Shereen Shabnam
The Volkswagen ID.5, Volkswagen’s latest addition to its all-electric range, combines sleek coupe-like styling with SUV practicality. Recently, I took this EV on a scenic drive from London to the Peak District and back, covering a variety of roads that showcased both its capabilities and charm. Here’s how the ID.5 fared on this journey through the picturesque countryside and the urban stretches of the UK.
Exterior Design
The ID.5 impresses with its sleek design, adopting a coupe-SUV silhouette that is both stylish and functional. The sloping roofline adds a sporty aesthetic, while the muscular stance and large wheels give it a bold presence on the road. Despite its sloping rear, the ID.5 offers good rear headroom, and its aerodynamic shape contributes to efficiency, crucial for an electric vehicle on longer journeys.
Interior and Comfort
Inside the ID.5, Volkswagen’s focus on minimalism and technology is evident. The cabin is spacious and uncluttered, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and a digital driver’s display. The materials used feel premium, with soft-touch surfaces enhancing the cabin’s comfort during long hours on the road. On the trip from London to the Peak District, the supportive seats and spacious legroom were particularly appreciated.
Technology and Features
The ID.5 comes packed with advanced technology. The infotainment system is intuitive, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which made navigating through unfamiliar terrain a breeze. The ID. Light system, a visual cue that works in sync with the navigation system, was a helpful guide, especially during stretches where I encountered detours in the countryside. The IQ. Drive package provided a suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, both of which were immensely useful during motorway cruising. The autonomous driving assistance, while not entirely hands-free, significantly reduced the stress of long-distance travel.
Performance
Equipped with a 77 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive, the ID.5 delivered a smooth and responsive drive throughout the trip. Its electric motor provided ample power, especially for overtaking on the motorway, while the instant torque made acceleration effortless.
The journey to the Peak District involved a variety of driving conditions, from urban traffic in London to open motorway stretches, and finally, winding country roads. The ID.5 handled each of these with ease. Its regenerative braking system, which can be adjusted, allowed for a more engaging driving experience, especially on the descending roads in the hills of the Peak District.
Range and Efficiency
On this trip, the ID.5’s range was put to the test. The official range of the ID.5 is approximately 300 miles, and the journey from London to the Peak District and back (roughly 300 miles round trip) made it a perfect test. With a combination of motorway and rural roads, the actual range was close to the official figure. Charging was straightforward thanks to the ID.5’s support for rapid charging, and I was able to make a quick stop at a service station for a top-up which took the battery from 20% to 80% in about 35minutes.
Final Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.5 performed admirably during the scenic drive from London to the Peak District and back. It offered a blend of style, comfort, and cutting-edge technology, all while delivering the kind of performance and range that makes it suitable for both urban commuting and long road trips. Whether navigating city streets or winding through countryside lanes, the ID.5 felt composed and capable, making it an excellent choice for drivers seeking a premium, eco-friendly SUV with a touch of sportiness.
#GTM #GlobalTrendMonitor #ShereenShabnam #VolkswagenID5 #EVAdventures #SUVstyle #ElectricVehicle #SUVlife #Volkswagen #PeakDistrict #EcoFriendlyDriving #RoadTripVibes #EVTechnology #SleekDesign #SustainableTravel #CarReview
