VW ID5 Car Review & Ultimate Guide | Charging, Cost, Warranty & More

The brand-new ID.5 is now the sixth fully electric model in the ID. Family.

As a result, for the price tag, you are getting a two-rear-wheel-drive electric car that offers you either 174 PS or 204 PS and an all-wheel-drive ID.5 GTX variant, which has up to 299 PS.

But is the ID.5 truly unique, and does it give you the storage space and performance that you have come to expect from a Volkswagen?

In our VW ID.5 review, we will find out if this is the best electric car you can buy today.

Table of Contents

• Top Features
• Exterior Design
• Interior design
• Latest ID. Software
• First Electric SUV Coupé
• Range & Charging
• Plug & Charge Function
• Travel Assist System
• Parking
• Technical Highlights
• Trim Levels and Equipment By Model
• Engines
• MEB platform
• Handling
• Servicing
• Warranty
• Dimensions
• What Cars Are Comparable to the ID5?
• Reliability and Safety
• VW ID5 Final Thoughts
• Test Drive
• Related Latest News, Car Reviews, and Buying Guides
• Who is Sinclair Volkswagen

Top Features

• ✓ The new ID.5 is a style-focused SUV in a coupe version
• ✓ The ID.5 joins the growing ID. family as the third model, following the VW ID.3 and VW ID.4, and the ID. Buzz.
• ✓ The ID.5 GTX is the top-of-the-line trim level of the ID.5 range and offers you greater performance and a four-wheel drive.
• ✓ The ID.5 is Volkswagen's first vehicle with a bi-directional charging function. What this means to you is that with this technology, the ID.5 can feed electricity it doesn't currently need back into the customer's home network, and, in future, it will also be able to return electricity to the infrastructure when possible as well.
• ✓ The design of the ID.5 closely follows that of the ID. CROZZ and ID. CROZZ II Concepts, which were first revealed in 2017 at Auto Shanghai and the Frankfurt IAA motor shows.
• ✓ The ID.5 gives you an impressive range of up to 316 miles of range and has an acceleration from 0-62MPH time in as little as 6.3 seconds.
• ✓ There is a single-motor 77 kWh battery option and three power outputs to choose from — 174 PS Pro, 204 PS Pro Performance, and 299 PS GTX.
• ✓ It has a huge amount of equipment that they can come with, including 19-inch ‘Hamar’ alloy wheels, Matrix LED lights front and rear with 3D dynamic light signals, a full glass roof, and the ‘Discover Max’ 12-inch infotainment screen from entry-level Tech trim upwards. Interior upholstery is also finished in vegan-friendly ‘leather’ and ArtVelours as well.
• ✓ The ID.5 is equipped with the latest version of Volkswagen’s ID. software, which gives you over-the-air updates.
• ✓ Thanks to the architecture of the MEB platform, the ID.5 gives you a long wheelbase and offers you a very impressive 549 litres of boot capacity, going up to 1,561 litres with the rear seats folded down as well.
• ✓ The intuitive voice control system on the ID.5 is greatly improved over previous versions with a 95% recognition rate.
• ✓ Park Assist Plus with memory function is included by default and gives you the ability to automatically repeat individual, pre-taught manoeuvres. This memory function can remember parking procedures at speeds below 25 mph, covering distances up to 50 metres, e.g., when parking in a driveway or garage, for instance.
• ✓ Many advanced features first seen on the ID.3 are shared with the ID.4 and now ID.5, like ID.Light; a central airbag that prevents front seat occupants from colliding in a side-impact or rollover; and Car2X, a system that enables the car to exchange information about local hazards with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure, to name a few.

Exterior Design

When you look at the Volkswagen ID 5 Front, the first thing you notice especially is its standout design.

For instance, here you have an electric coupe-SUV silhouette, which was first seen on the ID.CROZZ concept - and this allows the model to give you both familiar and fresh, along with a powerful, confident, and stylish-looking electric car - regardless if you go for an entry-level Pro or range-topping GTX forms, that is.

Large Wheels

It also has short overhangs and large wheels that also improve its strong and dynamic appearance, while also helping to underpin its sporty appeal at the same time.

Exterior Dimensions

The car is 4.60 metres long, 1.85 metres wide, and 1.61 metres tall, and also comes with roof rails as standard, along with a permitted roof load of up to 75 kg as well giving you lots of options as a result.

Shape

The ID.5 Pro and Pro Performance also give you a very low drag coefficient of 0.26, and the ID.5 GTX achieves 0.27.

This is a key factor for its aerodynamic properties and is down to its body shape.

This, when combined with its rear spoiler, in turn, helps you directly influence the airflow. Its designed tail light clusters and its raised diffuser insert all work together to help you reduce the downforce on the rear axle as a result - all of which contribute to its range.

Flush Door Handles

Its flush door handles are also designed to optimise the airflow overall for the car for minimal drag, as are the wheel rims with their flat design as well.

Electric Radiator Shutter

The electric radiator shutter at the front also does not open until the power units need cooled air — only then does it allow air through the cooling channels, and even under the car, it has small spoilers and trim panels that really help to guide airflow around the car for optimal efficiency and aerodynamics - again all helping here to contribute to its very long range as a result.

High Front End

Its high front end also helps you to show your electric SUV coupé's power, while its flat angle of the A-pillars, pulled forwards, adds a very stylish flow to the coupe roofline, stretching close to the body and running into the extended D-pillars.

Its more athletic shoulder lines also create a powerful and assertive look for you while you are on the road.

Rear

At the rear, you also get a fastback-style rear window, along with horizontal lines which help to show the car's width, with the full-length lighting strip being a key identifier of the ID.5 that all will notice.

Matrix LED Headlights

Moving to the headlights, the ID5 also includes LED matrix headlights, called IQ.LIGHT - which come as standard on the ID.5.

These are well known for giving you a lot of front and rear visibility on the road, as brightly lighting it as possible without dazzling other users in turn.

Here, for instance, each headlight module consists of 18 LED units, 11 of which can be individually switched off and dimmed as the car requires.

A separate spotlight than helps to improve the lighting options even further, as when the lights are on, a strip of light connects the headlights to the Volkswagen badge across the front.

ID.5 GTX Lights

In the ID.5 GTX, 3 individual LED units also extend the signature light into each outer air intake as well.

These have the added function of 'following' the drive by rotating on a vertical axis as you approach, mimicking an animal's eyes as it does so.

Brake Lights

The car's brake lights also create an X shape while the dynamic indicators sweep from inside to out when in use as well.

Interior design

It is also clear when you step inside that the interior of the ID.5 has also been designed around the Open Space concept.

For instance, getting in is easy, and visibility is good, thanks in part to your high driving position.

Second Row

In the second row, there is also a similar amount of legroom to a Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, while front and rear headroom for all five passengers is slightly better.

Boot Space

For your boot, the ID.5' has an impressive 549 litres of space, making it slightly bigger than that of the VW ID.4, despite its sleeker sloping roofline as well.

When the rear seat backrests are then folded down, the volume increases up a lot more to 1,561 litres - when loaded to roof height.

The Plus assistance package then includes an electric Easy Open & Close boot lid, which further adds to how easy it becomes in allowing it to be opened and closed with just a foot movement, which is especially helpful if you have your hands full with shopping and you can't reach your keys.

Upholstery

The ID.5's upholstery fabrics can also vary depending on the interior design that you go for, but they are always free from animal products.

Here, for instance, the ID.5 GTX has seats featuring a combination of textile and leatherette, and depending on the specification you choose, the centre seat panels can also be trimmed with ArtVelours - a microfibre material that includes recycled materials like PET bottles as well.

Comfort

Getting into ID 5, we also found it very easy, and visibility is ideal because the driver and passengers — especially those in the rear — sit comfortably high up.

The front seats, including the driver's seat, also have armrests on the inside, which are adjustable individually as well.

Then, between the armrests is a long centre console, which is particularly useful - for instance, here you can choose the position of your drink holder.

While driving, we also noticed that the noise levels are very low — as the electric SUV coupé uses its power almost silently, thanks to its built-in aero-acoustic design and insulating design in its body, which is great, especially on long drives.

Latest ID. Software

The ID5 comes with the Volkswagen Group's latest ID. software, which gives you many benefits like shorter charging times, increased comfort, and improved vehicle operations, to name only a few - which make charging even easier than ever.

The ID. software 3.1 also features enhanced, and easy-to-use voice control and an intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner as well.

First Electric SUV Coupé

The spacious ID.5 gives you a very high quality and rich driving experience in the VW Group's first electric SUV coupé.

For instance, its smart design gives you compact drive units on the rear axle - or both axles in ID.5 GTX models - while the short front end houses the radiator and three-zone climate control components.

Its long wheelbase of 2.77 metres also provides you with a good interior as large as those in bigger conventional SUVs as well.

This is in part due to it having a total length of 4.60 metres, which allows the ID.5 to give you exceptional space, and plenty of room for your passengers in what we can only say is a very pleasant, and luxurious interior atmosphere as well.

Range & Charging

Despite the ID.5’s sporty coupé shape, headroom for your rear passengers is only 12 millimetres less than in Volkswagen’s first electric SUV - the ID.4.

As a result, the ID.5's more muscular coupé design is unique in its segment, and it really does contribute to its outstanding aerodynamics — for instance, you get a drag coefficient of 0.26 and above — allowing the 77 kWh lithium-ion battery to then give you a very long range - as you get up to 316 miles of range on a single charge (WLTP Range).

A quick-charging capacity of up to 135 kW also means that the ID.5 is ideal for long-distance driving as well.

Plug & Charge Function

Another really good feature we thought of is the clever solution for quicker and easier charging on the go - its Plug & Charge function.

With this feature, for instance, the ID.5 can automatically authenticate for you at compatible charging stations and share all necessary data with the charging station as well.

It can do this using the We Connect ID. The app, and as soon as the cable is plugged in, charging will then just automatically start - meaning that you do not need to have a charging card or set up a Debt card for payment.

You will also be good to hear that this is also widely accepted and supported by many large charging networks like Ionity, Aral, BP, Enel, EON, Iberdrola, and Eviny, to name a few here.

Travel Assist System

The optional Travel Assist system has also been improved with the latest ID. software as well.

This, for instance, keeps the vehicle positioned in its lane, but it can now adapt to the user's driving style as well - keeping the vehicle further left or right in the lane based on your driver’s preference.

This then helps to improve other existing functions like maintaining a set distance from the vehicle in front and keeping to the set maximum speed as well for instance.

Here, the system also includes adaptive cruise control and cornering assist, which both help to adjust your speed according to the speed limits and road features like bends and roundabouts, for example.

Parking

Parking is also now even easier thanks to Park Assist Plus, which has a memory function along with front and rear parking sensors.

Here, besides allowing it to take over complete control when parking and exiting parallel spaces, this feature can automatically repeat individual, pre-taught manoeuvres, increasing how easy it is for you to park overall as well.

The memory function here remembers your parking procedures covering distances up to 50 metres at speeds below 25 MPH — for example when parking in a carport or garage.

All you need to do is park the ID 5 manually once and save the action; the vehicle can then repeat the manoeuvre on its own, with you monitoring it - it is literally that simple.

Technical Highlights

Moving to its technical features, the ID.5 comes packed full of features, including the latest assistance systems, state-of-the-art connectivity, and extensive safety features as well - all of which make this Volkswagen a highly sophisticated yet simple-to-operate electric car in our view.

Touchscreens

Aside from the 5.3-inch driver display, a newly developed, centrally positioned 10-inch touch display also gives you clear and concise access to a vast array of information when you need it.

For instance, a 12-inch touch screen is also available on ID.5 models with the Infotainment Pack Plus - which is optional on ID.5 Style and standard on ID.5 Tech, Max, GTX Style, and GTX Max models as well.

Voice Control

Consequently, these crisp, high-resolution screens can be controlled either via touch or through natural voice control, just by saying "Hello ID".

This then launches the enhanced voice control system, which understands everyday phrases like "I'm cold!" allowing you to use more natural speech rather than a limited set of commands.

Furthermore, the car is even clever enough to determine whether the driver - or front passenger - is speaking to direct the air conditioning accordingly to that area of the car, which is pretty cool.

The voice control’s recognition rate has also been improved to now around being around 95%, and the system can handle interruptions or asking questions as well.

IQ Lighting

Please see the section above.

Augmented reality (AR)

An augmented reality (AR) head-up display is also available on models equipped with the Infotainment Pack Plus (standard on ID.5 Tech, Max, GTX, and GTX Max, and optional on the ID.5 Style).

This, for instance, allows you to project key information directly onto the windscreen in the driver’s line of sight — although, to you, this information appears visually positioned within a range of about three to ten metres ahead of the car.

With the AR head-up display, you do not even need to take your eyes off the road to access the information you need while driving.

Buttons

Like the Volkswagen ID.3, all controls — including those on the electronically adjustable multifunction steering wheel — are operated using touch-sensitive buttons as well.

While the electric window switches, electronic parking brakes, and door mirrors still have conventional physical switches for you to use.

Passive Safety Equipment

Lots of passive safety equipment is also included such as the Emergency System and a centre airbag - a feature first introduced in ID.3 and continued in ID.4 and now ID.5.

This for instance in the event of a side impact or rollover, this airbag can prevent the driver and front passenger from colliding with each other, protecting you from inside impact as well as that from the exterior.

Trim Levels and Equipment By Model

When it comes to the ID.5's models, you have 5 to choose from, including:

• VW ID5 Style
• VW ID5 Tech
• VW ID5 Max
• VW ID5 GTX Style
• VW ID5 GTX Max

Here, the ID.5 is also very well known for its comprehensive standard equipment list, which is available across its 5 models.

For instance, the availability of the Infotainment Pack Plus and heat pump as options really separates the entry-level Style from the next-up Tech trim, which features these items as standard.

Like the other ID. models, these specifications are also each based around different equipment packs — which are features bundled into groups to allow you to easily select the right ones for you when configuring your vehicle exactly to how you like it.

For instance, here you have:

ID.5 – Specifications, Power, and Battery Options

Engines

Each of the ID5 trims benefits from the largest battery pack currently offered in the ID. family — a 77 kWh unit capable of returning up to 316 miles from a single charge.

This is then supported by three powertrain options to choose from with these being:

• ID5 Pro with 174 PS
• ID5 Pro Performance with 204 PS
• ID5 GTX with 299 PS

In terms of how these then perform, you have:

¹ Power output for GTX models.

MEB platform

The ID.5 is also the third Volkswagen to be based on the newly developed modular Electric Drive Matrix — known as MEB.

While the ID.3 was the first model to use this platform, the ID.4 marked its main rollout, and the ID.5 has since pushed it into the electric SUV coupe market, which offers a flat floor in the rear and much more interior space as a result.

Thanks to the design approach with MEB, you are getting a lot are getting lots of benefits, which, for instance, consist of an efficient arrangement of the car's drive components, which gives you a lot more cabin space than would tend to get in a traditional petrol engine or diesel engine car as a result.

Electric Drive Motor

The ID.5's electric drive also consists of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor design, which basically includes the power electronics and gearbox, all integrated into the rear axle for the rear-wheel-drive models.

A high-voltage battery is then placed under the car's body to save space, while auxiliary features — such as the air conditioning compressor and steering rack, to name a few, for instance — are integrated into the front end.

All of which manage to give you a lot of cabin space as a result.

Handling

Thanks to its all-new MEB platform, the ID.5 gives you a low centre of gravity that really helps to deliver very dynamic handling and high ride quality to match its sporty design.

Rear-Wheel Drive

For instance, the rear-wheel-drive setup gives you ideal conditions for some very sporty driving characteristics, which is then only improved by the more powerful GTX engine.

High Voltage Battery

This is then complimented further thanks to its high-voltage battery, which is located between the axles at the lowest point of the car - and regardless of trim - the ID.5's weight distribution never really moves from the ideal 50:50 position by more than one per cent either - which leads to better performance and a smoother driving experience overall for you as a result.

Perfect for City Driving

Following the example set by the ID.3 and ID.4, the ID.5 is really designed to be very nimble in the city, as well as agile on country roads, and also gives you a very relaxed drive on the motorway as well.

Suspension

This is all possible thanks to the front axle, which uses the MacPherson suspension system design, while the steering has a ratio of 15.9:1. Which means that for every 15.9 degrees, the steering wheel is turned, the car’s wheels turn by 1 degree, which in turn provides you with a great balance between responsive handling and stability - which offers you a lot of good control without being overly sensitive as it does so as well.

Steering System

The steering system is also located ahead of the front axle, which helps give you better stability, especially during fast cornering.

At the rear is a new development — a compact five-link suspension with a subframe that is elastically connected to the body, which allows for better control of the wheels while it improves your stability on varying road surfaces all while reducing the road vibrations and noise, which in turn leads to a smoother and more controlled driving experience as a result.

Parts of the suspension are made of lightweight aluminium to reduce weight.

Servicing

Volkswagen vehicles are powered solely by an electric motor, and as a result, they require a simple fixed service schedule - an inspection service every two years, with unlimited mileage, for instance, which really helps to keep your running costs down.

This is due to the fact that there are fewer moving parts than in traditional cars.

Warranty

The ID.5 also has a great warranty on the whole and has a three-year (first- and second-year manufacturer-operated, third-year retailer-operated) / 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, for instance.

Here, it also comes with a 12-year body protection guarantee, a three-year paint warranty, and a year's membership in Volkswagen Assistance as well, all of which includes a European breakdown cover on top, which can also be extended at minimal cost to you if you want to as well.

Battery Warranty

Additionally, Volkswagen offers an eight-year EV battery warranty, guaranteeing the battery for eight years or 100,000 miles / 160,000 km (whichever comes first) against all material or manufacturing defects, giving you peace of mind that your battery is covered as a result.

Dimensions

¹ Power output for GTX models.

What Cars Are Comparable to the ID5?

The ID5 is really a high-quality family SUV that goes toe-to-toe and exceeds many of its competitors, including, for instance:

• Audi Q4 e-tron
• BYD Seal EV
• Cupra Born
• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Jaguar I-Pace
• Mercedes-Benz EQE
• Skoda Enyaq iV
• Skoda Enyaq Coupe
• Volkswagen ID.4
• Smart #1
• Tesla Model Y
• KIA EV6
• Volvo C40
• KIA EV6
• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Genesis GV60
• Nissan Ariya

Reliability and Safety

In regards to its reliability, the Volkswagen ID.5 really has demonstrated a very strong reliability rating, which is also backed by the brand’s reputation for well-engineered vehicles on the whole.

For instance, here, in terms of safety, it has earned a 5-star Euro NCAP rating, which shows you it performs in the top performance crash tests, thanks to its driver assistance features and occupant protection features.

The ID.5 also comes equipped with a suite of advanced safety systems, such as automatic emergency braking, lane assist, and adaptive cruise control, to name a few. All of these factors contribute to making it a very dependable car on the road.

In addition to its safety rating, the ID.5 has won numerous awards, including:

• World Car of the Year (World Car Awards)
• German Car of the Year
• Best Electric Car (What Car?)
• Red Dot Design Award
• Auto Express Car of the Year
• Best Electric SUV (Auto Bild)
• Electric Vehicle of the Year (Top Gear)
• Best Large Electric SUV (Carbuyer)
• Green Car Award
• AutoTrader New Car Award

VW ID5 Final Thoughts

As you can see, the Volkswagen ID.5 is an impressive all-electric family SUV that combines a very stylish design, advanced technology, and strong performance into 1 chassis.

With its spacious interior, efficient powertrain, and near-perfect weight distribution, it really does offer you a smooth and enjoyable driving experience from start to finish.

Consequently, the ID.5 is ideal for those looking to take on electric cars without compromising on comfort or style while you do so.

So, whether you are focused on a high-range electric car, comfort, style, or simply a reliable family car, the ID.5 really will deliver on all fronts - making it a strong contender for you to consider for your best car options.

Test Drive

Don't just take our word for it; come and test drive one of our test cars for yourself at one of our local Volkswagen car dealerships near you today and experience it firsthand.

Related Latest News, Car Reviews, and Buying Guides

If you liked our VW ID5 review, then you may like some of our other buying guides, such as for instance:

• Volkswagen Polo Buyer’s Guide - Everything From Price, Reliability, Models & More
• Volkswagen up! Buyers Guide - Features, Size, Specs, Models & Lots More
• Volkswagen Passat Buyers Guide: Why Everyone is Rushing to Buy the New VW Passat!
• The Buyers Guide to the Volkswagen ID.5 - Everything You Need to Know
• Volkswagen ID. Buzz Guide | Price, Features, Sleeping, Size, Range & More
• A guide to the new Golf 8 - Cost, Models Compared, Electric, Speed, Features and Lots More Explored
• Motability Cars In Depth - Who Can Drive Them, Eligibility & More
• Volkswagen ID3 Explored - Cost, Range, Compared & More

Who is Sinclair Volkswagen

Here at Sinclair Volkswagen, we are part of the Sinclair Group, one of the largest and most respected automotive dealer networks in Wales, UK.

Established in 1945, we have grown over the decades to represent several well-known car brands, including Volkswagen. Consequently, Sinclair Volkswagen operates multiple dealerships across South Wales, providing you with new and used Volkswagen vehicles, including popular models like the Golf GTI, Polo, and the electric ID range.

As a result, we can also offer comprehensive services, new car deals and offers, such as vehicle financing, maintenance, and repairs, along with genuine parts and accessories as well.

With a strong commitment to our customer service and a reputation for reliability, here at Sinclair Volkswagen we have become a trusted name in the automotive industry as a result, so contact us today if we can help you.