The ID 5’s interior is identical to the ID 4, with a leatherette steering wheel and haptic touchpads. As we noted in that review, they’re not the best in terms of usability and take some getting used to.
The climate controls are also touchpad sliders, but an update in late 2024 means they’re now backlit so easier to see at night. Still, they’re also not ideal for quick and easy operation.
Interior ambient lighting, heated front seats and a heated windscreen are also standard, while a 5.3in driver’s display and a 10in touchscreen hold almost all of the car’s main functions. As with the ID 4, a larger, 12in touchscreen is available as an option.
We didn’t think much of Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system, but recent changes have heralded a big improvement. It’s no longer as stuttery or buggy as before, and all of the car’s vital functions are easier to access.
It’s the same story for material quality. The ID 5 isn’t nearly as luxurious as the BMW iX2 inside, but it’s reasonable for the price and a very comfortable place to sit.
It’s minimalist but also spacious, practical and functional. The airy nature of the cabin extends to the rear, too, which will comfortably fit two reasonably tall adults.
The issue with coupé-SUVs is they lose a chunk of their practicality compared with traditionally shaped SUVs.
That said, the ID 5 is surprising in that it offers six litres more boot space than the ID 4, at 549 litres.
That’s larger than the Kia EV6 (490 litres) and the iX2 (525 litres), although the sloping roofline does restrict the shape of certain objects, especially when they’re stacked.
Real pernickety stuff, sure, but it’s curious how claustrophobic some of these cars can feel for those perched in the back. The ID 5 coddles them well, with a pair of USB-C ports the cherry on top of some amiable hospitality.