VW

ID.5

The VW ID.5 is a fully electric five-door car that combines coupe-like styling with SUV practicality. It offers a good driving range between charges and is competitively priced.

The good

Styling, technology and performance

The bad

Temperamental infotainment system

Tech Specs

Price from

£49,735

Combined Fuel up to

313 miles between charges

0-62 from

8.4 seconds

max speed up to

112mph

co2 from

0g/km

Test Drive

VW ID.5 Style (2022)

Volkswagen is increasing its assault on the EV market with the launch of its third model called the ID.5 which brings coupe-SUV styling and practicality to the mix.

This follows hot on the heels of the ID.3 and ID.4 models with customers able to choose from generously-equipped trim levels called Style, Tech, Max, GTX Style and GTX Max.

There is only one battery available – a 77kWh unit – but there is a choice of 174PS, 204PS or 299PS power outputs.

We tested the ID.5 in entry-level Style grade powered by the lower 174PS-powered battery delivering 300Nm of torque. Priced at £49,735 (£51,970 with options), it could reach 62mph from a standing start in 10.4 seconds and topped out at 99mph, while offering an impressive driving range of 313 miles between charges.

The ID.5 is very easy on the eye with a front end that is similar to its sibling ID.4 model, but as you move further down towards the rear of the car, the differences become much more apparent. The back end slopes away to offer a coupe-looking roofline providing a sportier profile.

Eye-catching features include IQ Light Matrix headlights, a panoramic sunroof, tinted rear windows, 3D LED rear light clusters, integrated and illuminated door handles, body-coloured bumpers and smart 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is upmarket, modern and clutter-free with vegan leather upholstery along with ambient lighting with 30 different shades to suit all moods.

The main focal point and nerve centre is a 12-inch infotainment screen offering access to the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a DAB radio, sat nav and numerous other systems.

In addition, the Hello.ID voice assistant can help with a number of requests, although it did sometimes burst into life out of the blue which was somewhat irritating.

When it comes to performance, the ID.5 is a pure delight to drive. Although there is a start/stop button, the car detects the key and starts up automatically when you select D for drive. The acceleration out the blocks is instant as is the case with most EVs and the rear-wheel drive car is beautifully balanced and poised as it powers along the twisting country lanes with no sign of body sway at all.

It’s an accomplished motorway cruiser, quickly reaching 70mph and there are drive modes to alter the handling called Eco, Comfort and Individual. In addition, a ‘B’ mode can be selected to increase the level of regenerative braking. The perfectly weighted steering offers ample driver feedback and the all-round visibility also impresses which is good news in busy city centres with cars, cyclists and pedestrians darting out from all angles.

Although the sloping roof design of the ID.5 does impact slightly on rear passenger head room, there is still plenty of space in the back for a couple of adults to stretch out.

The boot is well-sized too with a capacity of 549 litres, increasing to 1,561 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat and elsewhere, there are plenty of storage options throughout the cabin. These include a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, a central cubby box, door bins, along with some trays. There are two USB-C ports in the front and two more in the back of the car to help keep devices connected on the fly.

When it comes to charging, the ID.5 can be boosted to 80 per cent in 29 minutes via a 135kW rapid charger. It takes 12 hours, 40 minutes to 100 per cent on a 7.2kW wallbox or seven hours, 30 minutes via an 11kW charge point.

The vehicle is packed with safety systems and driver assistance aids that helped it secure a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating. Systems include city emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, advanced high beam assist, adaptive cruise control with front assist and plenty more besides.

All in all, the VW ID.5 is a fabulous piece of kit. It’s not without its flaws, namely the annoying infotainment system, but that aside it ticks all the boxes for anyone looking for an upmarket EV with coupe styling and SUV practicality.