Used car check
VW ID.3 – “very reliable” according to TÜV
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First there was malice and criticism, then improvements were made – Volkswagen's electric Golf successor is now even available as a GTI replacement, the GTX, with extra power. According to TÜV, the result of the general inspection is “pleasing”.
The ID.3 marks a turning point at VW: It is the brand's first electric car built from scratch. It was intended to be a worthy successor to the Golf – only without local exhaust fumes, but with drive power from the battery.
However, sales fell short of expectations and there was criticism because of the perceived quality and the bumpy software start. But the TÜV test bench reports: “Despite all the teething problems, VW's ID.3 delivers a pleasingly solid HU performance.”
Model history
The first delivery of the ID.3 was in late summer 2020. However, Apple Carplay, Android Auto and parking assistance were still missing, which only became available as part of software updates.
After criticism of the material appearance in the interior and software, VW brought forward the facelift in 2023. The plastics on the door sills and the dashboard were softly foamed and the seats were upholstered in a more elegant way. Since then, the car has also been able to charge bidirectionally, has a redesigned front section and fresh taillights. The aerodynamics have also been improved to a drag coefficient of 0.263.
Body and variants
The ID.3 belongs to the compact class; unlike the Golf, it has a relatively high body. It is available as a four- and five-seater. In 2024, VW launched the performance-enhanced GTX version – essentially a GTI model like the Golf. As is common with electric cars, there is a selection of different battery capacities.
Dimensions (according to TÜV)
- 4.26 meters x 1.81 meters x 1.56 to 1.57 meters (L x W x H)
- Trunk volume: 385 to 1267 liters
Strengthen
“The proportion of defect-free vehicles is high and certainly also a result of the overall low mileage,” writes the “Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025”. The young age also contributes to the fact that the axle springs and damping are “top” and the steering is praised. The front lighting and the relevant cables and hoses when it comes to brakes are also exemplary.
Weaken
According to the report, what causes problems with the chassis are the axle suspensions; interested parties should have these checked separately; The complaint rates increase again for the second test cycle when the vehicle is five years old. The foot brakes are noticeable right from the first HU; they often don't work as they should. The TÜV report also points out possible software problems with infotainment that are not part of the HU statistics.
Breakdown behavior
In the ADAC breakdown statistics, Wolfburg's compact class electric car is a blank slate: the club is “not aware of” any conspicuous components; based on the documented numbers, it has so far classified the ID.3 as “very reliable”. However, the model has already been subject to a number of recalls, including, according to the TÜV report, due to problems with the vehicle software.
Motors, battery and range (according to ADAC)
- Permanent magnet synchronous machine (rear-wheel drive): 107 kW/145 HP to 240 kW/326 HP.
- Battery: 55 to 82 kilowatt hours (kWh)
- Range: 351 to 563 kilometers (according to WLTP measurement method)
Dealer sales value according to the Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers – three price examples
- ID.3 Pro S (four-seater; 1/2020); 110 kW/150 HP (electric); 54,000 kilometers; 21,424 euros
- ID.3 Pro Performance Business (6/2021); 150 kW/204 HP (electric); 43,000 kilometers; 21,968 euros
- ID.3 GTX (1/2024); 210 kW/286 HP (electric); 8000 kilometers; 38,252 euros
