Say hello to…
…the Volkswagen ID5 is based on the ID4 family SUV, but has a sleeker design with a more rakish hatch over the boot. Pitched above the ID4, the ID5 is more expensive than the car on which it’s based and is only available with a 77kW battery. However, the luggage area below the boot cover is fractionally better than the ID4’s 543 litres at 549 litres.
There are three power outputs; Pro with 174hp, Pro Performance with 204hp and GTX with 299hp and all-wheel drive. And the ID5 is available in four trim levels:
- Style
- Tech
- Max
- GTX Style
Style specification includes 19-inch alloys, power-fold and heated door mirrors, heated washer jets, panoramic glass roof, LED auto headlights, 12-inch infotainment screen with satnav, heated steering wheel, 4x USB-C charge ports, wireless phone charger, climate control, heated front seats, keyless entry (front doors only) and start, auto wipers, rear view camera, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, front and rear parking sensors and drive mode selection.
Tech adds powered front seats with memory and massage function, powered tailgate with foot movement control and head-up display.
Max adds 20-inch alloys, heat pump, adaptive suspension and surround parking camera.
Based on the regular Style specification the GTX Style trim adds 20-inch alloys, sports trim, powered seat with memory function, surround camera, powered tailgate, head up display, heat pump, park assist and adaptive suspension.
Is The Volkswagen ID5 Suitable For My Fleet
As an all-electric SUV with a large boot and a near-premium badge, the ID5 looks highly fleet-friendly. Real-world range is reasonable at 246 miles in mild weather thanks to an efficiency of 3.0 miles per kWh. And despite the sloping rear design, there’s still plenty of head and legroom for rear seat passengers.
However, we suffered a technical fault with the child locks on our test vehicle that on one occasion meant the rear off-side door wouldn’t open (when all other doors were working).
Leasing A Volkswagen ID5
Despite a higher list price than the ID4, the ID5’s lease rates are near identical thanks to a strong residual value. Intelligent Car Leasing quotes £827 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year for the mid-specification Tech Pro Performance car we drove.
A further bonus for fleets is low running costs. Gensen Reports predicts a monthly maintenance cost of just £31.
Driving A Volkswagen ID5
Despite the sportier look, the ID5 is more about luxury than fun. Stepping into the cabin reveals a very high quality materials and a clear uncluttered design. However, the downside to the clean look is that everything is controlled via the infotainment system or touch-sensitive buttons both of which are difficult to operate when you’re driving without taking your eyes off the road for longer than is ideal.
As FleetandLeasing.com has reported before, the Volkswagen Group software is not the easiest or fastest system available and can be downright annoying at times – particular mention goes to the four button presses needed to deactivate the overly aggressive lane keeping system every time you get in the car.
There digital instrument binnacle is also oddly small for a car at this price point and one third is dominated to this lane keeping system – even when it’s off.
However, redeeming these negatives is quite possibly the best heads-up display available. It’s large, bright and clear and puts exactly the right information in front of you, just when you need it.
The driving experience is simple, quiet and relaxed. At least with the 204hp motor and rear-wheel drive the ID5 feels quick enough for an everyday family SUV, the ride comfort is good and body roll minimised, but there’s little to tell you what’s really going on with the steering or between the tyres and the road. But this isn’t an issue as it’s a serene place to be while consuming the miles.
The only real negative to the way the ID5 drives is when it comes to parking. While there is a good camera and sensor system, the view over your shoulder is hampered by the sloping roofline.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Volkswagen ID5
The ID5 is arguably a better looking alternative to the ID4, with minimal compromise.
Volkswagen ID5
- Model: ID5 Tech Pro Performance
- Power: 204hp
- Torque: 310Nm
- Max speed: 99mph
- 0-62mph: 8.4s
- Official range: 311 miles
- Test range: 246 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2022/23: 2%