The ID. Series of cars is Volkswagen’s all-electric model line-up, of which the ID.5 is one of its latest contenders. Launched in 2022, the Volkswagen ID.5 took the German brand into the electric crossover coupé market, building on the success of its ID. family. Targeted at style-focused families and enthusiastic EV owners, the ID.5 combines the practicality of an SUV with the sleek lines of a coupé and the efficiency of an electric powertrain. Positioned above the ID.4 in Volkswagen’s range, the ID.5 competes with electric crossovers such as the Skoda Enyaq Coupé iV, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Nissan Ariya.
AA Cars Rating: 3.9/5
How we test carsIf you’re after a stylish, practical electric crossover coupé with strong range and advanced tech, the VW ID.5 deserves a close look. Its roomy cabin, composed ride and solid standard kit make it a strong contender in this hugely competitive and rapidly developing market segment. The infotainment can be frustrating at times, and it’s not the cheapest option, though, so although it's beautifully engineered, it has to fight hard against some very polished opposition to make a good enough case for itself.
Jack is an experienced motoring journalist who has been covering the latest new-car releases for the last 10 years.
Read bioThe VW ID.5 cost from £36,995 for the entry-level Pro Essential trim, rising to £53,745 for the flagship ID.5 GTX. These prices are cheaper than they were at launch reflecting the evolution and greater accessibility of electric drivetrains.
It has, however, impacted used prices and that means the ID.5 is a second-hand bargain – you can pick up an early example with a sensible mileage for as little as £18,000 on AA Cars.
The VW ID.5 is available exclusively as a pure electric vehicle, with two main battery and motor configurations. The Pro and Pro Performance models are rear-wheel drive, featuring a 77 kWh battery and delivering 174bhp (128kW) or 204bhp (150kW), with 0-62 mph times of 10.4 and 8.4 seconds respectively.
The range-topping GTX model adds a second motor on the front axle for all-wheel drive, boosting output to 299bhp (220kW) and reducing the 0-62 mph sprint to a brisk 6.3 seconds. WLTP range is up to 336 miles for the Pro Performance, with the GTX managing 314 miles on a charge.
All variants use a single-speed automatic transmission, offering quiet acceleration and instant torque. Rapid charging capability allows a 10-80% top-up in as little as 30 minutes on a suitable 135kW charger.
The ID.5 delivers a refined and comfortable driving experience, set up neutrally to suit a mixture of urban and long-distance motoring.
Its elevated driving position and generous glass area provide excellent visibility, while the smooth power delivery and instant torque make for effortless progress in both city traffic and out on the open road.
The ID.5’s well-insulated cabin keeps wind and road noise low, even at motorway speeds. The ride is supple, absorbing bumps and poor surfaces with ease, and the advanced driver assistance systems help reduce fatigue on longer journeys.
With its long wheelbase and balanced chassis, the ID.5 feels composed and stable, whether navigating tight city streets or sweeping country roads. The steering is accurate and light, making parking and low-speed manoeuvres simple, while the suspension is tuned for comfort rather than for outright agility.
Selectable driving modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual) allow drivers to tailor the car’s responses to their preferences. The GTX adds sportier settings and firmer suspension, providing more dynamic handling, but all models feel secure and predictable, with regenerative braking enhancing efficiency in stop-start traffic.
Despite its coupé-like exterior, the ID.5’s interior remains impressively spacious. There’s ample head and legroom for four adults, and it remains comfortable as a five-seater for shorter trips. The flat floor enhances rear passenger comfort, and the cabin receives plenty of natural light thanks to large windows and an optional panoramic roof.
The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment display and a digital driver’s display, both offering crisp graphics and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Physical controls are minimal, replaced by touch-sensitive sliders and buttons, which can take some getting used to and are possibly the ID.5’s most frustrating feature.
Materials are of high quality, with soft-touch surfaces and eco-friendly upholstery options. Supportive seats and a high driving position create a relaxed ambience, while ambient lighting and adjustable climate control further enhance comfort. Isofix mounts are standard on the outermost rear seats.
The VW ID.5 offers 549 litres of boot space with all seats in place, easily accommodating a large weekly shop, pushchairs or luggage for a family getaway.
Folding the 60:40 split rear seats expands that capacity to a generous 1,561 litres, making the ID.5 highly versatile and one of the most spacious cars in its class. The wide boot opening and low loading lip simplify loading bulky items, while underfloor storage keeps charging cables and smaller valuables neatly out of sight.
Cabin storage is plentiful, with large door bins, cupholders, a centre console with wireless charging pad, and a spacious glovebox. Higher trims add extra USB-C ports and sliding rear seats for greater flexibility.
All ID.5 models are well specified, with the entry-level Pro Essential trim featuring LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, climate control, and a full suite of active safety systems. The Pro Performance adds upgraded infotainment, larger alloy wheels, heated seats, and an upgraded sound system.
The GTX trim includes sports seats, a unique exterior styling package, Matrix LED headlights, augmented reality head-up display, and all-wheel drive. Options include a panoramic sunroof, Harman Kardon premium audio, heat pump, and an advanced driver assistance package.
The ID.5 is available in three main trims: Pro Essential, Pro Performance, and GTX.
The entry-level Pro trim covers all the essentials, with digital displays, climate control, LED headlights, and an extensive safety suite.
Stepping up to Pro Performance adds more power, upgraded infotainment, heated seats and steering wheel, and enhanced interior materials for increased comfort and connectivity.
The flagship GTX trim brings a sportier flavour with unique bodywork, 20-inch alloy wheels, sports seats, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance features, as well as the most powerful dual-motor setup and four-wheel-drive.
A special edition Black Edition has also appeared a couple of times, albeit for a limited period, with a huge specification and colour-coded exterior and interior themes.
Colour choices include classic Glacier White and Manganese Grey, as well as bolder options such as Kings Red, Stonewashed Blue, and Moonstone Grey, allowing buyers to personalise their ID.5, alongside a wide range of options and accessories.
The ID.5 is built on VW’s advanced MEB platform, with a focus on occupant protection and active safety.
It achieved a five-star rating in Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2022, with exact scores of 93% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 76% for vulnerable road users, and 85% for safety assist systems. The ID.5 comes equipped as standard with multiple airbags, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition.
The GTX adds further driver assistance features, including lane change assist and emergency assist. Volkswagen’s reputation for solid engineering and reliability is reflected in the ID.5’s robust construction and proven electric powertrain.
As a fully electric vehicle, the VW ID.5 emits zero CO₂ at the tailpipe. The Pro Performance offers up to 336 miles of range (WLTP), while the GTX achieves up to 314 miles, thanks to an efficient powertrain and aerodynamically optimised design.
The model is also now eligible for the government Electric Car Grant and from April 2026 all but the GTX will come below the Expensive Car VED Supplement threshold, meaning road tax of £195 a year instead of the £620 a year that most models currently attract.
Insurance groups are 29-34, and Volkswagen’s three-year/unlimited mileage warranty applies, with the battery covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. Service intervals are every two years or 18,000 miles, with running costs considerably lower than for petrol or diesel SUVs.
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