Review: The Volkswagen ID.5 — an ID.4 but with a curved rear body shape and a bigger price tag

Published on 11 September, 2022

Overview

When Volkswagen announced it was launching an ID.5 you would’ve been forgiven for thinking it would take a similar path to previous ID models: the ID.3 hatchback was followed by the ID.4 crossover, so surely the ID.5 would be a large practical family car? But no. In one fell swoop VW’s ID.4 has been given a “coupe” makeover. With a low, sleek roofline, the new ID.5 is a lumbering fusion of a sports car and SUV.

When the first coupe-styled SUV emerged on the market, baffled motoring critics may have questioned the point of it but showrooms worldwide resonated to the footsteps of customers and it seemed car makers, once again, demonstrated they can create demand for something we never knew we needed.

This week’s test car, resplendent in“king’s red” metallic paintwork, is the higher-spec ID.5 GTX. Billed as the electric successor to the iconic GTI, it comes with extra performance combined with all-wheel drive. The car is based on the same platform as the ID.3 and ID.4. The styling is masculine and purposeful but oddly proportioned from some angles.

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Inside, VW has avoided fixing anything that isn’t broken; and it’s all very familiar territory and comfortable and spacious. I am not a fan of the centrally mounted touchscreen but overall the interior feels modern and well built. The “open space” layout means visibility is good, plus there is plenty of space and storage throughout. The boot can swallow up to 549 litres, making it slightly bigger than that of the ID.4 in spite of its sleek roof line.

There’s no disguising the sheer bulk of this car on the road but it still manages to be comfortable and refined to drive, though disappointingly it’s never particularly engaging or nimble.

Powering all versions of the ID.5 is the same 77kWh battery that gives our GTX test car a promised 476km range. It is capable of charging at speeds up to 135kW, enabling the battery to get back up to 80pc full in around 30 minutes.

Reassuringly, the ID.5 scored top marks when tested by EuroNCAP. Indeed, the examiners rated the all-electric SUV coupe as excellent in all four test criteria — in the protection of adult passengers, children and vulnerable road users, and in terms of standard assistance systems.

Five distinct “flavours” of the ID.5 are on offer: Business, Family, Max, GTX Business and GTX Max. Prices start from €59,995, which represents a price premium of more than €10,000 over the ID.4.
Rivals include the Tesla Model Y Performance (€79,478), Hyundai Ioniq 5 Premium Plus AWD 77 kW (€68,250), Kia EV6 Earth (€52,000), Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor with Performance Pack (€70,270), and the Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (€82,491).

Volkswagen’s ID.4 is the bestselling electric car in the country so far this year and it’s easy to understand why; it’s a car that’s much more than the sum of its parts and is a seriously good family car. But the ID.5 is pitched too close to it, so the higher price tag is unlikely to enhance its prospects. Ultimately, the ID. 5 feels like an answer to a question no one asked.

Star rating: 4/5