VW’s new ID.5 electric crossover coupe is the answer to a question no one asked
Austria’s beautiful landscape of chocolate boxes provided a breathtaking backdrop to the first test drives of Volkswagen’s ID.5.
The latest ID joins the ID.3 sedan and ID.4 SUV to expand VW’s growing range of electric cars. The name ID.5 implies that it is an equally distinctive model, but in reality it looks like an ID.4 coupe.
Like all coupe variants of SUVs, the ID.5 is a car no one asked for. Ever since BMW gave us the X5-based X6, manufacturers have been building niche models to keep potentially bored customers from straying to rival brands.
The ID.5 is basically an ID.4 under the skin with new bumpers and a sloping roofline that admittedly offers a sleeker touch to what is a tall, blocky car.
VW ID.5: The foundations have been modified to add 15 mm more between the front and rear wheels than on the ID.4
Spacious cabin
Surprisingly enough, despite the profile of the roof, the cabin is spacious. The ID.5 underpinnings have been changed to add an extra 15mm between the front and rear wheels compared to the ID.4. This extended wheelbase provides impressive rear head and legroom and negates the roofline’s impact on boot space.
At 4.6m long, the ID.5 is longer than an ID.4 and also significantly longer than a VW Tiguan.
The reality with these coupe SUVs is that none of them look like traditional coupes. It’s not the cars that will feature on the bedroom walls or as the chosen screensaver. Pride of ownership will therefore most likely come from the technology on display.
Tech Party Cheats
A few new party tricks can be found in this car, such as an automated lane change system that can work from 90km/h, but when we say ‘automated’ it requires you to have your hands on the wheel.
Another feature is Park Assist Plus with memory function. This system makes it possible to store and automatically recall on demand parking maneuvers up to 50 m away (up to five maneuvers can be stored).
If you have a tricky parking spot that requires a number of steering inputs, this gadget will make your life easier and save you a potential scrape or two. If that sounds familiar, you’re right, as we tested similar systems several years ago on BMWs and Fords.
VW has upgraded its voice control system so you can do the usual high-end car stuff like say “I’m cold!” and the car will automatically change the air conditioning to a warmer setting.
Our test cars (Pro and GTX models) featured important innovations and options that will become available in time for all IDs, including “Travel Assist with swarm data collection” which can access (with permission) other nearby VWs to collect cloud-based data on road conditions near you to improve safety.
Inside the cabin, it’s basically a replay of the ID.4. The dash is well laid out and our test cars had a premium feel. The main controls were the familiar ID case. A large 12-inch touchscreen dominates the dash: yet while it looks smart, it can also be a source of anxiety.
VW ID.5: A large 12-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard
The central touch screen of ID models has proven to be a source of frustration for users. Interacting with secondary controls can often be work experience. On the second day of testing, our GTX’s screen needed a reset before we left. In all other respects, our cars performed impeccably.
As a family car, there’s plenty of load capacity. The boot holds a very respectable 549 litres, rising to 1,561 liters with the rear seats folded down.
Vary
Battery range from a full charge is up to 520 km (WLTP) and 490 km with the GTX. VW’s battery guarantees that after eight years or 160,000 km the battery will have at least 70% of its original net capacity.
The ID.5 comes with an 11kW on-board charger and can charge at speeds of up to 135kW through its CCS combo socket. According to VW, at its maximum DC charging capacity, the ID.5 can gain up to 390 km of range in 30 minutes.
Volkswagen took advantage of the launch of the ID.5 to introduce interesting developments and services to come to the ID range. Volkswagen’s “Plug and Charge” feature is designed to make charging easier as it will allow a user’s car to communicate directly with a charging station via its cable.
VW ID.5: As a family car, there’s plenty of load capacity
Once registered, the charging provider will then directly bill the registered EV owner for any electricity purchased without the need to physically touch a charging card or in fact have one at all.
The German-made ID.5 arrives in Ireland in July. It will cost you a premium on the ID.4. The entry-level will be the business model at €54,995 compared to €52,595 for the ID.4 Business.
The GTX Max tops out at €71,545 net on the road, after €1,300 delivery and service charges).
Ultimately, the ID.5 is a fine but unremarkable car. You’d be hard pressed to justify the extra expense over the ID.4 or a host of similar EV crossover rivals.