Volkswagen ID.5 evaluate – Automotive Weblog
4 min read
We get behind the wheel of the VW ID.5 – the “style-focused coupe-SUV” model of the ID.4…
Other than that horny roofline, the ID.5 is principally the identical automobile because the ID.4 crossover, which isn’t any dangerous factor. The latter is, in any case, a really tidy household EV.
The ID.5 can also be pitched at a barely extra upmarket various to the ID.4, and that is mirrored within the pricing.
The ID.4 begins at £38,845, whereas the ID.5 will set you again at the very least £50,710.
Moreover, the ID.5 is simply obtainable with a 77kWh battery, whereas the ID.4 will get a less expensive 52kWh possibility too.
There are three variations of the ID.5: Professional (anticipated to be the biggest-seller), Professional Efficiency and GTX. The previous are each rear-wheel drive with a single electrical motor, whereas the range-topping GTX will get twin motors and all-wheel drive (4Motion in VW-speak).
Energy outputs vary from 172bhp (Professional) and 201bhp (Professional Efficiency), to 295bhp for the GTX.
The entry-level variations can journey a claimed 327 miles on a full cost, whereas the extra performance-orientated GTX manages a nonetheless wholesome 314 miles.
Naturally, the latter can also be the quickest (0-62mph in 6.3 seconds) with the cheaper variations coming in at 10.4s and eight.4s respectively.
First impressions are good. The ID.5 has critical kerb attraction because of its sharper profile, and we like the way in which the rear spoiler is built-in into the tailgate. It’s only a disgrace that there’s no rear wiper.
The ID.5’s cabin is just about unchanged from that of the ID.4, which contemplating the worth hike is a bit disappointing. It’s not flash, however it does the job.
It’s minimalist up entrance with few bodily controls. There’s a gear selector mounted on the little driver’s instrument pod, whereas nearly all of the automobile’s performance is accessed by way of the 12-inch infotainment touchscreen and some touch-sensitive switches under, plus controls on the steering wheel.
The infotainment system on the ID.5 has been up to date, promising sooner response instances. Certainly, it’s slicker, however the controversial touch-slider heating controls (under the touchscreen and on the steering wheel) are as irritating as ever.
On the plus facet, the cabin usually feels spacious and the entrance seats are snug and supportive with loads of adjustment.
And the excellent news is that the coupe-SUV styling has not affected headroom as dramatically as you may suppose, so a six-footer can sit behind a driver of the identical peak.
There’s additionally a helpful 549 litres of boot area, rising to 1,561 litres with the rear seats folded.
Visibility isn’t good because of chunky entrance and rear pillars, plus the slim rear window, however all-round parking sensors and a transparent rear-view digital camera assist when manoeuvring.
There’s additionally a intelligent Park Help Plus system with reminiscence operate, which suggests the automobile can keep in mind parking procedures at speeds under 25mph, so splendid for parking in your drive.
Trim ranges for the ID.5 span from the entry-grade Fashion, progressing by way of to Tech, shifting as much as Max, after which the GTX Fashion sitting beneath the range-topping GTX Max. VW reckons Tech would be the top-selling ID.5 trim, and is predicted to take round half of UK gross sales.
Our ID.5 201bhp Professional Efficiency check automobile (predicted to account for round a 3rd of gross sales) was an excellent mix of efficiency and affordability.
On the highway the ID.5 isn’t fairly as sporty as its seems counsel. Swift, quite than blisteringly quick, it’s simple and nice to drive.
Grip is spectacular for a rear-wheel drive EV and the agency suspension limits physique lean in sooner corners, however its dealing with usually isn’t class main.
That mentioned, it feels agile sufficient in city environments and cruises alongside properly on motorways with spectacular ranges of refinement, whereas the steering is gentle and exact, and the turning circle is tight for a reasonably large automobile.
There are three drive modes – Eco, Consolation and Sport – and you’ll choose ‘B’ quite than ‘D’ for elevated brake regeneration.
Fortunately, these modes might be modified on the contact of a button. Consolation is simply nice, although the occasional range-sapping burst in firmer Sport spices up issues a bit, whereas Eco is greatest left for motorway runs in cruise management.
Puzzlingly, the brake pedal takes a little bit of getting used to. Similar to the larger ID.Buzz, it has a comparatively lengthy journey, which implies that slowing down isn’t all the time the slickest of operations.
The ID.5 is able to charging at speeds as much as 135kW (a lot lower than the 350kW charging functionality of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6). In principle, a lift as much as 80% at 135kW will take round half an hour. Naturally, it can additionally cost in a single day by way of a house wallbox.
We examined the ID.5 throughout a winter chilly snap, so we couldn’t match the claimed vary or charging velocity. Even so, a really respectable real-world vary of 250 miles+ must be fairly attainable for many of the yr.
The ID.5 could be very nicely geared up and filled with security and driver help techniques.
Awarded a five-star security score by Euro NCAP, there’s an autonomous emergency (AEB) braking system that recognises different autos and susceptible highway customers, highway signal recognition, site visitors jam help, adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help and lane-change help – to call however a number of.
Rivals embrace its Volkswagen Group cousins, the Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe and the Audi This autumn Sportback e-tron, plus the Kia EV6, Tesla Mannequin Y, Volvo C40 Recharge and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Verdict: The Volkswagen ID.5 is a snug, spacious and secure all-rounder that comes with loads of equipment and an excellent vary. It might not ship essentially the most partaking of drives in customary kind, however it’s a trendy, smart SUV alternative.
