MG4 vs. Volkswagen ID.3: Complete comparison 2026

The Chinese MG4 electric hatchback, also known as the MG4 EV or MG Mulan in selected markets, recently revitalized the affordable compact car category with its aggressive looks and sophisticated rear-wheel-drive architecture. Its direct challenger is the seasoned Volkswagen ID.3 (renamed ID.3 Neo as part of the latest update), which in its time kicked off a completely new electric era for the German automaker and today represents a proven market staple. In the following comparison, we will take a detailed look at how these two popular C-segment representatives stack up against each other and which of them represents the more sensible choice when choosing a reliable used car.

Looking at the exterior dimensions, you'll find that although both cars fall into the category of compact electric hatchbacks, each approaches the use of space slightly differently. The MG4 is overall 22 to 26 mm longer (4287 mm) and 27 mm wider (1836 mm) than the Volkswagen ID.3. In daily city traffic, these differences in footprint are practically negligible, and you can park both cars in tight spaces with similar ease.

The Volkswagen ID.3 bets on a slightly raised profile, which, with its shape and concept featuring a very short hood, remotely resembles a small MPV. This is primarily reflected in the overall height – the Volkswagen, with values reaching up to 1568 mm, exceeds the MG4 (1504–1516 mm) by about five to six centimeters. The lower and wider build of the MG4, on the other hand, gives it a much sportier, more low-slung appearance. Conceptually, this helps lower the center of gravity, which will please more enthusiastic drivers during more dynamic cornering.

The most important dimension that usually defines the utility value of a family car is the wheelbase. Although the Volkswagen ID.3 is shorter overall, its wheels are pushed to the very corners of the body. The result is a generous wheelbase of 2769–2771 mm, which is a significant 65 mm more than what the MG4 offers (2705 mm). In combination with the higher roof, this means in practice that the ID.3 can offer a noticeably airier cabin and slightly more knee room in the rear seats. The MG4, by contrast, refers more to the traditional layout of a classic hatchback and will appeal more to those who prefer a more conventional and lower driving position.

When choosing a compact electric car for everyday use, the trunk capacity plays an important role. Whether it's for family utility, regular shopping, or packing for a long weekend, every extra liter makes life easier. While the MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3 fall into the same size category and share a hatchback body style, a look into the trunk reveals clear differences between these popular used cars.

In its first generation, the Volkswagen ID.3 offers a very solid basic trunk capacity of 385 liters. If you fold down the rear seats, you get a generous total space of 1,267 liters. These values make it a highly practical companion, with a trunk that is easily accessible, has a regular shape, and can easily accommodate a folded stroller or bulkier luggage for a longer family vacation.

On the other hand, the MG4 in comparable model years provides a basic capacity of 350 to 363 liters (the slight difference depends on the specific version and equipment). After fully folding the rear backrests, the transport capacity increases to 1,165 to 1,177 liters. Although this space is still fully sufficient for regular weekend shopping and daily commuting, the ID.3 has a slight edge in this regard. The difference of roughly 20 to 35 liters in the base and approximately 100 liters with the seats folded down means valuable space for a few extra small bags in practice for the Volkswagen.

When choosing a family hatchback, the often-overlooked towing capacity plays a very important role. Whether you need to haul bulky garden waste or simply want to gain space for a few extra suitcases in the form of a small trailer, towing capacity takes the car's practicality to a new level. Furthermore, when comparing approximately four-year-old used cars in the world of electric vehicles, this parameter represents a major decision criterion for many buyers. With this specific pair, you will encounter a truly vast difference.

MG4: Basic capacity that pleases

The Chinese challenger MG4 (first generation sold in Europe since 2022) allows trailer towing, albeit to a slightly limited extent. Regardless of whether you choose the base version, the Extended Range model with a 64kWh battery, or the top-of-the-line variant with a 77kWh capacity, the car offers identical values:

• Standard and maximum braked trailer weight: 500 kg
• Standard and maximum unbraked trailer weight: 500 kg

The 500 kg value naturally won't make the MG4 an ideal tow vehicle for a heavy family caravan, but it is a capacity perfectly sufficient for a weekend purchase of building materials, transporting furniture, or attaching a compact utility trailer.

Volkswagen ID.3: For bicycles only

Conversely, the popular first-generation Volkswagen ID.3 (in the widely available 2020–2022 model years for Pro or Pro Performance versions) completely fails in this purely utilitarian discipline. This model was simply not homologated for towing utility trailers from the factory at all, which is why towing capacity values are completely missing from technical data databases.

• Practical catch: Although you may see a "tow bar" installed on some used cars from the ID.3 family, it is exclusively a preparation and support point for a rear bicycle carrier. The vertical tongue weight is usually rated for 55 to 75 kg, which can support e-bikes, but a standard trailer (not even an unbraked one with 0 kg load) cannot be legally attached to it due to the zero permitted trailer weight.

Final summary

What does this technical parameter mean in practice? If your lifestyle requires occasional towing of even a small trailer for common household chores or moving, a used MG4 represents the only functional choice of this pair. The Volkswagen ID.3, on the other hand, will limit you exclusively to roof boxes or rear bike carriers in terms of transporting external loads.

Both representatives, the MG4 and the Volkswagen ID.3, were developed from the ground up as purely electric rear-wheel-drive hatchbacks, ensuring more efficient weight distribution, a small turning circle, and excellent dynamics. For those interested in a used car, this means they can rely on modern zero-emission electric motors paired exclusively with a single-speed automatic transmission, albeit with very different philosophies. Volkswagen relies on long-standing German refinement and an established portfolio – the standard in the four-year-old used car market is a battery with a usable capacity of 58 kWh, which delivers 107 kW in the Pro version or a more spirited 150 kW in the Pro Performance version. The most powerful commonly available used ID.3 is the Pro S model with a 77 kWh battery and 150 kW output. On the other hand, the MG4, although it only entered the market in 2022, shook up the electric car market with a more diverse range and different battery chemistries. The standard MG4 electric motor provides 125 kW powered by a robust 51 kWh LFP battery. At the top of the model range, MG offers a unique XPOWER sports variant with all-wheel drive and an impressive total output of 320 kW, significantly outperforming even the newer sports versions of the ID.3. Volkswagen's strength lies in its predictable range and wide availability of various trim levels from the first years of production; its weakness, conversely, is the absence of a more powerful motorization in the oldest model years. The MG4 counters with solid performance even in the base model and the possibility of stunning acceleration in the top version, but as a slightly younger model, it may not be as widely represented on the secondary market. For budget-oriented drivers on daily shorter routes, the base MG4 is ideal; drivers spending time on highways will appreciate the proven ID.3 Pro S, and lovers of brutal performance will undoubtedly head for the MG4 XPOWER.

MG4 Powertrains

MG4's electric powertrains were created with the goal of covering the entire breadth of the market, from affordable variants for daily commuting to demanding sports enthusiasts. The base Standard version with a 51 kWh battery has an output of 125 kW and is the only one in the range to use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells, which better tolerate regular charging to full capacity. The middle of the range, which appears most frequently on the market, consists of the Comfort and Luxury models with a more traditional 64 kWh NMC battery and 150 kW output. Since summer 2023, an important detail when looking for slightly newer cars, the automaker began selling the Extended Range version with a larger 77 kWh battery and an electric motor boosted to 180 kW to maximize range. A real draw for fans of dynamics is the top-of-the-line XPOWER version (also available since July 2023), which, thanks to two electric motors, provides all-wheel drive and a massive total output of 320 kW. All versions use an automatic transmission with a fixed gear ratio.

Volkswagen ID.3 Powertrains

The Volkswagen ID.3 range has been very diverse since the start of production in 2020, which is positively reflected in the rich selection among four-year-old used cars; however, some motorizations have gradually disappeared from the price lists. A typical example is the base Pure Performance variant with a 45 kWh battery and 110 kW output, which was only produced briefly until August 2021, making it relatively rare on the used car market today. The bulk of used car sales consists of the Pro (107 kW) and the much more popular Pro Performance (150 kW) models, which relied on a 58 kWh battery. Production of the Pro Performance version was reduced at the end of 2022, meaning these older model years absolutely dominate the used car market. For long-distance drivers, the Pro S version was offered, combining a 150 kW electric motor with the largest 77 kWh battery. All mentioned models feature rear-wheel drive. It wasn't until 2024 that the range expanded to include the sharp GTX and GTX Performance sports versions (with outputs of 210 and 240 kW and a new 79 kWh battery), but these logically do not yet appear on the market of commonly available used cars.

Both models, the MG4 and the Volkswagen ID.3, rely on rear-wheel drive and modern electric platforms, offering similar performance and capacity variants. While the MG4 appeared on the European market in 2022 and bets on unexpectedly sporty driving characteristics thanks to its extremely thin battery design (just 11 cm thick), the Volkswagen ID.3 has been on the market slightly longer (since 2020), and its MEB platform emphasizes smoothness, comfort, and robust build quality. Interestingly, both manufacturers work with different battery chemistries for different versions – while the MG4 in its basic variant (51 kWh) uses LFP cells (cheaper, but heavier and more sensitive to cold), for larger capacities it switches to energy-denser NMC chemistry, which Volkswagen also exclusively used for these model years. For the market of approximately four-year-old used cars, these mid-range batteries with NMC technology are proving to be the best choice overall.

For the MG4, we recommend: Electric Comfort / Luxury (64 kWh, 150 kW)

This specification, produced mainly between 2022 and 2023, represents the absolute sweet spot of the range from the perspective of a four-year-old used car.

• Why it's the best choice: The version with the 64kWh battery offers a perfect compromise between purchase price and range. Unlike the basic 51kWh version, which uses LFP chemistry with poorer performance in winter and slower charging, the 64kWh version is suitable for year-round operation with much fewer compromises.
• Technical advantages: The NMC-type battery guarantees better efficiency in colder weather and a stable fast-charging curve (up to 135 kW). The electric motor's output of 150 kW (204 hp) and torque of 250 Nm give the light hatchback excellent dynamics. The real combined range reliably hovers around 350 km.
• Known risks and what to watch out for: The car's mechanics are durable, but early models from 2022 often suffered from unrefined onboard software. This can manifest as a freezing infotainment system, connection drops with the mobile app, and unnecessarily aggressive lane-keeping intervention. How to verify: During the test drive, test the assistance systems and check the display menu to see if the latest software version from the dealer is installed. Also focus on the chassis; occasionally, minor oil leaks appeared around the rear axle reducer in the first series.
• Who the car is ideal for: The car is perfect for dynamically minded drivers looking for agile driving characteristics. It serves perfectly for daily suburban commuting as well as weekend travel, where you will appreciate very decent speeds at charging stations.

For the Volkswagen ID.3, we recommend: Pro Performance (58 kWh, 150 kW)

This motorization, available especially on cars from 2020 to 2022, is the most rational and most sought-after choice on the used car market.

• Why it's the best choice: Although the ID.3 was also offered with a large 77kWh battery (Pro S), the 58 kWh model is about 150 kg lighter. This weight saving noticeably reduces consumption in the city and makes the car more maneuverable. Additionally, early Pro S versions with the heavier battery were often homologated for only four passengers due to payload limits, while the recommended Pro Performance is always a full five-seater.
• Technical advantages: The powerful electric motor with 150 kW (204 hp) and a massive torque of 310 Nm offers beautifully smooth and confident acceleration. The battery can realistically cover around 300 to 330 km on a single charge. Furthermore, models with updated software unlock increased charging power and better optimize battery thermal management.
• Known risks and what to watch out for: The main concerns for four-year-old electric vehicles are battery degradation and infotainment teething troubles. How to verify: Cars with a mileage of around 80,000 km may naturally show a decrease in battery capacity (SoH – State of Health) of about 8 to 10%. Always demand an up-to-date battery health certificate read from diagnostics from the seller – it will also serve as a great argument when negotiating the price. At the same time, verify on the central screen that the system has at least software version 3.0 (or newer); older 2.x versions mean slow screen responses and frequently freezing navigation.
• Who the car is ideal for: For families and drivers who prefer maximum comfort, top-tier insulation from ambient noise, and smoothness. It is a fantastic daily companion for commuting, safely transporting children, and occasional longer holiday trips.

For electric vehicles, the difference between official paper values and real-world energy consumption is a frequently discussed topic. While standardized measurements provide a useful basis for comparison, real-world driving experience tends to be different. To get the most accurate picture of how roughly four-year-old used cars perform on today's market, we can rely on real user data from aggregators and platforms such as Spritmonitor.de. We have therefore focused on the MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3 models from 2021 to 2023, which today represent a very rational and sought-after choice on the used car market.

The analysis of the measured data reveals clear and, in some cases, slightly surprising trends. Across its versions (from the base Pure version to the Pro S variants with the largest battery), the Volkswagen ID.3 shows exceptionally consistent and efficient consumption, hovering just above the 15 kWh per 100 km mark. The Chinese challenger, the MG4, fares slightly worse in terms of consumption, taking an average of around 16.5 kWh/100 km from the battery, which surprisingly applies equally to the standard range versions and the Extended Range variant. An interesting finding is that the more powerful powertrains in both models bring practically no deterioration in average consumption, proving the excellent software and hardware optimization of current electric motors.

For a typical user who uses the car mainly in suburban mode or for daily commuting, the real-world differences in consumption between these two models will be almost negligible. Conversely, for drivers who regularly tackle longer highway routes, the better aerodynamics and energy management of the Volkswagen ID.3 will be more noticeable – not only through a slightly lower bill for public fast charging but, above all, through a more reliable real-world range. For budget-oriented buyers, however, the MG4 as a used car can often be more price-attractive, easily compensating for that roughly ten percent increase in energy consumption compared to its German competition.

In the end, although the Volkswagen ID.3 is objectively the more economical electric car in this comparison, the difference of approximately 1 to 1.5 kWh per 100 kilometers is not vast from a user perspective. Energy consumption should therefore not be the sole and primary argument when making a decision. When choosing between these four-year-old cars, more weight should be given to the actual battery health of the specific unit, the total purchase price, and personal preferences regarding ergonomics or driving characteristics.

When looking for a roughly four-year-old pure electric hatchback, the Volkswagen ID.3 and MG4 are among the most interesting offers on the market. While the German representative entered the market slightly earlier (in 2020) and the market is thus saturated with a large number of cars from expired corporate leases, the Chinese-British MG4 only began selling in Europe in the second half of 2022. This slight age shift is fundamentally reflected in the current price map.

Volkswagen ID.3: The King of Amortization

For the Volkswagen ID.3, especially from the first years of production, the market has seen a relatively steep drop in prices. These cars suffered from minor software issues in the beginning, which the automaker gradually resolved via over-the-air (OTA) updates, but the earlier hit to their reputation accelerated their loss of value.

Thanks to this, a used ID.3 is now among the most affordable modern electric cars on the market. The very popular Pro Performance versions (with a usable battery capacity of 58 kWh and 150 kW output) can be found without much trouble even below the €16,000 mark. The customer thus gets an advanced and spacious car with a mature chassis for a fraction of its original list price.

MG4: Security in the Form of a Long Warranty

The MG4 Electric targeted the automotive market with an aggressive pricing policy even as a new car, which is reflected in used car sales today. The most affordable versions with the basic 51kWh battery start in dealerships at around €19,000. Better-equipped models with the larger 64kWh battery, which significantly improves real-world range and adds faster charging speeds, range between €23,000 and €27,000.

Although the entry price of a used MG4 is slightly higher than the cheapest ID.3 examples, it offers one very fundamental benefit for buyers. The brand provides a seven-year factory warranty on its cars (or up to 150,000 km), which is fully transferable to the next owner. Most MG4 used cars currently on sale thus have three to four years of worry-free coverage for unexpected defects ahead of them.

Summary of Key Differences When Buying

• Supply and variety: From a buyer's perspective, the ID.3 offers a significantly more diverse selection of configurations, colors, and trim levels, due to more massive fleet sales in previous years.
• Age and wear: Because the MG4 came to market slightly later, these used cars tend to be younger with proportionately lower mileage.
• What to watch out for: For the most affordable used VW ID.3s, it is crucial to verify the installation of all important software updates and the replacement of the 12V battery; for the MG4, we recommend carefully checking compliance with prescribed service intervals, which are a necessary condition for maintaining the aforementioned extended warranty.

Both compared models, the MG4 and the Volkswagen ID.3, earned the maximum five-star rating in independent Euro NCAP crash tests. When buying a used car, however, it is crucial to consider the year of testing and the associated context. Euro NCAP's methodology is constantly evolving and becoming stricter over time. Percentage results from different years cannot be directly compared, as newer protocols include more demanding frontal barriers, more advanced driver alertness monitoring, or complex detection of cyclists and pedestrians at intersections. The following data is based on the original homologation tests, which best correspond to cars sold today as roughly four-year-old used vehicles.

The MG4 model underwent crash tests in 2022. According to the very strict standards of the time, it achieved solid results across all measured categories. Adult occupant protection was rated at 83% and child protection at 80%. In the area of safety for vulnerable road users, which includes pedestrians and cyclists, the car recorded a good 75%. Active safety and assistance systems received 78%, clearly proving that even a relatively affordable electric hatchback can offer a modern and very sensitive array of sensors. An additional advantage of the MG4 model is that its five-star certification is valid for two years longer than that of older competitors.

The Volkswagen ID.3 underwent Euro NCAP tests at its market launch in 2020. Although these tests were conducted according to slightly milder criteria than for the MG4, the ID.3 clearly set the benchmarks for its class at the time. Adult protection was rated at an excellent 87% and child protection at an impressive 89%, making it a perfect candidate for family use. Safety assistance systems received a generous 88% from the assessors, although the car achieved a slightly weaker result of 71% for vulnerable road users. It is also useful to remember that the standard six-year validity of the original Euro NCAP certificate for the first 2020 ID.3 models will soon be coming to an end, although this does not change the physical robustness of the car itself.

Overall, these popular electric vehicles offer a comprehensive and top-tier level of safety. While the 2020 Volkswagen ID.3 scores with flawless passive occupant protection (especially for children in the rear seats), the MG4 benefits from being tested under more modern and stricter safety protocols that better reflect current standards for intelligent driving assistants.

In addition to standard equipment, each model offers several unique features that can be decisive for the customer, and both cars clearly show that they have their own and very distinctive approach to added value.

MG4: Sporting genes, revolutionary battery, and power bank function

The British-Chinese hatchback bets on technological innovations under the hood and features that will be appreciated by both enthusiastic drivers and practically-minded users.

• Chassis and platform: The car is built on the modern MSP (Modular Scalable Platform) architecture, which, thanks to the rear-mounted motor and rear-wheel drive, offers an ideal 50:50 weight distribution. This makes it one of the most agile electric vehicles in its class.
• Battery technology: The MG4 uses a unique "One Pack" battery system with a height of just 110 mm. The extremely flat battery radically lowers the car's center of gravity, improves driving dynamics, and frees up more space for the occupants.
• Electronics and power supply: A major daily benefit is the support for V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology. The car thus functions as a giant power bank and can power common electrical appliances from an external socket with an output of up to 2.2 kW, which is ideal for camping or powering a laptop on the go.
• Connectivity: The iSMART onboard system with a 10.25-inch screen offers extensive telematics, smartphone integration, and the possibility of remote access via a mobile app for pre-heating the interior or checking the charging status.
• Sporty variants: The MG4 doesn't forget about emotions. In its top-of-the-line XPOWER version, it features two electric motors, all-wheel drive (AWD), power exceeding 430 hp, and a Launch Control system. In this configuration, the everyday car becomes a genuine sporty "hot hatch."

Volkswagen ID.3: Augmented reality and smart minimalism

The German representative focuses on digitalization, light signature, and advanced electronic assistants aimed at maximizing ease of daily use and increasing safety.

• Assistance systems and telematics: A crucial optional feature is the AR Head-up display (with augmented reality). It doesn't just project information onto the glass but virtually places dynamic navigation arrows and assistance system warnings directly onto the road in front of the car.
• Light interaction: In addition to the top-tier IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, the ID.3 features the unique ID. Light system. This is a narrow LED light strip running under the windshield that communicates with the driver through color animations – it smoothly shows the direction of turns according to the navigation, warns of braking, or visualizes the battery charging status.
• Software innovations: The system is fully ready for Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates. Thus, the ID.3 can learn new things over the years, and the manufacturer can remotely improve vehicle functions and battery management without you having to visit a service center.
• Smart design details: Volkswagen demonstrates a playful approach to electromobility on the pedals. The accelerator pedal is marked with a "Play" symbol and the brake pedal with a "Pause" symbol, which fits perfectly into the overall digital concept of the interior.
• Comfort and parking: The sophisticated Park Assist Plus system (available in higher versions and with newer software updates) features a memory function. The car can record and learn a repetitive parking maneuver (for example, difficult entry into a narrow home garage) and then perform it completely automatically.

The MG4 is an ideal choice for pragmatic yet enthusiastic drivers looking for an affordable and engaging electric car. Thanks to the long factory warranty and excellent value for money, you can easily overlook minor compromises in material quality or display ergonomics.

The Volkswagen ID.3 targets buyers who require a spacious, quiet, and exceptionally comfortable electric car for daily urban and suburban commutes. Although used cars from the first years of production suffer from unrefined infotainment and cheaper plastics, the car makes up for it with unrivaled agility and the solidity of an established brand.

Based on data from the CarAudit service, which involves a detailed independent inspection of the car's technical condition, and based on long-term user feedback and service statistics, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of used models should watch out for.

The MG4 is one of the most popular and affordable electric cars, however, used cars from the early years (from 2022) show certain teething troubles, mainly concerning software and panel alignment.

• Electronics and software: Users quite often report slow responses from the center display, minor software errors in menu translations, or occasional connectivity drops when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
• Assistance systems (MG Pilot): The Lane Assist function is widely known for its overly aggressive and inaccurate steering interventions, forcing many drivers to manually turn this system off after every start.
• Build quality and chassis: Customers of used cars sometimes encounter imperfect alignment of body parts, a thinner layer of paint, or creaking of some interior plastics. More rarely, faults with the drive mode selector may occur.
• Battery and powertrain: In neglected vehicles or those standing for a long time, the 12V battery can suddenly discharge, which can lead to complete immobilization of the car. Occasional errors during AC charging are also common. In the first series, mechanics exceptionally recorded minor oil leaks from the electric motor's reduction gear, which is also a focus of the physical inspection of a used car.

The Volkswagen ID.3 went through a relatively complex development in its first years of production (2020–2022), which is reflected in the list of typical ailments for roughly four-year-old used cars – most of them, however, have fortunately been resolved by now through warranty repairs or software updates.

• Software and infotainment: Earlier software versions (especially the 1.x and 2.x branches) suffered from slow responses, screen freezing, and occasional restarts of the entire system while driving. For used cars, it is therefore critically important to check whether the vehicle has undergone an over-the-air (OTA) or service update to version 3.0 or newer, which significantly improves smoothness.
• Electronics and 12V battery: A common problem with the very first model years was the failure of the 12V battery, which prevented the car from starting. The manufacturer replaced it in the vast majority of vehicles as part of recall campaigns. Relatively rarely (but all the more expensively), the need to replace a faulty module of the main traction battery appeared in the oldest units.
• Build and interior: Pre-facelift versions of the ID.3 are often criticized for cheaper, hard plastics in the interior, which are prone to quick scratching and tend to creak. Users also dislike the unlit touch bar for volume control and the overly sensitive capacitive buttons on the steering wheel, which can easily be pressed by mistake.
• Assistance systems: Adaptive cruise control with predictive sign recognition can sometimes be confused – it happens that it reads a speed limit from a highway exit or from an adjacent truck lane and forces the vehicle to suddenly slow down sharply.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is key. Here are several specific points to focus on with these two electric models, ideally as part of an independent technical inspection of the car.

When choosing an MG4:

• Software version and stability: The infotainment in early models (from 2022) can be slow, confusing, or occasionally freeze. During the test drive, test the response of the central display and the launch of various functions. Also focus on the Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), which was sometimes dangerously aggressive from the factory and had to be addressed in many cars through calibration or a service update.
• Oil leaks from the electric motor reduction gear: If you have the opportunity to put the car on a lift or use the CarAudit service, carefully check the rear axle. A known defect in some older MG4 units is leaks and oil seepage from the rear differential/reduction gearbox.
• Build quality: Turn off the radio during the drive and listen. In some cars, unpleasant noises and resonances occur, most often from the front door panels or due to a poorly fitted aerodynamic underbody cover, which can vibrate at higher speeds.
• Charging behavior and port condition: Test (ideally also on a DC fast charger) how smoothly communication with the station proceeds and whether the car interrupts charging. Also check the charging port itself – the locking pin occasionally fails, making it impossible to release the cable from the car.

When choosing a Volkswagen ID.3:

• Software update history: Cars from the first years of production (2020 and 2021) struggled with extremely unrefined and unstable software, manifesting as screen freezes or a non-functional parking assistant. In the onboard system menu, verify that the car has at least software version 3.0 or newer installed, ideally performed directly at an authorized service center.
• The treacherous 12V onboard battery: The large and power-hungry onboard system would quickly drain the standard 12V battery. During major software updates, VW dealers therefore proactively replaced the 12V battery with a more durable type. Check the service history to ensure this intervention was carried out on the car.
• Noises from the heavy chassis: Batteries mean high weight, which takes a toll on axle components. When driving over bumps, potholes, or speed bumps, listen for any hollow knocking sounds. Most often, these are worn stabilizer links or control arm bushings. A thorough physical inspection of the used car should rule out these play issues.
• Rear tires disappear before your eyes: The Volkswagen ID.3 is rear-wheel drive, and the electric motor's instant torque can wear out the rear tires very quickly if the previous owner had a heavy foot. Therefore, the tread depth on the rear axle is often significantly less than at the front.
• False error reports (e.g., eCall): During the test drive, watch for any unexpected error messages popping up on the instrument cluster. A common ailment is the emergency assistance system (SOS) warning lighting up, which usually indicates a damaged communication module and requires professional intervention.

Sources: ADAC, auto.cz, svetmotoru.cz, motorvize.cz, autoweb.cz, autobox.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.