Quickest version of this electric coupé SUV gets more power and revised suspension On sale Spring Price from £55,705
Dan Jones dan.jones@haymarket.com
FIRST DRIVE
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. Howe
