Used car check: VW ID.3 - better than expected

The launch of the VW ID.3 was rather bumpy. But there is no sign of this at the TÜV: the electric car has a very high proportion of defect-free vehicles.

Things didn't go so smoothly with the market launch of the VW ID.3 at the end of 2020. Software problems and the outbreak of the corona pandemic, among other things, delayed the launch of the electric compact model. The first model in the new ID family also came under criticism for cheap-looking plastic surfaces in the interior, software problems and poorly operated and unlit sliders for controlling the music volume, for example. The TÜV knows what points of criticism there are in the main inspection.

Quality

The results of the first two main inspections (HU) at the TÜV show that the ID.3 is solidly built, at least as far as the TÜV-relevant inspection points are concerned. The proportion of defect-free, two to three-year-old vehicles is 92.5 percent, above the average of the vehicles tested (90.1 percent).

The VW electric car also has a higher defect-free rate in the age group of four to five-year-old cars (91.2 to 85.9 percent). So far, TÜV inspectors have criticized the averagely aged axle suspension and the suboptimal performance of the foot brake.

body and interior

The ID.3 is only available as a five-door model. It measures 4.26 meters in length and has almost identical dimensions to the Golf. In terms of height (1.57 meters) and wheelbase (2.77 meters), however, the electric car surpasses its corporate brother by 8 and 14 centimeters respectively. The occupants of the ID.3 can look forward to a generous amount of space.

The trunk volume is between 385 and 1267 liters, depending on the position of the rear seat backrests. Not only is the feeling of space good, the ergonomics are also good. Visually, the electric car is easily recognizable as a member of the VW family, the designers have avoided overly futuristic-looking elements.

In mid-2023, the ID.3 received a facelift, with the interior, which had been criticized as being too simple, being upgraded and the infotainment system being given a software update.

engines and drive

Initially, buyers could choose between a 110 kW/150 hp and a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor, each of which drives the rear axle. There were also three battery sizes to choose from (45, 58 and 77 kWh), although the small battery could only be combined with the basic motor.

Depending on the combination chosen, the ID.3 has a WLTP range of 350 to 550 kilometers. The charging power varies depending on the model from 50 kW (base) to 125 kW (204 hp, 77 kWh battery). Since the beginning of 2024, the entry-level engine has produced 125 kW/170 hp and is coupled to a 52 kWh battery. New to the range are the variant with 170 kW/231 hp and the powerful GTX versions, which produce 210 kW/286 hp (GTX) and 240 kW/326 hp (GTX Performance).

The top speed of the GTX models is 180 km/h, while all other versions are limited to 160 km/h. The range of the ID.3 is now between 388 and 604 kilometers, depending on the battery size. Up to 170 kW of charging power is available.

equipment and safety

The names of the equipment lines and their details have changed over the years. Initially there were Pro, Life, Style, Business and Tech, but now they are called Pure, Pro, Pro S and GTX. Pre-configured vehicles could be customized by first-time buyers using various equipment lines and packages.

Anyone interested in a previously owned ID.3 must study the comfort features of their desired model carefully. At the beginning, even the basic versions came with a sat nav as standard, but later it was only available for an additional charge or with a higher equipment line. Since the facelift, VW has streamlined and simplified the range structure.

Conclusion

Despite initial problems (keyword: software), the VW ID.3 is a well-made electric car that offers different battery sizes and different engine performance levels. The fact that the interior only partially meets the standards of the Golf has to be accepted. On the other hand, the electric car has so far done well in the TÜV inspection. Around 2,000 used VW ID.3s are currently being offered at mobile.de. Prices start at around 13,000 euros.