Overview
- ADAC and the Fraunhofer Institute, which published tests Tuesday, found no acute health danger in four recent cars at a standard 23°C lab setting.
- Heating the cars to mimic parking in the sun pushed some pollutants up, including xylene over a precautionary value in a BYD Seal 6 and benzene over a guide value in a very new VW Golf.
- Younger cars emitted more total volatile organic compounds, with a 39-day Golf showing over five times the TVOC measured in the same model after about 200 days.
- Turning on ventilation or air conditioning in fresh-air mode cut in-cabin levels fast, so ADAC urges airing the car well after sun exposure.
- All cars stayed below the EU formaldehyde limit that takes effect in 2027 at 23°C, and buyers who face strong smells for weeks can file a defect complaint with the dealer.