After the ID3 and ID4, Volkswagen’s electric model mill continues to run happily. This year we are introduced to the ID5 and ID6. The higher numbers in the model names basically promise to be bigger than the ID4, but that’s not quite the case
ID5
With the end of 2020 in sight, Volkswagen unveiled the ID4. A mid-sized SUV – or crossover, if you like – that should appeal to the space-seeking electric rider. Just a bit bigger than the ID3 and thanks to its fairly straight back also handy to stow with luggage. Anyone who had hoped that the Volkswagen ID5 would add even more practicality should be disappointed immediately. Compared to the ID4, the ID5 becomes what the Audi A5 is for the Audi A4, for example: a more sporty and slightly higher market model with the same basis and major external similarities. To put it plainly, Volkswagen puts a saw in the angular rear of the ID.4 and puts a more angled rear pillar in front of it. So an ID4 with ‘coupé lines’.
Still, the recipe for the ID5 is a bit more than just this external adjustment. As mentioned, it is probably slightly higher in the market than the ID4 and that may mean a more potent entry-level version and a more complete standard equipment. Furthermore, the ID5 follows the lead of the ID4, so count on rear and all-wheel drive, battery packs with a capacity of 52 kWh, 62 kWh or 77 kWh and a range of more than 500 kilometers. In terms of power, it probably starts a little higher than with the ID4, so around 170 hp. A sporty four-wheel drive topper, which is said to be given the GTX designation, probably produces more than 300 hp.
Volkswagen ID6 (illustration)
ID6
The ID4 has to tolerate the Golf Variant and the Skoda Enyaq above itself when it comes to luggage space, so there is room for improvement. Obviously, the ID5 will not solve that, because it will be slightly tighter in the back. That’s where the other brother of the ID4 comes in; the ID6. It broadly follows what Volkswagen showed with the ID Roomzz Concept in April 2019. In the form of the ID. Space Vizzion we also got to see a taste of an electric-powered station wagon that same year, but it looks like a mishmash of the Roomzz with styling cues from the Space Vizzion is drying up as ID6. Just like the ID4, it becomes an SUV, only then a bit bigger. Here, too, the biggest difference is on the back. Up to the C-pillar it is all ID4 what the clock strikes, then the party continues a bit further.
Much further by the way, because the ID6 is said to have a length of almost 5 meters, where the ID4 has it for over 4.5 meters. Of course, that space mainly benefits what happens behind the second row of seats. There you can use two extra chairs. Yes, the ID6 will be a real seven-seater. If you don’t have to carry two extra passengers if necessary, you can of course also hide the seats and conjure up a spacious luggage compartment. Just like the ID5, the ID6 has many technical similarities with the ID4. The ID6 will undoubtedly be a bit heavier and that slightly depresses the range with comparable motorizations and battery packs. Volkswagen may solve this by supplying the ID6 with a larger battery pack as standard than its smaller brothers. This year we will experience it. We can welcome both the ID.5 and ID6 in the showroom before the end of the year.