2022 Volkswagen ID.5 GTX [UK]

With its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is expediting its transformation into a software-oriented mobility provider: Under this strategy, the ID.5 is the sixth fully electric model to join the ID. family, and represents the brand's wholehearted focus upon software, innovation and e-mobility. It is launched with the availability of two rear-wheel drive derivatives, with either 174 PS or 204 PS, as well as an all-wheel drive ID.5 GTX variant with 299 PS. The ID.5 is a truly unique model, bringing together the qualities of the ID. family in an elegant body that is as sleek as it is expressive. The ID.5 delivers a strong focus upon spaciousness, along with pioneering solutions for operation, human-machine interface (HMI), Infotainment and assist systems. The latest generation of ID. software - which makes its debut in the ID.5 - brings benefits including reduced charging times, increased comfort and enhanced vehicle operation. This makes charging even more convenient than refuelling. The ID. software 3.1 also features enhanced, intuitive voice control and an intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner. The ID.5 is now the sixth fully electric vehicle to be launched on the basis of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) and is the current flagship vehicle in the ID. model range. The spacious ID.5 combines premium quality, sustainability and elegance for a multi-faceted driving experience: the first electrically powered SUV coupé from the brand delivers carbon- neutral mobility and strong performance for a discerning customer. For example, the model's clever packaging sees its compact drive units mounted on the rear axle or on both axles (ID.5 GTX models), while the short front end houses the radiator and air conditioning system components. The long wheelbase of 2.77 metres creates the foundation for an interior that is as big as those seen in conventional SUVs of the next class up. With a total length of 4.60 metres, the ID.5 offers an unprecedented economy of space to give occupants plenty of room, and a pleasant, luxurious interior ambience.

Design

The ID.5's stand-out feature is its design. With an SUV-coupe silhouette first seen on the ID.CROZZ concept, the model is both familiar and fresh, powerful, confident and elegant, whether in entry-level Pro or range-topping GTX forms. The short overhangs and large wheels enhance the strong and dynamic appearance of the ID.5, underpinning its sporting appeal. The model is 4.60 metres long, 1.85 metres wide and 1.61 metres tall. Roof rails are fitted as standard, and the permitted roof load is 75 kg. The ID.5 Pro and the ID.5 Pro Performance achieve a very low drag coefficient of 0.26, and in the ID.5 GTX, the drag coefficient is 0.27. The decisive factor for the aerodynamic properties of the ID.5 is its body shape, with the greenhouse, dropping gently to the back and becoming increasingly narrow towards the rear. Directly influenced by the air flow are the spoiler, the sculptured shape of the tail light clusters and lifted diffuser insert, which work together with the additional goal of reducing down force on the rear axle. The flush door handles on the ID.5 are also designed to optimise air flow for minimal drag, as are the wheel rims with their flat design. The electric radiator roller blind in the vehicle's front end does not open until the power units need cooled air - only then does the system open, allowing air through the cooling channels. Even across the underbody, small spoilers and trim panels guide the flow of air for optimal performance, both in efficiency and aerodynamics.

Three model variants, a 77 kWh battery and two drivetrains

The ID.5 is offered in the UK in Pro, Pro Performance and GTX setups, all of which use the largest 77 kWh 'Pro' battery. Five series specifications - Style, Tech, Max, GTX Style and GTX Max - are currently available, with Style, Tech and Max available with Pro and Pro Performance powertrains, and the GTX-badged models being bestowed with the 299 PS, all-wheel drive setup. With the optional electric ball coupling, the ID.5 Pro and ID.5 Pro Performance can pull up to 1,200 kg (braked, with an 8% gradient), while the ID.5 GTX can pull as much as 1,400 kg. In the ID.5 Pro and Pro Performance, the model is rear-engined, and in all but the GTX, it is rear-wheel drive - harking back to the earliest engineering roots of the brand and the debut of the original Beetle. For the rear-engined variants, the electric motor, capable of spinning up to 16,000 rpm, sits above the rear axle just ahead of the rear wheels, and sends its torque to a single-speed gearbox with differential. This set-up creates ideal conditions for agile handling and impressive traction, while also permitting a small turning circle of just 10.2 metres. Models under the GTX are distinct in that they are the only ID. models to offer all-wheel drive, with the front wheels driven by a second electric motor, facilitating dual-motor all-wheel drive for the first time on a Volkswagen. The front motor is an asynchronous unit on the front axle, while the rear wheels are powered by a permanently excited synchronous motor on the rear axle. The front motor weighs around 60 kg in total, and like the rear motor, the drives the wheels via a single-speed gearbox and a differential.

MEB platform

The ID.5 is the third Volkswagen to be based on the newly developed, modular electric drive matrix - known as MEB. While the ID.3 was the first model to use this platform, it is the ID.4 that marked the global roll out of the platform, and the ID.5 that pushes the platform into a key new segment - the E-SUV coupe. Across the Volkswagen Group it is envisaged that 19 million vehicles will be built globally on the MEB platform by 2030. As a way of offering affordable e-mobility to as many people as possible, Volkswagen developed the modular electric drive matrix (MEB), a platform that complements the previous modular transverse toolkit (MQB). The first MEB-based volume model was the ID.3 and, while the exterior dimensions of that car are not dissimilar to the best-selling Golf, with the help of the new MEB architecture it is able to offer a remarkably spacious interior more aligned to that of the Passat class. The ID.5 is the same, and alongside the ID.4, has a footprint comparable to the Tiguan, yet offers interior space more akin to the Tiguan Allspace - despite its elegant curving roof line. The key to this achievement is the newly conceived platform. The MEB platform is now used across the majority of Volkswagen Group brands serving the mass market.

Warranty

The ID.5 has a three-year (first- and second-year manufacturer operated, third-year retailer- operated) / 60,000-mile mechanical warranty. In addition, it comes with a 12-year body protection guarantee, three-year paint warranty and a year's membership of Volkswagen Assistance which includes European breakdown cover. The latter can be extended at minimal cost to the customer. Additionally, Volkswagen offers an eight-year EV battery warranty which takes the form of a guarantee for eight years or 100,000 miles/160,000 km (whichever is soonest), on all material or manufacturing defects. Gradual reduction in battery capacity over time is integral to the nature of the component, and does not represent a defect under the terms of this guarantee, as long as the reduction in capacity is not in excess of the value specified for this vehicle in the owner's manual. With the exception of the warranty term, all warranty conditions stipulated by the Volkswagen Retailer selling the vehicle (prerequisites, criteria for freedom from defects, exclusions, settlement of claims, entry into force and start of extended warranty term, scope of application etc.) also apply to the high voltage battery.