G3 Evolution Vs IM608: Complete Review & Comparison

In practice, both IM608 and G3 Evo cover the common domestic and Asian models, but their sweet spots differ. The Autel IM608 (Pro or Pro II) covers virtually every major US brand out of the box – Ford F-series, Chevrolet/GMC trucks, Dodges, Jeeps, RAMs, and so on – and nearly every foreign brand commonly seen on US roads. It supports full key programming and diagnostics for most Ford models and covers Chevy, Cadillac, GMC, Buicks, plus all FCA makes (Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, RAM) – even newer encrypted systems if you have the extra AutoAuth package. On top of that, it handles Toyota/Lexus/Scion, Honda/Acura, Nissan/Infiniti, Hyundai/Kia, VW/Audi, BMW/MINI, Mercedes, Mazda, Subaru, Volvo, Land Rover/Jaguar, etc.. In short: one IM608 Pro can do nearly every car you drive or tow, with only rare exceptions (EV key programming is limited, and some very new BMWs or Teslas may need other tools).
The G3 Evolution has a different strategy. It covers everything the Autel does on familiar rides (US and Asian vehicles via OBD-II), plus a ton of trickier cases.

By design, G3 Evo handles all the day-to-day key jobs – transponder and remote key programming on Camrys, Accords, F-150s, Elantras, etc. It adds support for older non-OBD cars and high-end Euro models. For example, cars like a 2003 Honda or 2005 Toyota Corolla (with no direct OBD path to the immobilizer) are things that bite many tools – G3 Evo’s dedicated EEPROM reader can pull chip data and make new keys out of them. It can even pull PIN codes out of Chrysler’s old SKREEM modules on 2004–2008 Pacificas (a must-do before adding keys). On the European front, G3 Evo includes the KC100 pre-coding module, so it will program BMW CAS1–3 keys, VW Mqb-platform cars, Land Rovers, Fiats and the like by writing chip data as needed. 

If your work is mostly new domestic and Asian cars, both tools will do the job. If you chase European jobs (Mercs, BMWs) or Chrysler/Dodge, IM608 handles them easily, often straight OBD. If you run into weird older Hondas, Toyotas or Chrysler Pacificas, G3 Evo can do them on the spot via EEPROM or SKREEM pull, whereas IM608 would need the XP400 bench module (sold separately). IM608 is unbeatable on high-end Euro diagnostics (with the right adapters), but G3 Evo’s extra hardware fills the “niche” coverage gaps.

Let’s talk tech, the features that matter day-to-day.

Connectivity

The G3 Evolution’s big selling point is wireless. It comes with a compact Wi-Fi VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface). That means you don’t have to be physically tethered at the vehicle; you can retreat to the van and control it via WiFi (signal indicator on-screen helps you stay in range). IM608 Pro/II uses a wired USB-to-OBD cable (the J2534-based VCI) and sits on the dash or hood.

Screen & Tablet

Both come with an Android tablet interface. The original IM608 Pro is running Android 4.4 with 2GB RAM, 64GB storage; the new IM608 Pro II jumps to Android 10 with 4GB RAM, 128GB storage. It’s faster and supports the latest drivers. G3 Evolution runs a modern tablet too (quad-core CPU, 4GB RAM, 64GB storage), and claims to run tasks ~25% faster than its predecessor. In practice, G3 Evo boots faster and switches functions quickly, while the older IM608 can lag a bit switching modes. But honestly, both feel responsive enough for daily use.

EEPROM/MCU programming

When a car won’t program via OBD, you need bench gear. Autel supplies the XP400 Pro module with the IM608 Pro kits (or sold separately) to do MCU dumps and eeprom reads on chip-based systems. G3 Evo has built-in EEPROM reading/writing in its workflow (no extra dongle, just cables).

For example, if your customer brings a 2000 Honda Civic with all keys lost, G3 Evo guides you through reading the immobilizer chip by wiring to the ECU, whereas with the IM608 you’d remove the ECU and use the XP400 to dump the memory. Both methods work, but G3’s interface makes it feel more straightforward. On Chrysler Pacificas, G3 Evo pulls the PIN from the SKREEM chip via EEPROM (again, built-in); Autel can do Chrysler but often requires file unlocking (with AutoAuth subscription) or benching.

Key Pre-coding & Modules 

G3 Evo includes the XTOOL KC100 module to pre-write smart key data for advanced systems – think 4th/5th-gen VW immobilizers, BMW CAS, ProMaster, Fiat, etc. IM608 itself doesn’t come with a dedicated key writer. Autel does offer a separate APB112 smart key emulator and the KM100 (Xhorse) kit, but those are extra purchases. So out of the box, G3 Evo will program VW/BMW smart keys without needing the car online, Autel users often need the G-BOX2 or XP400 plus extra steps.

Smart Assist & Guidance 

G3 Evo’s software has a “Smart Assist” feature – basically an on-screen assistant that throws you tips and diagrams as you work. It will suggest which transponder chip to use, show key blade info (MACS codes, depths, etc.), and even recommend FCC IDs for remotes (coming soon). Autel’s IM608 UI is comprehensive but more flat-menu based; it doesn’t have the same feature, though it does have detailed submenus and a “Smart Mode” to let it auto-detect key type.

Subscriptions & Coverage Updates 

Both machines require ongoing subscriptions to stay fully updated. Once you buy one, budget for annual updates. If you let either lapse, you still have “offline” capabilities, but you won’t get new car protocols or cloud decryption. a dead subscription means you might survive on older-model work but won't be able to do new-model jobs.