If you can’t quite wrap your head around the blobby look of the ID.4 GTX, then you might be enticed by the sleeker Volkswagen ID.5 GTX.
It’s essentially the same vehicle under the skin, but with a more elegant, sloping coupe-like roofline that adds an extra touch of flair. The ID.5 seems like the stylish upgrade to the ID.4, akin to choosing a Smeg refrigerator.
Of course, this approach isn’t unique to Volkswagen. You’ll find similar stylistic upgrades in the Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback and the Skoda Enyaq Coupe.
Both of these, like the ID.5 GTX, offer a fresh take on the practical electric SUV formula while catering to those who crave a bit more curb appeal.
it’s fast.
Both the regular Volkswagen ID.5 and ID.5 GTX use the same 82kWh battery, but the GTX benefits from a second motor that boosts power to 335bhp, compared to the regular variant’s 282bhp.
If you’re expecting neck-snapping, throw-you-into-your-seat acceleration, you might want to temper your expectations a little. The ID.5 GTX delivers power smoothly, making it more comfortable than thrilling.
Sure, it’ll run the century mile in just 5.4 seconds, but it’s more of a composed performer than a high-adrenaline thrill machine. To me this is a good thing; think of it as a reliable choice for dicing through traffic rather than make you sick each time your right foot becomes heavy.
but it’s numb.
Sadly, despite the added firepower, the GTX doesn’t feel dramatically different from the regular ID.5. It’s brisk, sure, but it doesn’t give you that deep sense of satisfaction you’d expect from a performance car.
The stiff suspension means it’s not the most comfortable crossover out there, despite the chunkier tyres. And it’s a heavy beast, tipping the scales at 2,242kg in its most basic form. That weight, combined with the stiff suspension and overly weighted-steering, can make it feel a bit cumbersome.
It’s a bit like driving in a video game with all the assists turned on; efficient and easy, but lacking that connection that makes driving feel human.
The four-wheel-drive system keeps things in check, and it’ll get you where you’re going efficiently enough. But will it make you want to take the long, winding scenic route? Probably not. The GTX feels more like a means to an end rather than a thrilling drive.
there are still places where it shines.
Where the ID.5 GTX shines, is its role as a highway cruiser. It’s stable, quiet, and eats up the miles with minimal fuss. The electric powertrain is efficient, and it’s dependable in traffic, too, with weighty but predictable steering and solid pedal feel.
In that case, for everyday driving, you might actually prefer the extra range you’d get from the less powerful variants.
Speaking of range, smooth throttle inputs yield impressive efficiency, with the ID.5 GTX averaging 17.7kWh/100km (5.6km/kWh), remarkable for a dual-motor EV. You could easily cover at least 450km on a single charge, which is typically enough for a week’s worth of commuting.
it looks the same as the ID.4… right?
Well, mostly. From the front to the B-pillar, it’s basically the same car. But where the ID.4 sticks to typical SUV proportions, the ID.5 goes for a sleeker, coupe-like finish.
But does the ID.5 really look better than the ID.4? Honestly, it’s a toss-up. Personally, I do like the more aggressive styling, and it gives the ID.5 more character.
And though the ID.4 is already pretty spacious with its 543-litre boot, the ID.5 manages to outdo it by offering 549 litres. This is due to the rear bench being pushed slightly forwards, in order for taller passengers to not bump up against the roofline of the ID.5.
Although, even if you have both cars side by side, it is pretty tricky to tell there’s a difference.
how’s the space on the inside?
The interior is minimalist and spacious. Even with the coupe-like roofline, there’s plenty of room for three adults in the back, thanks to the flat floor. Storage is generous too, with a modular console and multiple pockets for your gadgets, plus plenty of USB ports scattered throughout.
The ID.5 GTX version spices things up with some sporty touches like GTX-specific badging, stitching, and bolstered sports seats that do a great job of holding you in place during cornering. And the panoramic sunroof is a real highlight, flooding the cabin with natural light and giving the space an airy feel.
no buttons, really?
Volkswagen has taken a “let’s go all-in on screens” approach with the ID.5. You’ll find a few haptic switches on the steering wheel, but apart from that, your entire interaction with the car is through the big 12.9-inch touchscreen in the centre.
The screen itself is crisp, with high-resolution graphics, and a few shortcut pads for commonly used menus. It works pretty well in practice, and the menus are simple enough to navigate, bar the climate controls.
Volkswagen touts the ‘Hello ID’ voice assistant as a solution to the screen’s quirks, but voice commands aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
Then there are the touch controls on the steering wheel. They’re too sensitive, and it’s easy to brush against them accidentally, which can get annoying. And they don’t offer that tactile feedback you’d want when making selections.
On top of that, there are some questionable material choices. The dash, door panels, and knee-level surfaces feature plastics that feel more budget-friendly than premium. You’d think they’d go all out on materials, given the ID.5’s target audience.
The cabin isn’t all too bad, and it is liveable for the most part, except for one small irritating quirk; if you hop out for quick errands while leaving the car on, it will shut off every time you get off the seat.
There’s no override for this, and it can get pretty frustrating.
interesting impasse.
The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX, on paper, seems like a solid enough effort from Volkswagen. But, like the ID.4 GTX I covered previously, it’s tough trying to justify spending more for the GTX, when the regular ID.5 works well and can perform almost everything its dual-motor sibling can muster.
It is by no means a bad car, but it’s just not compelling enough.
The GTX nameplate, in particular, feels forced. Instead of adding something special to the lineup, it just feels like another ID.5 variant with a few cosmetic tweaks. It deserves to be attached to something truly exciting, something Volkswagen has yet to create.
technical specifications.
Volkswagen ID.5 GTX Electric
Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 290kW (389bhp)
Torque: 545Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 5.4 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 82 kWh
Drive Range: 533 km
Energy Consumption: 4.7 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$265,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Volkswagen Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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