Volkswagen ID.5: the official debut of the electric coupe SUV

The German manufacturer continues to expand its range of electric SUVs with this ID.5 directly derived from the ID.4, with added aesthetic dynamism.

The trend of coupe SUVs continues to inspire imitators. Volkswagen couldn’t escape it, especially since, on an industrial level, it is inexpensive and can be very profitable. After fairly conventional models, but in tune with current trends (ID.3 and ID.4), the ID.5 aims to be more dynamic and more upscale. A good opportunity to position it at a higher price point, estimated at €45,000 before incentives (€5,000), but this should be confirmed in the coming weeks.

More stylish, more sporty, more chic in appearance, this latest Volkswagen electric model borrows almost everything from its cousin ID.4, adopting in a novel way redesigned bumpers and a roofline that dips onto a spoiler. These modifications greatly alter the visual impression, but the dimensions between the ID.4 and ID.5 are virtually the same. Only 1.5 cm longer (4.60 m), with the same width (1.85 m) and a height that varies only by one centimeter (1.61 m) due to wheel size. Indeed, the ID.5 comes standard with 19-inch wheels, compared to 18 inches on the ID.4. Lastly, since both cars share the same technical platform, batteries, and motors, the wheelbase remains identical: 2.77 m.

Economic Interior

By shifting to electric, Volkswagen has left behind part of what built its reputation for build quality and finish. The first of its kind, the ID.3, is now quite lagging in this regard compared to its competitors. The ID.4—and now the ID.5—do not improve the level. This is because most of the parts are shared, including in the digital realm. The instrument cluster (5.3 inches) is quite basic and rather small, while the central touchscreen, 12.3 inches, makes a better impression. Thanks to it, the ID.5 can dispense with many control buttons, relying on digital menus that need to be mastered, but users adapt quickly.

The ID.5, following in the footsteps of previous Volkswagen electric models, aims to be innovative with a head-up display in augmented reality, giving the impression that information is projected onto the road. In practice, as observed with the ID.3 and ID.4 (provided the dedicated system has been updated), the system works quite well. Additionally, there is the ID.Light system mounted across the width at the base of the windshield. It can alert the driver through color signals about potential dangers, vehicles in the blind spot, or a change of direction when the GPS is active. It’s a new way to interact with the driver, who can also communicate with the car via new voice command controls, promised as increasingly natural to everyday speech.

If the ID.5 is a “coupé” SUV, interior space has not been sacrificed for style. Certainly, the headroom is reduced at the back, but the space remains ample. This is typical of electric cars, which preserve interior space by saving mechanical room structurally. In the trunk, there is little change compared to the ID.4, with an increased load volume (549 liters), primarily due to the configuration of interior elements like the shelf. When the second-row seats are folded, the capacity slightly decreases, with 1,561 liters for the ID.5 versus 1,575 liters for the ID.4. Again, the difference is minimal, and neither version has an additional front trunk.

Same Motor, Same Range

In terms of range, the ID.5 is no better than the ID.4, despite a more favorable aerodynamic coefficient. In its most modest version (174 hp), as well as in the 204 hp version, it has an officially homologated “zero emission” range of 520 km. Not bad. The 174 hp power output is nonetheless unprecedented on this platform and appears modest for a car with a sporty connotation. The goal is probably to offer an entry-level price… Volkswagen has not yet revealed the lineup, but it’s already known that three trims, corresponding to three different power levels, will form the base, which will then be augmented with optional packs. The lineup will be topped by the GTX version, with 299 hp, whose range will be slightly reduced to 490 km. Note that the GTX will feature all-wheel drive thanks to a second electric motor of 109 hp on the front axle (the other versions are rear-wheel drive).

Regarding charging, nothing revolutionary—10 hours to fully charge on a wallbox (7.4 kW from 5% to 100%), and about 30 minutes to go from 10% to 80% on a high-power charger. Finally, despite being electric, this Volkswagen will be compatible with a motorized trailer hitch. No manufacturer provides specific consumption figures when towing, but testing would be interesting. For all practical purposes, the ID.5 will only be sold with a large 77 kWh battery.