Volkswagen’s new ID.5 has taken the electric vehicle (EV) scene by storm, capturing the hearts (and garages) of stylish, sustainability-conscious drivers who want practicality without sacrificing performance. This sleek electric SUV isn’t just good for the planet—it’s packed with features that make every journey smooth and stylish. The fact that they’re also sustainable means you can sit back and enjoy the drive knowing that you’re contributing to lowering harmful greenhouse emissions caused by traditional petrol-fuel cars.
I was lucky enough to be given this innovative electric SUV for a week by Giltrap Volkswagen. Having previously road-tested other electric SUVs, I wanted to put the vehicle’s range capabilities and charging time under the microscope. To ensure a fair comparison of the differences between petrol consumption when driving in the city versus open roads, I used the ID.5 as a commute vehicle to the office during the week and then made a return day trip to Tauranga.
“As a leader in electric mobility, we wanted to offer our customers an even greater reason to explore the ID. range. The ID has been thoughtfully designed to meet the everyday needs of our customers while delivering an impressive driving experience,” says Chanelle McDonald, General Manager of Volkswagen New Zealand.
Read on to learn more about my favourite features of the ID.5—and its all-important EV range capability.
Sleek Design with a Sporty Edge
My first impression of the ID.5 was the sleek and sporty look that the sloping roofline gives it. This design choice may compromise headroom for rear passengers (more on that later). Still, it undeniably adds a touch of dynamism. The panoramic sunroof is a great feature and makes for a bright and airy driving experience.
The ID.5’s front end features an illuminated strip stretching between the LED headlights and the Volkswagen logo. This unique element adds a modern and eye-catching touch.
Modern and Spacious Interior
The ID.5’s cabin echoes the car’s modern exterior with a clean and uncluttered layout. The focus is on functionality and technology, with a large touchscreen infotainment system taking center stage. Volkswagen has used high-quality materials throughout the cabin, giving the ID.5 a premium feel. The seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long journeys.
Despite the sloping roofline, the ID.5 offers surprisingly good headroom and legroom for passengers in both the front and rear seats. The cargo capacity is also generous, with 549 litres (19.3 cubic feet) behind the rear seats and up to 1,581 litres (55.7 cubic feet) with the seats folded down.
Feature-packed for Comfort and Convenience
The ID. range is brimming with cutting-edge technology designed to make your drive effortless and enjoyable. The ID.5’s 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system controls everything from climate control and navigation to the audio system and phone connectivity. It’s user-friendly and responsive, making it easy to stay connected and entertained on the go. The vehicle comes packed with a variety of driver-assistance systems, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. These features help to keep you safe and in control on the road.
I really enjoyed the AR head-up display, which projects driving information onto the windshield, such as speed, navigation arrows and even warnings from the driver-assistance systems. I found it really helpful for keeping my eyes on the road without having to take my attention off the wheel—and the road.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
As an all-electric vehicle, the ID.5 produces zero tailpipe emissions, helping to combat climate change and air pollution. Volkswagen has incorporated recycled materials into various components of the ID.5, such as the seat covers and floor mats. This reduces the car’s environmental impact and demonstrates the company’s dedication to responsible manufacturing practices.
The ID.5’s aerodynamic design and lightweight construction contribute to its energy efficiency. This translates to a longer range and lower running costs, making it a practical and eco-friendly choice for everyday driving.
Different Performance Options
The base Pro model offers a 174 horsepower motor and a 77 kWh battery with a range of up to 431 kms on the WLTP cycle. For a more spirited driving experience, the Pro Performance variant packs a 299 horsepower motor and delivers a range of up to 547 kms.
Both Pro and Pro Performance models support 135 kW fast charging, allowing you to top up the battery from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes. I was impressed by how long the battery held its charge both in the city and on the open road. When you use the ChargeNet fast charger, the ID.5 powers up again really quickly, helping get you back on the road quickly (relatively speaking).
I really enjoyed my experience with the ID.5. Its sleek silhouette, spacious and comfortable interior and array of technology features combined with Volkswagen’s environmentally-conscious approach all work in unison to make the ID.5 an excellent choice for those seeking a modern and sustainable electric SUV.
