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Pros: no compromise on interior space, lots of equipment
Cons: purchase price, average performance
Volkswagen expands its electric vehicle range with the arrival of the ID.5, providing buyers with the choice of a coupe-like SUV look without any noticeable reduction in the driving range or interior space.
Volkswagen ID.5 Design
The Volkswagen ID.5 uses the same mechanical underpinnings as the ID.4, with a rear-wheel-drive transmission for the standard model and a 77kWh battery. Much of the sheet metal around the front is the same as the ID.4’s, but different front bumpers help to differentiate the two models. The design of the ID.5 differs the most at the rear. The new car gets a bespoke design from the rear doors back featuring a roofline that falls away into a hatchback rear with a discreet spoiler integrated into the tailgate.
Volkswagen equips all of its ID.5 models in Ireland with ID.Light LED matrix headlights that can dynamically illuminate the road without dazzling other road users, and rear lights with a three-dimensional LED appearance with dynamic indicators. Further standard details include 19-inch alloy wheels, with 20- and 21-inch versions optionally available, as is a glass roof. Meanwhile, a metallic section that runs from the A- to the C-pillar emphasises the different side profile. On the faster GTX model, this panel is finished in a darker colour to give the car an alternative look.
Volkswagen ID.5 Interior
You’ll have to look closely to spot any differences in the interior layout of the Volkswagen ID.5. It is identical to the ID.4 in the front, save for some slightly different trim panel inserts. As with Volkswagen’s other fully electric ID cars, a small digital display ahead of the driver also serves as the mounting point of the drive selector. This display is simple to read, with only the most pertinent data on show.
From the ID.5 Tech specification upwards, Volkswagen includes its augmented reality head-up display that projects information such as navigation prompts onto the windscreen in such a way that they appear to interact with the outside world. A 12-inch central touchscreen supports wireless connections with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there is also a wireless charging pad for compatible mobile devices.
Due to the shape of the roofline, there is a slight reduction in rear headroom in comparison to the ID.4, though only the tallest of passengers are likely to notice it. Most versions of the ID.5 feature rear privacy glass and heat-reflecting glazing that helps the car to maintain a comfortable temperature.
What might surprise some potential buyers is that the available boot space remains a somewhat respectable 549 litres. That volume can increase up to 1,561 litres when the rear seats fold forward and, should you need to tow, the ID.5 can pull 750kg unbraked and up to 1,200kg braked.
Volkswagen ID.5 Performance & Drive
If you’re expecting the ID.5 to have a sportier feel to match its looks, you might be disappointed. The overall driving experience is all but identical to the ID.4’s, though that’s no bad thing as both drive with a degree of comfort and refinement that ought to satisfy the majority of buyers. The choice of an entry-level 174hp electric motor makes the ID.5 a bit more affordable, though the 204hp version does provide better acceleration. Official figures show that it will go from 0-100km/h in 8.4 seconds, and the top speed is 160km/h.
The electric motor sends its power to the rear wheels and, while it isn’t fast by today’s standards, the Volkswagen’s on-road performance is more than enough for the average driver. When the 77kWh battery is fully charged, the ID.5 can cover 513 kilometres in WLTP conditions. That figure will vary according to how the car is being driven and its occupancy. Still, in our time with the car, we estimated that a realistic range figure of 390 kilometres was achievable. The ID.5 has a peak rapid charging rate of 135kW.
The ID.5 does feel very planted when driving, and even though faster bends it remains level and generally seems quite surefooted. The suspension does a decent job at absorbing and dissipating the more prominent bumps on the road and even with the optional larger wheels fitted, it remains quite comfortable. Its steering is light, and there is a good degree of regenerative braking, meaning the car will immediately start to slow itself and recuperate energy back into the battery when you lift your foot off the accelerator.
A more powerful ID.5 GTX produces 299hp thanks to a second motor placed on the front axle, meaning it is also the only ID.5 with all-wheel drive. The GTX benefits from sports suspension and Volkswagen’s ‘Progressive Steering’ setup. However, while it is the fastest of the ID.5 range, it isn’t a very stimulating or involving car to drive.
Volkswagen ID.5 Pricing
It may come with a good amount of standard equipment, but the Volkswagen ID.5 isn’t cheap. With a starting price of €54,995, it commands a premium over the ID.4 and is more costly than some rivals. There are four specification grades for the regular ID.5 and two versions of the higher performance ID.5 GTX model, the most expensive of which will cost €75,330.
Carzone Verdict: 3/5
Volkswagen might market the ID.5 as a separate model, but aside from a different roofline, there is little else to set it apart from the ID.4. While it comes with a good level of standard equipment, that doesn’t go far enough to justify the price hike unless you really rather its appearance.