Volkswagen ID.5 SUV (2022 - ) Electric review

The GTX is the most expensive version of the ID.5, but it could still be affordable to run in comparison to a petrol or diesel car. As with all electric cars, how much cheaper it is to ‘fuel’ depends on whether you can charge it up at home on a cheap night-time rate, or you have to rely on the public charging network. As the car is heavier than the non-GTX model, its range isn’t quite as impressive as other ID.5s using the same battery, but up to 314 miles is possible depending on conditions and driving style. That’s comparable to the Skoda Enyaq vRS Coupe, which uses the same underpinnings as the Volkswagen, and a little better than similarly priced versions of the Kia EV6. However, the Tesla Model Y shades it on range for a modest step up in cost. Other than fuel, and again, like all electric cars, the ID.5 GTX should require minimal maintenance and longer service intervals than an internal combustion engined (ICE) alternative.

Volkswagen’s reputation for producing dependable cars has taken a hit in recent years, but ID.5 buyers can rest easy in the knowledge that its components are shared by a wide variety of related models, including the ID.3, ID.4, Audi Q4 E-Tron, Cupra Born and Skoda Enyaq. There’s also less to go wrong with an electric car than one with a petrol or diesel engine, as there are fewer moving parts. Nonetheless, Volkswagen ID models have suffered from infotainment glitches and, despite updates, it’s still not the most responsive system on the market compared with the likes of Kia or Hyundai. Those brands also better serve buyers with confidence-enhancing warranty packages, while the ID.5 GTX’s standard warranty is up to three years or 60,000 miles. Owners can extend this for a fee. More impressively, the ID.5’s battery pack is under warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles, which should cover most owners’ time with the car.

Volkswagen has some of the most advanced driver assistance technology on the market with its ‘swarm’ feature that takes data from other similarly-equipped cars in the area to inform the on-board systems. The regular ID.5 is quite well-equipped in this regard, while the GTX, as the range-topper, gets all the safety technology as standard. The adaptive cruise control, which keeps the car a safe distance from those in front, even if they change speed, is upgraded with a predictive feature that takes into consideration changes in speed limits and even junctions and corners on the road ahead. There are systems to ensure that the car stays in its lane and you're paying attention and not getting tired, too. Indeed, if the driver does not respond to warnings, the car can safely stop itself and turn on the hazard lights to warn other drivers. There’s an automatic emergency braking system designed to protect vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists, as well, while occupants are protected by a wealth of airbags.

The GTX makes a compelling case for itself inside, as it comes with some unique materials and finishes that set it apart from the rest of the ID.5 line-up, lifting the ambience and going some way to justifying the high price. The sports seats are upholstered in a bespoke soft material, and there’s red contrast stitching which is on the GTX-badged steering wheel, too. Meanwhile, as with all ID.5s, there’s an impressive panoramic glass roof – thankfully with an effective sunblind. Also standard across the line-up are electrically adjusted front seats and three-zone climate control, allowing rear-seat passengers to set their own preferred temperature. Thankfully, even with the ID.5’s more sloped roof and back window there’s very little compromise over the ID.4, with plenty of legroom and more than adequate headroom for adults. Three average-sized people will fit in without too much complaint, while there are ISOFIX mountings for child seats in the outer two chairs. It may come as a surprise to learn that the ID.5’s boot capacity is a few litres more than that of the ID.4, but in reality, it’s easier to carry bulkier items in the more upright ID.4.

As standard and like the rest of the ID family, all ID.5s get quite a minimal-looking dashboard dominated by a tablet-style central touch-screen and a compact digital instrumentation pack in front of the driver. Though the software can be updated over the air without visiting a dealer the system can still be unresponsive at times, and slow to start up. And not everyone gets on well with the slider controls for cabin temperature and stereo volume. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of functionality, and the ID.5 comes as standard with the excellent augmented reality head-up display that makes following navigation directions in busy junctions much easier. The GTX model’s touchscreen is the large 12-inch Discover Max version. As expected, there’s wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with plenty of USB-C ports for keeping devices charged up. The keyless entry and start-up is also very convenient - you just sit in and toggle the drive selector to get moving with no need to press a start button. One feature not included in the purchase price but may be worth investing in is a heat pump. This makes the car more efficient all year round.

Thanks to an extra electric motor driving the front wheels the GTX is the only model in the line-up with all-wheel drive. That’ll be reason enough for some buyers to opt for it. That extra motor means a higher maximum power output – up to 299 horsepower – but because the car is quite heavy it never feels as fast as that suggests. Indeed, it doesn’t feel dramatically quicker than the 204 horsepower ID.5, even if the 6.3-second sprint to 62mph is two seconds less. However, using the car’s Sport mode noticeably sharpens up response and it feels more than quick enough for a large SUV, if not what some might expect from a badge intended as the electrified alternative to VW’s GTI models. It’s the same story with how the ID.5 GTX drives. It’s competent and reasonably agile, but it’s not sporty. Adjustable damping is included in the price with 15 different levels selectable by the driver so, even if you are tempted by the optional 21-inch alloy wheel upgrade, it still manages to be as comfortable as any other version in the range.