Volkswagen ID5 driven: Tesla alternative or a case of style over substance?
May 09, 2025 by Mario Christou
Car changing is a big deal
Our senior reviews writer has spent some time behind the wheel of the Volkswagen ID5. It’s stylish, practical and efficient, but is that enough to choose it above its SUV alternatives?
Think of the Volkswagen ID5 as the ID4’s image-conscious sibling – the one who dresses slightly smarter but doesn’t really stand out in family photos. Volkswagen has taken the practical ID4 and given it a sportier, coupe-like silhouette. It may look slicker than the ID4, but it’s still less head-turning than the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback or Skoda Enyaq Coupe.
Inside, things start off promisingly with a minimalist, modern vibe and a pair of slick displays. But poke around and you’ll quickly discover cheap, scratchy plastics lurking almost everywhere within reach—disappointing, given VW’s usually solid reputation. At least the infotainment system is decent: quick, intuitive, and with wireless smartphone connectivity. Mind the touch-sensitive climate controls and haptic steering wheel buttons though, as they’re fiddly to use on the go.
Space and practicality are respectable but slightly compromised by that stylish roofline. The front seats are comfy and supportive – ideal for long journeys. Passengers in the back aren’t short-changed either, with generous headroom and legroom, and you’ll comfortably seat three teens without too many complaints. Boot space is surprisingly bigger than the ID4 – just – at 549 litres, but it’s awkwardly shaped for bulkier loads. A headache for IKEA trips.
The ID5’s electric credentials are decent if not groundbreaking. Volkswagen claims a 343 mile range from the larger battery model, but realistically you’re looking at around 280 miles. Charging times aren’t bad—half an hour to get from 10 to 80% on a fast charger, and an overnight charge with a home wallbox will fill the battery from empty. The entry-level model is less impressive with just 226 miles of range, struggling to justify its price tag compared to alternatives such as the Kia EV6.
On the road, the ID5 won’t exactly set your pulse racing. It feels somewhat cumbersome navigating city streets despite its light steering, needing a lot of input. While motorway cruising is smooth and refined, potholes around town make themselves known in the cabin.
The GTX variant spices things up with dual motors and 344hp, hitting 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, but it still falls short compared to sportier alternatives such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E.
VW has packed the ID5 with plenty of standard tech and safety features including adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera. It’s reassuringly safe, having earned a five-star Euro NCAP rating, but reliability could be a concern down the line with Volkswagen coming a lowly 29th out of 32 brands in the 2024 Driver Power reliability survey.
Ultimately, the Volkswagen ID5 is a decent but uninspiring family EV. It has style, space, and enough range to tackle most journeys comfortably, yet it’s spoiled due to a subpar interior, mediocre driving experience, and hefty price tag. It’s not the best electric SUV out there, but it’s still worth a look.
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