A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.1
Comfort & Interior
4.2
Running Costs
4.7
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for an electric SUV that doesn’t compromise on style or substance? The volkswagen id5 delivers exactly that combination, proving that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing premium appeal. This sleek coupe SUV represents Volkswagen’s most sophisticated electric offering, blending cutting-edge technology with the practical family-friendly features you’d expect from the German brand.
Performance feels effortless whether you choose the 174hp Pro or 204hp Pro Performance variant. Both versions deliver smooth, silent acceleration while offering impressive real-world range from their 77kWh battery pack. The cabin genuinely impresses with premium materials, supportive seats, and a surprisingly spacious feel despite the sloping roofline. You’ll find generous legroom throughout, plus a decent 549-litre boot that handles family life with ease.
Running costs represent perhaps the ID.5’s strongest selling point. Electricity costs roughly a third of equivalent petrol, while minimal servicing requirements and zero road tax keep ongoing expenses remarkably low. Company car drivers particularly benefit from the 2% benefit-in-kind rate. Yes, rear headroom could be better and the infotainment takes some getting used to, but these minor compromises pale against the ID.5’s impressive overall package. For families wanting electric motoring without the premium price tag, this stylish SUV makes a compelling case.
What's the difference between ID.5 Pro and Pro Performance?
The ID.5 Pro produces 174hp while Pro Performance delivers 204hp for stronger acceleration. Both share the same 77kWh battery and similar range figures. Equipment levels are otherwise identical between the variants.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
Electric motor
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Power Output
204 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.9 seconds
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MPG Combined
263 miles range
- Boot Space
- 549 litres
- Safety Rating
- 5 stars Euro NCAP
- Heat pump, Panoramic roof, Matrix LED headlights
Volkswagen ID.5 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review
Step inside the Volkswagen ID.5 and you’ll discover a spacious, airy cabin that feels genuinely premium. The front seats offer excellent support with electric adjustment and memory functions. Rear passengers enjoy generous legroom, though headroom suffers slightly from the sloping roofline. The minimalist dashboard design looks clean and modern with high quality materials throughout. Soft touch plastics and brushed metal accents create an upmarket feel. The flat floor maximises interior space thanks to the electric drivetrain layout. Storage includes large door pockets, cupholders, and a useful centre console compartment. The boot offers 549 litres of space, expanding when you fold the rear seats. Cabin refinement is excellent with minimal wind and road noise intrusion. Overall comfort levels easily match more expensive luxury alternatives.
The id5 excels with exhilarating performance matched by refined comfort, creating a driving experience that exceeds expectations in every way.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Volkswagen ID.5?
The Volkswagen ID.5 delivers exceptional running costs that make premium motoring surprisingly affordable. Electricity costs around 4p per mile compared to 12p for equivalent petrol SUVs. Home charging overnight on cheaper tariffs reduces costs to just 2p per mile. The electric drivetrain requires minimal servicing with no oil changes or timing belts. Brake pads last longer thanks to regenerative braking reducing wear significantly. Road tax is currently zero for electric vehicles, saving £165 annually. Company car drivers benefit from 2% benefit in kind rates versus 37% for petrol. Insurance costs are reasonable despite the higher purchase price and advanced technology. When exploring how to find the cheapest car finance deals in the uk, the ID.5’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments manageable.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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volkswagen id5
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BMW iX3
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Tesla Model Y
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | from £51,000 | from £55,000 | from £54,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | Electric motor 204hp | Electric motor 286hp | Electric motor 299hp |
| Power | 204 bhp | 286 bhp | 299 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 seconds | 6.8 seconds | 5.2 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 263 miles range | 285 miles range | 331 miles range |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 549 litres | 510 litres | 854 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Premium electric SUV, Coupe styling, Low running costs, Spacious interior | Premium badge, Superior performance, Build quality | Supercharger network, Advanced autopilot, Over-air updates |
Is the Volkswagen ID.5 Practical for Everyday Use?
The Volkswagen ID.5 proves surprisingly practical despite its coupe SUV styling compromises. The 549 litre boot easily swallows the weekly shopping or family luggage. Folding the rear seats creates a useful flat loading area for larger items. The opening is wide and the loading lip relatively low for easy access. Interior storage includes large door bins, multiple cupholders, and smartphone charging pads. Rear passengers enjoy good legroom, though taller adults may find headroom tight. Child seat fitting is straightforward with ISOFIX points on the outer rear seats. The charging cable stores neatly under the boot floor when not needed. Towing capacity reaches 1,000kg for small trailers or bike carriers. For those considering used Volkswagen cars, the ID.5 represents the brand’s most advanced technology. Daily practicality easily matches conventional SUVs in most situations.
“I’ve owned my Volkswagen ID.5 Pro Performance for eight months and absolutely love it. The instant acceleration never gets old, especially overtaking on A roads. The interior feels genuinely luxurious with comfortable seats and lovely ambient lighting. My daily commute costs pennies compared to my old diesel Audi Q5. The infotainment system took some getting used to, but works well once you learn it. Range anxiety disappeared after the first few weeks of ownership. Charging at home overnight means I start each day with a full battery. The only negative is reduced rear headroom that my teenage son notices. Overall, this car has converted me completely to electric driving. I’d definitely buy another Volkswagen electric car in future.”
The Volkswagen ID.5 represents a compelling entry point into premium electric motoring. This stylish SUV coupe combines impressive range with genuinely luxurious interior appointments. Performance feels effortless while running costs are minimal compared to petrol alternatives. The spacious cabin offers excellent comfort levels for most passengers. Advanced technology includes features previously reserved for more expensive vehicles. Build quality lives up to Volkswagen’s reputation with solid construction throughout. Only the slightly compromised rear headroom and complex infotainment disappoint. Against key rivals, the ID.5 offers excellent value with strong dealer support. Whether buying new or used, this electric SUV delivers on all its promises. The future of premium motoring feels very bright indeed.