoramic glass roof, now starts from €51,095 ($53,832) compared to €40,946 ($42,878) back in 2020. This means it got more expensive by €10,149 ($10,693), increasing its price by a whopping 25%.

The most expensive trim money can buy is the ID.3 Pro S Tour, which is the only one fitted with the long-range 77 kWh battery pack (lesser trims have the smaller 58 kWh battery). The Tour comes with a four-seater cabin, while standard equipment includes plenty of premium features like 20-inch wheels, IQ.Light matrix LED tech, the Travel Assist ADAS, and the Augmented reality head-up-display. For all this, you need to pay €56,500 ($59,230), when two years ago the same trim used to cost €48,432 ($50,772) ,or €8,068 ($8,458) less.

Unfortunately, Volkswagen discontinued the entry-level ID.3 Pure Performance which retailed for €31,960 ($33,659), making the EV accessible to a larger customer base. However, we must note that this variant had a less powerful electric motor and a more basic kit. It is also not clear at the moment if it is going to make a return in the future lineup.

Note that all of the aforementioned prices are before any incentives from the German government that can reach up to €9.5k ($10k). A good thing is that the prices are valid for the upcoming ID.3 facelift. VW said that due to the semiconductor shortage and the order backlog, all of the existing orders for the aforementioned trims will be satisfied with the facelifted model. The first deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023

The mid-lifecycle update will bring improvements in the exterior design, interior quality, and standard equipment. For example, all of the trims will come standard with a larger 12-inch touchscreen for the updated infotainment. However, the additions are not near enough to justify such a significant increase in prices. Other factors include the high inflation rates and the increased costs of raw materials making most new models too expensive for the large majority of low and medium-income families in Europe.