Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 review
Having lost plenty of customers to Elon Musk, this global European icon hopes to win them back with a pair of impressive machines.
New Cars
Don't miss out on the headlines from New Cars. Followed categories will be added to My News.
I hate being late. I hate when other people are late. But you know what? In this instance the idiom “good things coming to those who wait” is bang on.
That’s because the Volkswagen ID. 4 Pro and ID. 5 GTX electric SUVs might be well behind schedule, but they could actually have arrived at exactly the right time to show there is another way forward for electric vehicle customers.
MORE: Petrolheads lose it over wild EV clip
That way forward is a less annoying one. A more liveable one. And frankly a far more enjoyable one.
Because here you’ll find a pair of complete-feeling models that won’t get on your nerves, and while you’ll pay overs to get into an ID. 4 Pro or ID. 5 GTX compared to some of those affordable rivals from China, there is something to be said for the feeling you get from these EVs in particular.
MORE: Uber eats tech to change everything
For the unaware, the ID. 4 is the SUV-style model, with a boxier back-end design and a lower price point, being initially offered in rear-wheel drive only. The ID. 5 is the coupe-roof model, with a sportier intent, and at launch it costs a whack more because it has dual-motor AWD, not to mention a heap more standard spec. But even at nearly $80K, it still doesn’t have ventilated seats, which is a shame.
Usable battery capacity is similar for both, with a 77kWh NMC pack for the ID. 4 Pro, proffering 544km of EV range, and 79kWh for the power-packed ID. 5 GTX, with 528km of claimed range. Disappointingly, there is no vehicle-to-load charging for these models, but there is 11kW AC charging (full charge – approx. 8 hours) and 175kW DC capability, meaning a 10-80% refuel in about 30 mins. Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging cables are included though – some other brands add $1000 for those!
MORE: VW’s ID.5 GTX tested overseas
What’s good about this EV from the VW Group – compared to the Skoda Enyaq and Cupra Tavascan – is that it has smartphone app controllability, meaning you can set and monitor your charging from your phone, and preheat/cool the cabin from your couch. If you prefer to just use the 12.9-inch touchscreen to do that you can, and while the screen is mostly pretty agreeable, at launch there’s no wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
That’s coming later.
You do get navigation, climate control, and decent configurability to the display too, though the aforementioned VW Group siblings are still a little simpler to use, in my opinion.
Front seat space and comfort is good, with massaging seats with power adjustment and heating as standard, not to mention memory settings for both sides – a nice plus! There’s good storage on offer, but some buyers might find the small 5.3-inch driver info screen a bit of a downer. No head-up display, either.
MORE: Audi stops US imports
The rear seat experience is great, with loads of space for adults or kids alike, and the requisite ISOFIX points and three top-tethers are present, too. There is good loose item storage, charging options, directional air vents and a nice airy feel with the panoramic glass shade open. It’s not too hot in the sun, either.
The boot space is close between these two, with more on offer in the longer ID. 5 (549 litres, versus 543 litres in the ID. 4). No frunk, though, and no spare wheel either. Just a tyre repair kit.
The drive experience is a delight in these two models. Clearly the sportier ID. 5 GTX with dual motor AWD is significantly quicker, dispatching the 0-100km/h spring in 5.4 seconds (6.7sec in the ID. 4 Pro). But it also handles sweetly, with encouraging body control and handling making you want to explore its potential. With grippy Pirelli tyres wrapping its 20-inch wheels, the GTX is a more thrilling thing than its counterpart.
The ID. 4, though, is a charmer in its own way, with a pure RWD experience, delightfully unfouled steering, and even in the base grade you’re getting 15-stage adjustable suspension dampers so you can tailor the drive to your requirements. It rolls on 19-inch wheels with higher-profile Hankook tyres that make it a country-road specialist, and it’s one of the comfiest EVs I’ve driven. Fleet buyers and sales reps, take note!
These two models are backed by a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty for the vehicle, and an eight-year/160,000km plan for the battery pack. There’s up to 10 years of prepaid maintenance on offer as well, with 24-month/30,000km intervals. And buyers in the launch phase will also be eligible to score a free charging station with installation, which can be colour-coded to the exterior paint of your ID. model.
The ID. 4 and ID. 5 ranges will be fleshed out later in 2025, with more variants to come. And like I said, better late than never with these models – they’re cracking good.
VW ID.4 and ID.5
PRICE: From about $65,000 to $79,000 drive-away
ID.4 Pro: 77kWh net NMC battery, single electric motor, RWD, 210kW/545Nm
ID.5 GTX: 79kWh net NMC battery, Dual electric motors, AWD, 250kW/679Nm
CHARGING: 11kW AC, 175kW DC
BOOT SPACE: 543-549L, no frunk
SPARE: None
Originally published as Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 review
Aussie favourite takes on Toyota hybrids
This family-minded machine delivers 1000km range to make people think twice about conventional cars.
Did RAM utes just go woke?
An enormous change to America’s enormous pick-up truck represents good news for motorists but enthusiasts will be less than impressed.