Volkswagen ID 5 GTX
Quickest version of this electric coupé SUV gets more power and revised suspension On sale Spring Price from £55,705
PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED VERSIONS of electric cars are still a bit of a novelty. After all, many buyers rank range and practicality as more important than straight-line speed and cornering ability. However, for those who still want a bit of pep in their sensible EV, Volkswagen developed the ID 5 GTX.
The thing is, we weren’t a fan when we first tried it, largely because it didn’t feel that much quicker and the ride was far too choppy. Now, though, it’s been updated in a bid to put things right.
As before, the GTX is distinguished from other ID 5s by its restyled front bumper and black exterior highlights, while a second electric motor (on the front axle, bringing four-wheel drive traction) gives it more power. While the updated car is little changed to look at, though, you’ll instantly notice the difference when you take it for a drive.
It’s 40bhp more powerful than before and can sprint from 0-62mph almost a second faster, taking just 5.4sec. And despite the power hike, the four-wheel drive system still puts the power down cleanly. True, the Tesla Model Y Performance will easily beat it off the line, but we doubt you’ll complain that the ID 5 is slow.
Meanwhile, tweaks to the adaptive suspension have made the GTX more composed and capable; in the firmest (Sport) mode, body movement is more controlled than that of the Ford Mustang Mach-e. However, the GTX still isn’t the most engaging car to drive on a twisting country road. When you turn in to a corner, the steering suddenly gets heavier past a quarter of a turn, and that makes it feel artificial.
Better news is that the GTX is comfier than before. The ride is still firm, and you move around in your seat more than in the standard ID 5, but it no longer thumps as much as it used to, dealing with bumps and potholes far better than the Model Y.
Inside, the only change is a slightly larger, 12.9in touchscreen infotainment system, running the latest software as found in the ID 7. It’s a vast improvement, with a more usable layout and far fewer glitches.
So, does the extra power and improved handling make the GTX a winner? Well, it’s better than before, but the difference still isn’t enough to justify the £10,000 leap over an ID 5 in regular Match trim.