Volkswagen's ID.5 is a mid-sized SUV coupe that makes big steps forward in this improved form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

With the ID.5 mid-sized coupe-SUV, Volkswagen offers a more aspirational kind of mid-sized EV crossover. It certainly has a dash more pavement presence than the ID.4 SUV it's entirely based upon: and in top GTX hot hatch form, it better showcases the brand's more potent AWD dual motor powertrain. It's been considerably improved in this updated form; enough to now make it worth a second look? You might just think so.

Background

The ID.5, introduced in 2022, was the third of Volkswagen's series of ID electric models, essentially a coupe version of the ID.4. By the time of this model's launch, we'd already seen two other VW Group brands announce coupe versions of their mid-sized EVs. So the Skoda Enyaq iV spawned the Enyaq iV Coupe and the Audi Q4 e-tron sired the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron. But ID.5 sales were slow, not helped by somewhat unremarkable driving range figures, lack-lustre performance and a less-than-user-friendly interior media interface. So Volkswagen rushed forward the package of update changes which brought us the improved model we look at here, announced at the end of 2023. The range figures are better, power outputs have risen dramatically and the interior's easier to get on with. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

The ID.5 powertrain range starts with a base 52kWh model that uses a Pure 170PS rear-mounted motor and goes up to 226 miles between charges. Ideally though, Volkswagen wants you to choose a bigger-battery 77kWh version with their latest APP550 motor which generates 286PS. This puts out a massive 75% more torque than a base 77kWh ID.5 model did at its original launch back in 2022 (up from 310 to 545Nm, with power up from 174PS); things have really moved on. Despite all this extra pulling power, Volkswagen's managed to make the APP550 upgraded motor more efficient too: mainstream 77kWh ID.5 variants are now supposed to make it up to 339 miles between charges (11.8 miles further than before). Or you can stretch to the top sporty ID.5 GTX, which as before adds an extra motor on the front axle (creating nominal AWD) but now puts out 340PS (41PS more than before), enough to get you to 62mph in 5.4s. Range is up to 327 miles. The ID.5 GTX gets a special downforce package, consisting of a larger spoiler and diffuser, to aid high speed stability. And the chassis has been tuned to handle the extra performance, plus there's lowered suspension and upgraded brakes. And customers can order the brand's 'DCC' adaptive damping system too. The steering is Volkswagen's 'Progressive' set-up (where the ratio becomes more direct as the wheel is turned). Whatever variant you choose, the whole ID.5 experience should be familiar if you've tried one previously. If you haven't, there's a bit to adapt to if this is your first experience of EV motoring. No gearstick, no handbrake, no ignition key and just the sound of silence as the fixed ratio transmission blends an almost endless wave of torque into meaningful and surprisingly rapid forward progress. Like Volkswagen's original post-war Beetle, base versions of this car are rear-driven and when you drive such an ID.5 in town, you quickly realise the real advantages of placing the powertrain - the electric motor and its associated single-speed auto gearbox - on the back axle, thereby freeing up the front wheels for steering duties; the result is a London taxi-like 10.2-metre turning circle. Beyond the city limits, that drive format allows for a near-50:50 almost perfect weight distribution which, together with the low centre of gravity provided by the central battery pack placement, helps disguise the portly weight this SUV must carry around. Traction through the turns is excellent and body roll is checked by firm damping cleverly engineered for suppleness over poor surfaces. All of which ought to provide the recipe for a decently sporting EV - and in some ways it does.

Design and Build

There are no significant exterior visual changes to this updated ID.5. As before, the coupe-like looks mean the car certainly has a dash more pavement presence than its ID.4 SUV stablemate; and a more slippery 0.26Cd drag factor too, though that only fractionally boosts its driving range. The big difference with this revised model lies inside, where there's a new bigger 12.9-inch infotainment central touchscreen, with simpler menus, a more intuitive control structure and a more responsive IDA voice assistant. This offers fresh functions, including cloud-based weather information and the status of sporting events or stock market prices. Volkswagen has (at last) illuminated the cabin temperature control sliders. Plus the driving mode selector has been moved to the steering column and the optional augmented reality head-up display system has been enhanced. You still have to put up with a very small (5.3-inch) instrument display. One hi-tech feature we really like is the impressive augmented reality head-up-display, which artificially projects key information and navigation commands straight onto your view of the road ahead. At the back, there's comfortable space for a couple of adults (though it'd be a squash for three). In terms of space of your legs and knees, as in the ID.4, it's all very impressive - as so often these days in a mid-sized EV uncompromised by the packaging needs of a combustion powertrain. You'd expect the effect of the tapering roof line to be a reduction in boot space, but actually, the 549-litre capacity figure up to the level of the parcel shelf is 6-litres more than you get in an ID.4. The cargo area's extendable to 1,561-litres when you fold the rear seats.

Market and Model

Prices start from around £41,000 (around £1,500 more than an equivalent ID.4) and in the mainstream part of the line-up, there's a choice of 'Match' and 'Style' trim levels. 'Style' trim gives you a choice of either 52kWh or 77kWh battery sizes. At the top of the range costing from around £54,000 is the GTX 'Edition' variant, with its 340PS output and all-wheel drive. This uses the 77kWh battery. For all ID.5s there'll be tough competition, not only from this model's identically engineered Skoda Enyaq Coupe and Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron cousins but also from cars selling at this point like the Polestar 2 and the Kia EV6. All ID.5s come with full-LED headlamps, LED tail lights, rain sensing wipers, all-round parking sensors, heated windscreen washer jets and an alarm. Inside, all versions feature the 'ID.Light', a wide, narrow light strip under the windscreen that assists the driver by flashing or moving in different colours to draw attention to various functions. There's also an 'Air Care Climatronic' 2-Zone air conditioning system, a leather-trimmed and a heated multi-function steering wheel. The upholstery is a smart alcantara-like 'Art Velours' microfleece and the front seats are heated, plus there's an auto-dimming rear view mirror, an electric auxiliary air heater, a wireless smartphone charger and an ambient lighting set-up with up to 30 colour options. Volkswagen's 'Travel Assist' system is also standard and can do most of the driving for you at highway speeds. It's a pity though, that the 'DCC' dynamic chassis control adaptive damping system is optional - and only on the flagship GTX variant. Volkswagen expects a popular option to be it's 'Top Sports' front seats, which are distinguished by perforated ID logos at the tops of the backrests. All models also include the brand's 'Car2X' communication system which uses crowd-swarm data to warn you about traffic hazards ahead.

Cost of Ownership

As we said in our 'Driving' section, driving range with this improved ID.5 has increased significantly to as much as 339 miles thanks to the new APP550 motor. The other significant change is an increase in charging speed to 175kW - though that only applies to the versions; the base 52kWh variants charge at just 145kW. To achieve the quoted range figure, you'll need to frequently use the provided 'Eco' drive mode setting, ideally in combination with the available 'B' regenerative braking function, which slows the car significantly when you come off the accelerator. Whatever ID.5 model you select, your charging regime should be quite straightforward. There's a 'We Charge' app that helps you find and use over 150,000 public charge points. An AC1-phase 7.4kW garage wallbox would replenish the 77kWh battery from zero in about twelve hours. Out and about at a DC3 100kW charge point, it'll take no more than around 30 minutes to recharge your ID.5 with enough direct current to cover the next 137 miles. You should also make savings in BiK payments (there's the usual 2% EV rating), as well as exemption (until the 2025 review) from road tax and ULEZ/congestion charging. Volkswagen says that its aim is to make sure that the battery pack lasts as long as the car and, sure enough, that battery pack is warrantied to have at least 70% of its usable capacity after eight years or 100,000 miles.

Summary

You have to wonder exactly how many people will be in the market for a car like this, right here, right now. And how many of the people that are will decide that they want this car, rather than its identically engineered and similar-looking VW Group cousins, the Skoda Enyaq Coupe and the Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron. But the Volkswagen brand remains committed to broadening its EV line-up no matter what and this improved ID.5 certainly provides a sleek-looking halo model for ID.3 hatch owners to aspire to. Especially in top GTX form, where the AWD system and its extra power create a significantly more aspirational and pleasing package than is the case with the ID.4 GTX. You might really desire an ID.5 GTX, rather than merely graduate into one - and that's a crucial difference. Whether the ID.5 package as a whole is desirable enough to suit its premium price point is another question. We'll let the market answer that one.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Windscreen washer jets

Climate windscreen

Rear tinted glass from B-pillar backwards approx 65% tinted

Front electric windows

Privacy glass with 65% tinted windows

Laminated safety glass from B-pillar backwards

Brakes

Traction control

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Front disc brakes and rear drum brakes

Electronic Stability Programme (ESP)

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Carpets/Rugs

Front + rear carpet mats

Communication

Wireless Smartphone charger

E-call

Natural voice control

Preparation for We connect and We connect plus

Car2X intelligent vehicle networking

App connect with wireless connection for apple carplay and android auto

2 x Front USB-C ports,2 x USB-C charging sockets on the centre console in the rear,charging capacity up to 45W

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Traffic sign recognition

Power assisted speed sensitive steering

Dynamic road sign display

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Driving profile selection

Emergency assist 3.0

Park assistance plus with front and rear parking sensors

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Lane change system side assist, rear traffic alert and exit warning system

Driver Convenience

Electrically-operated tailgate opening and closing function (Easy open), operated via foot movement under rear tailgate

Driver Information

Discover pro navigation

ID. Light

Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and exterior temperature gauge

Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened

12.9" infotainment screen

Driving Mirrors

Gloss Black door mirrors with integrated indicators

Automatic dimming interior rear view mirror

Exterior mirrors aspherical on driver side, convex on front passenger side

Embellishment Trims

Soul black dash trim

Engine

Standard electronic engine sound actuator

Auxillary battery with operating voltage 12V

82 kWh High voltage battery

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Diversity antenna for FM reception

Radio - Ready 2 discover

Gaming platform via car app

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Rear side wing doors

Roof trim strip in matte black

Integrated door handle

Exterior Lights

Third brake light

Daytime running lights

Welcome light

Advanced dynamic light assist for LED matrix headlights

Illuminated molding between headlamps

LED rear tail lights with dynamic turn signal

Matrix LED headlights with automatic headlight control, poor weather light and entry lighting

Ambient lighting - Exterior illuminated styling elements in door handle recesses

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Electric auxiliary air heater

Air care climatronic 2 zone air conditioning system

Interior Features

Net partition

Front seat armrests

Art Velours microfleece cloth upholstery

Play and Pause brake and accelerator pedals

Door and side trim panel with leatherette insert

Central control unit in black

Black steering wheel

Headliner in recycled material

Centre console with illuminated storage compartment with sliding cover and two drinks holders

Leather wrapped multi function steering wheel, heated with touch control

Interior Lights

30 colour ambient lighting

Safety

Rear door child safety locks

3x3 point rear seatbelts

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

Proactive passenger protection system in combination with front assist

Single torn horn

Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag

3 Point seat belts in front with pretensioners

Pre-crash occupant protection

Seats

Heated front seats

3 seat bench in 2nd row

Safety optimised front head restraints

Front seat massage function

Rear seat bench unsplit, backrest split folding with center armrest

Three rear head restraints

Isofix child seat preparation easy-fit (for two outer rear seats, and front passenger seat) compatible with I-size

Single front passenger seat

Interior style comfort seats

Security

Immobiliser

Remote central locking

Alarm with interior protection

Keyless entry and keyless start

Anti theft wheel bolts

Wheel locks with extended theft protection

Transmission

Rear wheel drive

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

Charging cable mode 3, Type 2: 7.2kW 1-Phase/11kW 3-Phase (32A)

AC charging socket (Type 2)

DC battery charging capablity (Type 2:CCS)

DC-DC converter 2.4 kW

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Tyre repair kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2040

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 480

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 28

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 135

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 10-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 100000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 82

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 705

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 554

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 554

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 554

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 15.9

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.9

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 438

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 344

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 344

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 344

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 77

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 135

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Engine Code: E393RN

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Match

Coin Description: Pro

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 35E

Service Interval Mileage: 999999

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 93

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 89

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 76

NCAP Safety Assist %: 85

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 286

Badge Engine CC: 0.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 6.7

Top Speed: 112

Engine Power - BHP: 286

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 210

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 402

Engine Torque - NM: 545

Engine Torque - MKG: 55.6

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/50 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: HAMAR

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4599

Width: 1852

Wheelbase: 2771

Width (including mirrors): 2108

Height: 1618

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2055

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2680

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 625

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 549

No. of Seats: 5

Max. Roof Load: 75

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): 1734

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.6

Exterior Body Features

Fixed panoramic sunroof with electric sunblind

Two Tone Metallic paint

Two-tone solid paint

Premium Two Tone Metallic Paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Energy efficient heat pump

Packs

Assistance plus pack - WD9 - ID.5 Match Pro/ Black Edition Pro

Interior style plus pack with massage function - ID.5

Infotainment plus pack - RD3 - ID.5

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grenadilla black

Paint - Two Tone

Two-tone solid - Moonstone grey with black roof

Two-tone metallic - Blue dusk with black roof

Two-tone metallic - Glacier white with black roof

Two-tone metallic - Costa azul with black roof

Two-tone premium metallic - Kings red with black roof

Towing

Folding trailer hitch with electric release

Trim - Cloth

Art velours microfleece cloth - Soul black/Platinum grey

Vehicle Charging

Mode 2 (3-pin) mains charging cable (Type 2, 230v 1-phase, 6m)

Wheels - Alloy

21" Narvik black diamond turned alloy wheels with Airstop tyres

20" Drammen black diamond turned alloy wheels