VW's Tesla-challenging ID.3 panned in Germany

Volkswagen hopes it’s the car to beat Tesla.

The ID.3 hatchback is so important to the firm, German chancellor Angela Merkel turned up to launch production.

But the vehicle has been given a cold reception at home.

Germany’s most influential testing publication says the ID.3 isn’t up to VW’s usual standards.

Auto Motor und Sport said the inside of the hood looked like it was painted with a spray can.

It slated uneven panel gaps, an infotainment system that takes ages to fire up, and satellite navigation that fails to work.

The range is disappointing too, it says.

Now the tough review comes after VW’s labour chief criticised the electric vehicle programme for falling behind schedule.

The company in March rejected that criticism, but admitted that the cars needed last-minute improvements.

VW chief Herbert Diess last week drove Tesla’s Model Y compact SUV.

He said the vehicle was a benchmark for the German firm in many aspects including user experience, updatability, driving features and range.

The Volkswagen Group, which also includes brands like Audi, Porsche and Skoda, plans to launch 75 electric cars by 2029.

Analysts, and car buyers, will be watching to see if future reviews are any better.