New Volkswagen ID.5 2022 overview

Verdict

The Volkswagen ID.5 inherits each the ID.4’s good and not-so-good features, leading to a reasonably well-rounded electrical SUV which isn’t too badly compromised by its sportier silhouette. It’s not an affordable choice although, in a market that’s changing into extra inexpensive and fielding higher shopper selection by the month. 

It appears to be nigh-on not possible as of late for producers to make a mid-to-large SUV with out resisting the temptation to observe up with a ‘coupe’ model. Certain sufficient, little over a 12 months on from the Volkswagen ID.4 electrical SUV occurring sale within the UK, we discover ourselves driving a extra style-focused sibling: the ID.5. 

The design doesn’t deviate all that a lot from the ID.4. From some angles, you won’t even spot the brand new rear-end therapy, that includes redesigned C-pillars, a sloping roofline and a brand new boot lid incorporating a rear wing. 

Inside, the ID.4’s cabin has been carried over, albeit with an enchancment in trim high quality to mirror the ID.5’s place on the prime of Volkswagen’s European EV line-up. It’s noticeably nicer if you sit, however there are nonetheless some cheaper-feeling parts, which is all of the extra disappointing contemplating the associated Skoda Enyaq and Enyaq Coupe each really feel extra arguably premium. 

Additional differentiating itself from the ID.4, the ID.5 is just out there with the biggest battery pack out there in automobiles utilizing the VW Group’s MEB platform: a 77kWh unit which supplies a variety of as much as 313 miles within the rear-wheel-drive Professional and Professional Efficiency fashions. 

The Professional develops 171bhp and completes the 0-62mph sprint in 10.4 seconds, whereas the Professional Efficiency is nice for 201bhp, making for an 8.4-second 0-62mph sprint. Each prime out at 99mph. For many who wish to go faster, there’s a GTX mannequin, however pushed right here it’s the Professional Efficiency model. It’s anticipated to take up 35 per cent of UK gross sales quantity. 

Pushed within the German equal of the extremely geared up Max trim-level we are going to get in Britain, this grade will supply 20-inch wheels, adaptive dampers, and ‘Prime-Sport Plus’ seats. Our automotive had 21-inch wheels, which might be non-obligatory on Max automobiles. 

Even on the bigger diameter rims, the ID.5 rides comfortably, isolating the cabin properly from imperfections within the highway floor. It’s a quiet, snug automotive to drive, simply as we’ve discovered with the ID.4 – no surprises right here, for the reason that pair are mechanically similar. 

The sensation of familiarity continues upon reaching a nook. At properly over two tonnes, the ID.5 is hardly a flyweight. However as we’ve seen time and time once more with electrical automobiles, a low centre of gravity afforded by a low-slung battery pack means it doesn’t at all times really feel as heavy as that. 

Up to a degree, at the least. Though it modifications route keenly sufficient, push the ID.5 laborious in a nook and its mass will turn out to be extra obvious, with the entrance finish pushing on. Physique roll is pretty properly contained, nevertheless, and traction from the rear axle is obtainable in abundance. Most will discover the ID.5’s dealing with to be greater than ample for his or her wants, even when they’d be having extra enjoyable in a Ford Mustang Mach E. 

The steering is heavier than plenty of Volkswagen merchandise from the final 10 or so years or so. Nevertheless, there’s an odd, springy high quality to the facility help, with the wheel fast to self-centre, significantly in Sport mode. On this Professional Efficiency mannequin and the GTX, it’s a progressive rack, with the steering ratio tightening because the lock is added. 

Sport mode additionally corporations up the suspension to scale back physique roll, albeit not by a big diploma (we suspect the distinction might be extra distinct on UK roads), and sharpens up the throttle. 

With all 310Nm of the only motor’s torque out there near-instantaneously (there’s a progressive ramp-up on the throttle, no matter mode), the Professional Efficiency feels pretty brisk throughout preliminary acceleration, gathering pace properly thereafter.

Judging by our experiences within the ID.4, the cheaper Professional model will really feel sluggish, though it’s anticipated to be the most important vendor, with round half of UK patrons predicted to go for the least highly effective variant of the ID.5.

All derivatives get the three.0 model of VW’s newest software program package deal, which is meant to iron out the bugs skilled in earlier techniques. In our first hands-on expertise the setup was secure and crash-free, nevertheless we managed to by accident set off the apparently improved voice command system a number of occasions amidst common dialog between driver and passenger. 

The central touchscreen is sort of responsive, but it surely’s nonetheless fiddly to make use of for altering local weather management settings. That is removed from the one consumer expertise fake pas the ID.5 has inherited from the 4 – you continue to get the haptic suggestions steering wheel button pads with touch-sensitive sliders which are all-too straightforward to by accident knock.