Volkswagen ID5 – Back to Basics

Volkswagen ID5 Pro 77 kWh, €52,990

To get straight to the point: no, the starting price of the ID5 is not much higher than that of the ID4 because it has a hipper carriage. The minimum amount for the ID5 is higher, because the SUV with sloping roofline is only available with the larger battery pack. That is a package with a net capacity of 77 kWh. In the case of the entry-level version, it is linked to a 174-hp electric motor on the rear axle, which accelerates the 2,118 kg basic ID5 to 100 km / h in 10.4 seconds.

A slightly more powerful electric motor (204 hp) is also possible, for a standard sprint time of 8.4 seconds at an additional cost of €1,700. Whichever engine you choose; with both options, the combined WLTP range of the ID5 is 534km. Both options are available in combination with the Pro and Pro Business versions. We will briefly return to the differences between the two later in this story, because they are quite interesting due to the small price difference of €800.

Unless the small price difference means there is a small difference, of course. That starts ‘nicely’: the Pro and Pro Business are indistinguishable from the outside. Both are on 19-inch light metal, have a black roof and dark taillights and have to miss their ‘eyes’. The latter may require some explanation. The ID5’s optional headlights, which are just not connected by an LED strip up to the logo on the nose, are supposed to look like eyes. Eyes that, Volkswagen proudly announced at the unveiling of the ID3 (the car that introduced this design language), give the car its own face.

The eyes of the ID5 after checking the design package.

A face that the car must do without if you do not go for the ‘design package’ at €2,020. If you do check that, you will also get a different light with a 3D effect and a little more red at the back. Want even more red? Then you can check the metallic red paint option for €1,020. The other three optional colors (black, white and blue) cost an additional €860. The only free shade is the pictured Moonstone Gray, a gray unilak.

Dark interior

On the inside of the ID5 Pro we find a dark sky and seats wrapped in a black fabric with a pattern. Chairs that are manually (and also in height) adjustable and have adjustable armrests on the central side. From those seats you look at a dashboard with two screens. One behind the wheel and a large one (25.4 cm diagonal) in the middle. The latter offers wireless access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, does not have its own navigation function in the entry-level model and sends its sounds into the interior via seven speakers.

The entry-level ID5 is further equipped with automatic air conditioning, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and front and rear parking sensors. Furthermore, almost all active and passive safety systems that Volkswagen has in house are always present on the ID5, even if you go for the entry-level model.

For €800 extra you get a lot more

This completes the standard equipment, so it is time to compare it with that of the €800 more expensive Pro Business, the version that is exactly the same from the outside. What is it like inside and whether it is worth its relatively small additional cost?

Without any doubt: yes. In fact; we would be surprised if Volkswagen manages to sell even one ID5 in the basic version. For €800 more you get … a climate control with two zones instead of one, seat, windscreen, windscreen washer and steering wheel heating, a leather-covered steering wheel, USB-C connections in the back seat, a reversing camera, keyless entry, a Volkswagen logo projected from the side mirrors onto the street when boarding (yes!), a larger (30.5 cm) multimedia screen with navigation function and a wireless phone charger. And no, this is not an April 1 joke. Obvious, right?