Overview
In 2022 the Volkswagen ID4 was the 5 th best-selling new car in Ireland, with just under 3000 models taking to the roads, also making it by far the best selling all-electric model of any manufacturer. VW could probably have sold many more if they could have got their hands on them and it was a similar story across the rest of Europe. With the ID4 the German car giant knows that it has a success on its hands, so it was always logical to make the most of this winning formula.
The result of this thinking was introduced last year in the shape of the ID5. The car shares a platform and pretty much everything else with the ID4, but the key difference is that it is classed as an SUV coupé, in theory offering ID4 buyers a more sporty option. Landing in April last year the ID5 appealed to many Irish buyers.
However, limited supply meant only 233 could own them. The ID5 has already made its mark this year with plenty of buyer interest. So what does it offer over and above the less expensive ID4 and does the sloping back really mean it is a more sporty option when it comes to fully electric SUVs.
The result of this thinking was introduced last year in the shape of the ID5. The car shares a platform and pretty much everything else with the ID4, but the key difference is that it is classed as an SUV coupé, in theory offering ID4 buyers a more sporty option. Landing in April last year the ID5 appealed to many Irish buyers.
However, limited supply meant only 233 could own them. The ID5 has already made its mark this year with plenty of buyer interest. So what does it offer over and above the less expensive ID4 and does the sloping back really mean it is a more sporty option when it comes to fully electric SUVs.
Pros
- Comfortable, solid car with plenty of space
- Well equipped
- Good range
Cons
- Conservative design
- Does not live up to sporty status
- Hard to justify premium price
Exterior
Calling a car an SUV Coupe is something of a contradiction. The traditional coupe has a low profile and this is certainly not the case with the ID5. However, a new generation of buyers seem to like these coupe-inspired SUVs and it looks like they are here to stay.
From the front the ID5 and the ID4 are pretty much identical. Although not unattractive, both look a little bulky and lack the design flair of some cars in this class. The big distinguishing factor is the coupe like roofline which slopes down to a rear spoiler, but even in its GTX trim this is not a car that looks particularly sporty, despite the 19 or 20-inch alloys.
The ID5 looks substantial and some may even think it is a handsome beast, but to most it is definitely not a sleek body to get the heart racing.
From the front the ID5 and the ID4 are pretty much identical. Although not unattractive, both look a little bulky and lack the design flair of some cars in this class. The big distinguishing factor is the coupe like roofline which slopes down to a rear spoiler, but even in its GTX trim this is not a car that looks particularly sporty, despite the 19 or 20-inch alloys.
The ID5 looks substantial and some may even think it is a handsome beast, but to most it is definitely not a sleek body to get the heart racing.
Interior
Minimalist and futuristic would best describe the inside of the ID5, a concept that will be very familiar to anyone who has sat in an ID4 or ID3. The inside is very, very spacious and airy. It is also comfortable, although it does not perhaps have that feel of luxury that cars in this price range often deliver.
The centre piece, as is in the ID4, is a 12-inch touchscreen display which also responds to voice commands. There might be mixed feelings on this because although it if very functional and has good connectivity and graphics, most common controls, such as the heating and ventilation, are accessed through touch sensitive sliders on the screen which are frustrating to use and unlike many recent cars there is no manual alternative. The driver has a neat dash display and there is also the option of an impressive head-up windscreen display.
Throughout the cabin there is lots of clever storage and places to plug in devices. Space wise the back seats are very roomy and despite the coupe roof there is still plenty of headroom. The boot is especially big AT 549 litres, so in terms of practicality the ID5 scores well.
The centre piece, as is in the ID4, is a 12-inch touchscreen display which also responds to voice commands. There might be mixed feelings on this because although it if very functional and has good connectivity and graphics, most common controls, such as the heating and ventilation, are accessed through touch sensitive sliders on the screen which are frustrating to use and unlike many recent cars there is no manual alternative. The driver has a neat dash display and there is also the option of an impressive head-up windscreen display.
Throughout the cabin there is lots of clever storage and places to plug in devices. Space wise the back seats are very roomy and despite the coupe roof there is still plenty of headroom. The boot is especially big AT 549 litres, so in terms of practicality the ID5 scores well.
Performance
Like the ID4 the ID.5 has a 77kWh battery, with the option of single motor or dual motors. The single motor version offers a power range from of 174hp or 204hp and a WLTP range of 516km to 530km. With dual motors the power is up to 299hp with the GTX version getting from zero to 100km/h in a shade over six seconds, were as a single motor option takes 4 seconds more. Whichever option you choose, the ID5 is a big and weighty car but the electric power handles it well, making it feel adequately quick, while not reaching the g-force effect of some electric models.
Drivers are likely to be more concerned about range than speed and the ID5 is pretty good in this department. The WLTP range of between 516 and 530 km looks good on paper, but as we all know these ranges can often be wildly optimistic in the real world. The ID5 range does not drop like a stone when you hit the motorway or turn on the A/C, meaning you could comfortably tackle a 400km round trip without concern. This may not seem that significant, but If you did say a regular run between Galway and Dublin, or Limerick and Dublin you could do a round trip in the ID5 without charging, where as if you are doing a Cork run you are likely to have to stop for “coffee”.
When it comes to charging Volkswagen makes it as quick and smart as possible. Home changing overnight (AC, 7.4kW 0%-100%) will take seven and a half hours. If you are lucky enough to find a vacant DC fast charger when out and about in an ID5, you can take the battery from 5%-80% in just under half an hour.
Drivers are likely to be more concerned about range than speed and the ID5 is pretty good in this department. The WLTP range of between 516 and 530 km looks good on paper, but as we all know these ranges can often be wildly optimistic in the real world. The ID5 range does not drop like a stone when you hit the motorway or turn on the A/C, meaning you could comfortably tackle a 400km round trip without concern. This may not seem that significant, but If you did say a regular run between Galway and Dublin, or Limerick and Dublin you could do a round trip in the ID5 without charging, where as if you are doing a Cork run you are likely to have to stop for “coffee”.
When it comes to charging Volkswagen makes it as quick and smart as possible. Home changing overnight (AC, 7.4kW 0%-100%) will take seven and a half hours. If you are lucky enough to find a vacant DC fast charger when out and about in an ID5, you can take the battery from 5%-80% in just under half an hour.
Reliability
Many of the earlier ID3s seem to encounter software issues, which did affect confidence of some buyers, but with the experience of the ID4 these seem to be now resolved. The similarity with the ID4, which seems to get a pretty clean bill of health when it comes to reliability, also points to the ID5 being a reliable motoring option.
It is too early for data from customer satisfaction survey, but you would not expect too many nasty surprises with this model.
It is too early for data from customer satisfaction survey, but you would not expect too many nasty surprises with this model.
Running Costs
Choice of charging options will have a big impact on running costs of the ID5. Chances are it will be charged on a home driveway and this will make it a lot cheaper on fuelling costs than a petrol or diesel alternative.
The car comes with a full VW warranty and an 8 year or 160,000km battery warranty. You also have the peace of mind of knowing that the VW badge is likely to mean that the ID5 holds it value well.
The car comes with a full VW warranty and an 8 year or 160,000km battery warranty. You also have the peace of mind of knowing that the VW badge is likely to mean that the ID5 holds it value well.
Handling
The way you look at the driving pleasure and the handling of the ID5 very much depends on perspective. If, because of it sporty pretence, you are expecting and electric Golf GTi you are going to be very disappointed. However, in truth, VW is not really aiming for sporty handling with this model. Smooth, comfortable and refined would best describe the ID5 driving experience. There is enough power to make the driving experience satisfying, but it does not offer the agility, or indeed fun, of some competitors.
That said the ID5 corners well for a car of its size and offers plenty of grip. Like most heavily electrics it struggles to iron out the bumps at low speed, although it is by no means the worse in this respect.
That said the ID5 corners well for a car of its size and offers plenty of grip. Like most heavily electrics it struggles to iron out the bumps at low speed, although it is by no means the worse in this respect.
Safety
Unsurprisingly the ID5 is a very safe car. It has a 5 star Euro NCAP safety rating with a 93% score for occupant protection 89% child protection. The car also offers plenty of driver assistance technology, some as standard, although the most impressive features tend to be options on lower spec models. All have Intelligent Park Assist, Matrix LED Headlights, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill start assist, Emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, Oncoming vehicle braking when turning and swerve support and driver alert system.
Summary
- Exterior
- 80%
- Interior
- 80%
- Performance
- 80%
- Reliability
- 100%
- Running Costs
- 100%
- Handling
- 80%
- Safety
- 100%
There are lots of positives about the ID5, as it drives well, has plenty of equipment and a range that makes it just about practical for longer trips. However, whether it offers enough over and above the ID4 to make it worth the premium price is very questionable. If you want an electric Volkswagen then the ID4 would seem the sensible choice, although you get the feeling that those swayed towards coupe styling may just let their heart rule.
With prices ranging from €61 to €68,000 it is a car with a lot of competition, The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Model Y Tesla, Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 Sportback and Skoda Enyaq will all be competing for attention and these arguably all have a little more personality than the ID5. However, with a starting price of over €10,000 less than it big brother and pretty much the same technology, it is probably the ID4 that is it biggest contender.
With prices ranging from €61 to €68,000 it is a car with a lot of competition, The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Model Y Tesla, Mustang Mach-E, Audi Q4 Sportback and Skoda Enyaq will all be competing for attention and these arguably all have a little more personality than the ID5. However, with a starting price of over €10,000 less than it big brother and pretty much the same technology, it is probably the ID4 that is it biggest contender.