Just months after updating its electric hatchback ID.3, Volkswagen wasn’t going to sit on its heels. Instead, the German auto behemoth has gone ahead and upgraded its next-in-line models, ID.4, its first fully electric SUV and the ID.5, its stylish coupé variant.
Just as we felt with the newly updated ID.3, Volkswagen has listened to feedback and worked hard to bring improvements that were welcome and made it a better car all-around, it looks like it’s once again the same case with ID.4 and ID.5.
> “A sensible electric hatchback choice”: 2023 Volkswagen ID.3, read our review
Under-the-hood improvements for ID.4 and ID.5
While the previous versions were no slouch when it came to going on long-distance, WLTP-range-testing drives — both having their maximum range just shy of 330 miles — more range is never, ever, a bad thing. And with the new versions, VW has increased the range on both models, the ID.4 up to 337 miles, and the ID.5 up to 339 miles.
> Comfortable and practical with long-range: Volkswagen ID.4, read our review
Also new, and never a bad thing, is quicker acceleration. You’d be pleased to know that ID.4 and ID.5 are now powered by the German carmaker’s new APP550 drive unit, first introduced in the uber-luxurious and stylish ID.7. The best thing about it? Significantly more power with reduced energy consumption, delivering 210 kW and giving the vehicles an impressive 75 per cent more torque than before.
If that’s not enough for you, VW is also bringing out the sporty and all-wheel drive GTX models for both ID.4 and ID.5, capable of sprinting from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, thanks to the much more powerful unit delivering 250kW power.
Another welcome improvement is that now, faster charging is also possible. Thermal management makes sure the battery is pre-conditioned while driving, before the next DC charging stop. With the maximum charging capacity, these ID. versions can take on enough energy for a further 110 miles in about 10 minutes.
> Volkswagen’s new electric ID.7 expected to have 700km range
What’s new inside the cabin?
Volkswagen hasn’t kept all its improvements under the hood. The two electric SUVs now feature a new-generation infotainment system with a larger 12.9-inch screen, including illuminated sliders for cabin temperature. There’s also an option for an enhanced augmented-reality heads-up display if you’re into that sort of stuff.
More in-cabin features include the new IDA voice assistant and a new, premium sound system from Harman Kardon, featuring 480 Watts of music output and 10 speakers.
One thing that we are not sure if it can classify as an improvement or not is the fact Volkswagen has moved the driving mode selector to the steering column, similar to the ID.7, to create space for the larger infotainment display. Stay tuned for our reviews to find out if the new positions work or not.
> “Style-focused coupe-SUV”: Volkswagen ID.5, read our review
The price?
Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 go on sale today, both are available to order now from Volkswagen UK Retailers. If you’re here and wondering about the prices, you may be a tad bit disappointed, given that they’ve gone up compared to the previous versions.
The ID.4, which earlier used to sell for £38,845, now starts from £46,035. The retail price for ID.5, meanwhile, stays more or less the same, available to buy from £50,940.
