In a world where switching from a conventionally-powered car to an electrically powered one is full of bewildering choices, it’s good to find something as relatively straightforward, visually familiar - and easy to drive - as Volkswagen’s handsome ID5.
The name is a contrived confection (supposedly abbreviating VW’s ‘visionary’ aspirations) - but with its sloping rear end reminiscent of a coupe, sharp lines up front and pleasing performance, this can be forgiven. It’s also much sleeker than the rather boxy-looking ID.4.
We drove the ID.5 Max 77 kWh Pro Performance 204 PS model, producing enough power for 0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 99 mph, more than anyone will ever need in the UK, even if ICE-orientated customers are used to seeing dizzying claimed top speeds often exceeding 130mph.
It’s a five-seater (as long as those in the back are kids, this is a family car after all) with a claimed range of 322 miles (although you can expect rather fewer miles in practice). It also has a direct drive single speed gearbox (no gear-changing required), a claimed rapid charging time to 80 per cent of 29 minutes and - of course - zero emissions.
Crisp
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but - to this reviewer - the ID5’s lines are crisp and streamlined, with a carefully calculated ‘futuristic’ hint as befits an EV, especially one dubbed, by its makers, as a ‘coupe SUV’.
The interior exudes an air of simplicity composed of neat, flowing lines and reasonably pleasing materials, for the most part. Sure, they can be a little plasticky in places but it seems EV manufacturers have to compensate for the extra weight of the batteries somewhere; maybe that includes ‘finishing’ materials. The wide, long, panoramic ‘Black roof’ (£835) created a particularly pleasing, spacious, airy feel.
There are plenty of storage bins and pockets including a nicely-designed modular affair between the front seats and underfloor storage - useful for the charging cables - under the ‘boot’. That said, you won’t be wanting to unload your carefully package family holiday clobber mid-trip, just to find them, so planning ahead is essential.
More curious even than the name is the fact that there’s no start/stop button which - to a ‘conventional’ motorist - feels odd, until you get used to it. The car senses the presence of the key, so all you have to do to move off is twist the neat, stubby little ‘shifter’ just behind the steering wheel and silently move off.
There’s a big, bright central touch screen for entertainment and navigation, that also includes controls for the driving mode - choose from Eco, Comfort, Sport (which firms up the suspension and steering) or Individual, the latter which can be tailored to the driver’s choice. The screen is responsive but a tad fiddly for finessing climate controls on the move.
Bends
On the move the ID.5 rides well generally, despite large 20-inch wheels; it soaks up speed ramps reasonably effectively and is largely roll-free in bends, even fast bends. Standard ‘Sport Plus’ bucket seats help here, too. On the test car the serenity otherwise afforded by the electric motor was marred by a persistent creaking and rattling from the roof, especially over rough surfaces - no matter where the swish electric roof blind was positioned.
The steering wheel feels nice and chunky - with pleasingly haptic controls - even if feedback from the steering is not the car’s strongest feature. It handles crisply enough despite the evident weight of the batteries, which are located deep in the car, giving it a low centre of gravity.
Talking of batteries, potential owners must do their sums before buying, to establish whether they will be paying a premium for driving electric compared to petrol. It’s a complicated formula pivoting on whether the owner has access to a home charger (very few Londoners do) or a (costlier) public charger. And of course on the extra outlay for purchasing an electric vehicle, over a conventionally powered one. Fluctuating petrol and electricity prices make this a tricky calculation; some will be content to pay more in order to help cut their environmental footprint. Others won’t.
Acceleration on the ID.5 is brisk rather than super-fast but there’s sufficient oomph for safe overtaking manoeuvres. The brakes have plenty of feel and there’s a feeling of quality to all the controls.
Rearward vision is not good, thanks to those attractive, swooping lines, but the reversing camera and radar compensate.
Overall, the ID5 is a likeable - near silent – car (shame about those rattles), sportier looking and prettier than its ID.4 brother and - crucially in London - emissions-free.
You can read more about the Evening Standard’s electric vehicles Plug It In project here.
The Facts
Volkswagen ID.5 Max 77 kWh Pro Performance 204 PS
On the road price: £59,195.00
Top speed: 99 mph
0 - 62 mph: 8.4 seconds
Claimed Range – WLTP 322 miles
Max power: 201 bhp
