FRANKFURT: Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport said that Volkswagen’s upcoming ID.3 electric vehicle wasn't really up to standard.
The German automobile magazine explained that the ID-3 wasn't on par with the automaker's usual fit and finish standards and wasn't happy with its limited operating range.
The remarks about the pre-production ID.3 came in a review that's ahead of its official launch
Reviewers from the magazine added that the underside of the hood looked poorly painted - much like with a spray can.
Such criticisms arrive as the company's chief executive Herbert Diess released his daily management of responsibilities of the Volkswagen brand due to criticisms handed over by the company’s labour leaders over his management style.
Further criticisms about the ID.3 by the reviewers also included uneven panel gaps, an infotainment system that takes too long to boot up, failed-to-launch navigation system and just 359km of range.
Not everything about the ID.3 was scathing though with praises given for its powertrain and ride.
VW's labour chief had criticised the company’s electric car programme for falling behind schedule and although the German carmaker rejected such criticism, it did admit that the vehicle needed some last-minute improvements.
Diess last week drove the Tesla Model Y and praised the vehicle.
“This car is for us in many aspects (not in all!) a reference: user experience, updatability, driving features, performance of the top of the range models, charging network, range,” said Diess.
VW plans to build 1.5mil electric cars by 2025, launch 75 new electric vehicles by 2029 and be capable of building 26 million vehicles.
The Volkswagen Group also has Porsche, Audi, Skoda, Bentley and Bugatti under its umbrella.
