ID.5 and ID.5 GTX: the new E-SUV coupés from Volkswagen that are as expressive as they are elegant

With its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is expediting its transformation into a software-oriented mobility provider: The new ID.5 and new ID.5 GTX1 are the sixth fully electric models to join the ID. family.

The Volkswagen ID.5 is the SUV coupé from a brand-new generation of vehicles with premium standards. It will be launched as the ID.5 with a rear-wheel drive system with 128kW (174 PS) or 150kW (204 PS) and as an all-wheel drive ID.5 GTX1 with 200kW (299 PS)*.

Every model in this product line is a strong character, bringing together the qualities of the ID. family in a unique design that is as elegant as it is expressive. The ID.5 delivers a brand-new feeling of spaciousness along with pioneering solutions for operation, human-machine interface (HMI), Infotainment and assist systems.

The next level. Software generation 3.1 with innovative functions

Thanks to the latest ID. software, the ID.5 makes the electric mobility experience even more customer friendly. The product line offers voice control with premium-level performance, increased charging power as well as the Plug & Charge function. The ID.5 automatically performs an authentication check as soon as the customer plugs the charging cable into a compatible DC quick-charging station and launches secure encrypted communication between the vehicle and the station. This authentication process takes just a few seconds before charging starts.

Shorter charging times

The latest generation of ID. software offers a number of advantages while charging. When connected to a DC charging station with the respective output, models with the 77kWh battery can now charge up to a maximum capacity of 135kW8 – improving on the previous maximum of 125kW – when charging from 5 to 80% SOC (state of charge), shortening the charging time by up to nine minutes compared with the previous times.

This means that the ID.5 is recharged in 29 minutes and the ID.5 GTX in 36 minutes for the next 390 km or 320 km respectively. When out and about, the ID. Charger Travel, a mobile charging system similar to a fixed wall box, can recharge all ID.5 models at the respective destination with up to 11kW.

Progressive, fully networked assist systems

Within the limits of the system, the optional Travel Assist with swarm data6 facilitates semi-automated lateral and longitudinal guidance across the vehicle’s entire speed range and, for the first time, offers assisted lane changing on motorways (from 90 km/h).

If anonymous swarm data is available from other Volkswagen vehicles, Travel Assist with swarm data6 can use just one identified road lane marking to keep the vehicle in lane – for example, on rural roads without central road lane markings. Another new feature: the memory function for automatic parking in a location that has already been saved into the system.

Volkswagen ID.5. (Picture: Paddy McGrath)

Electrical efficiency meets elegance

With its flowing, organic design, the ID.5 makes an ultra-modern, powerful and elegant impression. The roof arch stretches sleekly across the body, dropping down earlier and running into a functional spoiler. The long-distance-ready ID.5 achieves a drag coefficient from 0.26 to make sure the energy stored in the 77kWh battery is used as efficiently as possible and sets the benchmark for the next generation of SUV coupés: electric, sporty, elegant.

Impressively space-efficient

The ID.5 is based on the space-saving architecture from the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) from Volkswagen. The hardware doesn’t take up much space – which benefits those on board: with an external length of 4.60 metres and a 2.77-metre wheelbase, the interior of the ID.5 offers impressive space efficiency and as much space as a conventional SUV from the next class up.

Despite the dramatic roof line, the ID.5 remains a versatile and flexible SUV and impresses with a feeling of spaciousness and plenty of headroom, even for passengers in the second row of seats. The interior colour scheme is modern and cosy, while the materials are finished to a high standard.

Customers can choose from a number of interior variants, seats and equipment packages. Depending on the position of the rear seat backrests, the luggage compartment can range from 549 to 1,561 litres. An electrically powered boot lid and electric folding ball coupling are available as options.

Two displays

Controls and displays in the cockpit of the ID.5 are accessible via two screens – one compact behind the steering wheel and one large in the centre that measures 12 inches diagonally (standard). The compact screen in front of the driver can be controlled using the multifunction steering wheel.

The large Infotainment display in the middle of the dash panel is touch-controlled. With the ID. Light, a strip of a light under the windscreen, drivers receive intuitively accessible information in the event of dangerous situations, for example, or while the navigation system is active.

Intelligent Electric Vehicle Route Planner

The charging menu – which appears on the 12-inch touch display – is now even more informative and has a clearer structure with the latest ID. software 3.1. The route calculation function in the navigation system performs intelligent multi-stop route planning for long journeys so that the vehicle can reach the destination as quickly as possible.

Augmented reality head-up display – digital high-tech

With its augmented reality head-up display, Volkswagen is showcasing a high-tech option in the ID.5 and ID.5 GTX. Its displays are blended into the real-life surroundings for instance, the turn arrows for navigation instructions are reflected onto the windscreen and are integrated into road in the driver’s field of vision 10 metres in front of the vehicle, for the most natural display of information.

Voice control with premium-level performance

“Hello ID.” is all it takes to launch the enhanced voice control function. The system is able to understand freely worded phrases from day-to-day life such as “I’m cold”, transforming the ID.5 into an intelligent conversation partner. What is more, the digital microphone enables the voice control system to determine whether it is the driver or front passenger speaking, for example, to direct the air conditioning towards the person making the request. The voice control’s improved recognition rate is now around 95%.

 The enhanced system is also able to allow for interruptions or ask questions. Responses are generated from two sources – online from the cloud and offline from information stored in the vehicle. Online synchronisation delivers particularly high recognition rates and high-quality results, even when searching for points of interest. 

Cutting-edge lighting technology

The ID.5 is equipped with the most cutting-edge lighting technology – both inside and out. When the driver approaches the vehicle with their key, the ID.5 begins its welcome routine: the headlights and tail light clusters wake up with a lighting sequence; at the same time, projectors in the exterior mirrors beam the ID. family “fingerprint” onto the ground. Both the headlights themselves and the tail light clusters are fitted with the latest LED technology. Volkswagen also offers optional IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights with intelligently controlled main beam headlights (standard in the ID.5 GTX 1).

The sculpture-like LED tail light clusters with a 3D design (also standard in the ID.5 GTX1) glow with an unusual level of intensity. Lighting also plays an important role in the vehicle interior. Ambient lighting on the dash panel and in the doors can be configured in up to 30 colours to suit the user’s preference.

The ID. Light feature is a unique element in the ID.5’s lighting concept: the lighting strip below the windscreen provides intuitive support as well as contributing to the human-machine interface (for short: HMI). The ID. Light uses different light pulses to signal whether the car is ready to drive, which direction – according to the navigation system – it should turn next or whether the battery is currently being charged. ID. Light also provides support in potentially dangerous situations. It informs and alerts the driver and occupants with conspicuous light signals, for instance when the traffic in front of the vehicle is decelerating quickly.

Moreover, ID. Light can also back up instructions from the navigation system with lighting signals. For example, it can indicate that the driver needs to move into the inside lane before taking a motorway exit or that they should take their foot off the accelerator in order to “coast” efficiently according to their speed. All colours and animations follow a carefully composed visual language that is friendly, universal and easy to understand, giving drivers the information they need while keeping their eyes on the road.

Three power outputs. Flagship all-wheel drive model ID.5 GTX

The E-SUV coupé from Volkswagen will launch in 2022 with three motor options. The ID.5 Pro2 is powered by an electric drive motor in the rear with 128kW (174 PS) output. In the ID.5 Pro Performance3, the rear-mounted motor delivers 150kW (204 PS). In the ID.5 GTX1, there is one electric motor on the front axle and another on the rear axle. The dual-motor all-wheel drive system delivers a maximum of 220kW (299 PS)*. The flagship model accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 180 km/h (restricted).

From comfortable to sporty

Whether equipped with a rear-mounted motor or an electric all-wheel drive system – all versions of the ID.5 deliver a comfortable, sporty and safe ride experience thanks to the close integration of control units for the drive system and running gear. With the driving profile selection function (standard), the driver can determine how the electric drive motors and steering system work in several different modes.

On request, the customer can equip the ID.5 with progressive steering, the directness of which increases with the steering wheel angle, and a sports running gear. A second option is also available in the form of the DCC electronic damping control – this further extends the range between gentle rolling and a sporty ride. The wheel rim diameter options range from 19 to 21 inches.

Range of up to 520 km

All ID.5 motor options use a large, long-distance-capable battery that can store 77kWh of energy (net). This enables the ID.5 Pro2 and ID.5 Pro Performance3 to achieve a projected range of up to 520 km (WLTP5). Its central location under the passenger compartment ensures a low centre of gravity and balanced distribution of the axle load. The flagship all-wheel drive model ID.5 GTX1 has a projected range of 490 km (WLTP4).

Ecosystem of sustainable mobility

The ID.5, which is rolling off the production line at the Zwickau factory in Germany, is handed over to European customers with a carbon-neutral balance sheet. If the vehicle is charged using green power at home or from IONITY’s quick-charging network, it can also be driven with virtually zero emissions, too.

Volkswagen is the first vehicle manufacturer to support the expansion of renewable energy on a large scale. By 2030, it is aiming to cut carbon emissions per vehicle by 40%, and following its Way to Zero, the company is set is to be climate neutral by 2050 at the latest.

Transformation on the Way to Zero

The goal of completely electrifying the entire new vehicle fleet combined with the new ACCELERATE brand strategy is also accelerating the company’s digital transformation. Volkswagen is aiming to increase the proportion of unit sales accounted for by purely electric vehicles to at least 70% in Europe by 2030. and to more than 50% in North America and China by 2030.

Volkswagen plans to invest 18 billion euros in electric mobility, hybridisation and digitalisation by 2026. With the ID.5, Volkswagen is taking the next step on its journey to becoming a software-oriented mobility provider. Here, innovative assist systems and over-the-air updates provide drivers with maximum comfort and the best possible user experience.


All equipment specifications apply to the German market.

1) ID.5 GTX, 220kW – combined power consumption inkWh/100 km: 17.1 (NEDC); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; efficiency class A+++. Maximum electrical output 220kW: Maximum output that can be accessed for a maximum of 30 seconds, calculated in accordance with UN GTR.21. Provisional figures. The amount of power available in individual driving situations depends on various factors, such as ambient temperature and the charge status, temperature and condition or physical age of the high-voltage battery. The availability of the maximum power requires the high-voltage battery to be between 23°C and 50°C and have a charge level of > 88 %. Deviations from the aforementioned parameters in particular may lead to a reduction in power, through to the complete unavailability of the maximum power. The battery temperature can be indirectly influenced by the auxiliary air conditioner to a certain extent and the charge level can, for example, be adjusted in the vehicle. The amount of power available at a particular time is shown in the vehicle’s power display. To maintain the high-voltage battery’s usable capacity as effectively as possible, a battery charging target of 80% is recommended if the vehicle is used daily (to be switched to 100% prior to long-distance journeys for example)

2) ID.5 Pro, 128kW – combined power consumption inkWh/100 km: 16.2 (NEDC); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; efficiency class A+++

3) ID.5 Pro Performance, 150kW – combined power consumption inkWh/100 km: 16.2 (NEDC);
combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 0; efficiency class A+++

4) Projected WLTP range of up to 490 km for the ID.5 GTX with 77kWh net battery energy content and all-wheel drive system. WLTP range values for production vehicles may vary depending on equipment.

5) Projected WLTP range of up to 520 km for the ID.5 with 77kWh net battery energy content and rear-wheel drive system. WLTP range values for production vehicles may vary depending on equipment.

6) The driver assist function can only be used within the limits of the system. The driver must be prepared to override the assist system at all times and is not released from the responsibility to drive the vehicle with due care and attention. The operation can be disabled at any time. The system can be used up to the vehicle’s top speed. Only in combination with a navigation system. Only in combination with an active We Connect licence. The online components of Travel Assist with swarm data can only be used when there is mobile network coverage and if the relevant privacy settings have been activated. The online component can be disabled at any time in the We Connect ID. app. The online component of Travel Assist is available in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. To activate the online functions, you will need a Volkswagen ID. user account, and must log into We Connect with your username and password. A separate We Connect contract must also be concluded with Volkswagen AG online. Following delivery of the vehicle, you have 90 days in which to activate the online component of Travel Assist with swarm data. Once this period has expired, the initial 3-year usage period (free of charge) for the online component of Travel Assist with swarm data will start. An integrated Internet connection enables the online component of Travel Assist with swarm data to be used. The related data charges incurred within Europe are borne by Volkswagen AG where network coverage is available. Depending on your mobile phone tariff, transferring data via the internet may incur additional charges (e.g. roaming charges), particularly if you are using it abroad. For the delivery of this service, certain personal data – such as location and IP address of the vehicle – has to be transferred. Further information about data processing is provided in the Privacy Policy for Travel Assist with swarm data. The availability of the individual services described in the packages can vary depending on the country. The services are available for the agreed contract term and may change or be discontinued during this contract term. Further details can be found at connect.volkswagen-we.com and from your Volkswagen dealership. Information on mobile tariffs is available from your mobile provider.

7) Within the limits of the system: The driver must be prepared to override the assist system at all times and is not released from the responsibility to drive the vehicle with due care and attention.

8) Charging with max. 135kW DC charging power for the Pro and Pro Performance battery variants at an ambient and battery temperature of approx. 23°C and with a starting SOC of approx. 5%; e.g. at an IONITY station.

9) Plug & Charge will become available with a later software generation.

Note: The ranges specified are projected values based on the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). The actual WLTP range values may differ depending on the equipment. The actual range achieved under real conditions varies depending on the driving style, speed, use of comfort features or auxiliary equipment, outside temperature, number of passengers/load, and topography.