Volkswagen ID 5 long-term test: report 6

The car Volkswagen ID 5 77kWh Pro Performance Style Run by Mark Pearson, used cars editor

Why it’s here To see how the pricey Volkswagen ID 5 stands up against its many polished rivals in this highly competitive class

Needs to Show that it’s more than just a pretty face. It’ll need to deal with commuting, work and family life without any range anxiety issues and cope with a wide variety of everyday duties

Miles covered 5388 Price £52,185 Target Price £51,413 Price as tested £54,960 Test range 280 miles Official range 315 miles

5 July 2023 – It's not how it starts, it's more its finish

The interior of my Volkswagen ID 5 is neat, modern and uncluttered, which echoes the exterior styling. What it is not, alas, is particularly classy. There are large swathes of plastic moulding running through it, most notably down the centre console area and up on the dashboard, and most of the things you can see or touch regularly feel a little, well, cheap.

This might not matter so much if it weren’t for the fact my car cost north of £50k, which would buy you rivals like the impressively finished Audi Q4 e-tron, the beautifully plush Genesis GV60 or even the Volvo C40 Recharge, with its clever use of soft-touch materials and subtle lighting. 

More positively, there is plenty of storage space dotted around my ID 5’s interior – in the doors, trays and the cubbies in the centre console – along with wireless charging for my phone (though only USB-C ports for manual connections). 

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here

Read more on our long-term Volkswagen ID 5 >>

Read about more long-term test cars >>