11:06 11-09-2025

2026 Volkswagen ID.3 update adds rear disc brakes, GTI mode and one-pedal drive

Volkswagen is readying a substantial update for the compact ID.3, slated for 2026. This second facelift will extend the model’s run to the end of the decade, before a new generation—ID. Golf—takes over. Along with refreshed styling and smarter electronics, the car will see a meaningful hardware shift: for the first time, the ID.3 will get rear disc brakes, a change that answers a long-standing talking point among owners.

Until now, the brand justified rear drums by pointing to strong regenerative braking, which leaves the back axle with little work to do, and to the lower cost and simplicity of drum systems. Even so, years of customer criticism have nudged Volkswagen toward a more familiar and effective setup. The move comes across as a pragmatic pivot that should sit well with buyers.

The sporty variant will evolve too: instead of the GTX badge, it will be called ID.3 GTI, underscoring continuity with the marque’s legendary hot hatchbacks. It will keep rear-wheel drive but add a dedicated GTI mode with unique suspension tuning, a sharper motor response, and even tailored sound. The GTI name carries weight, and pairing it with bespoke calibration promises a clearer performance identity.

Rounding out the update is a one-pedal drive function, allowing drivers to modulate acceleration and braking with a single pedal. Taken together, the changes position the refreshed ID.3 closer to what buyers have been asking for—while keeping faith with Volkswagen’s sporty traditions.