Volkswagen ID.5 GTX overview

At the top of the current Volkswagen electric car line-up is this, the VW ID.5 GTX. The ID.5 is billed as a coupe-SUV version of the ID.4, while the GTX badge marks it out as the sporty variant, in the same way that the GTI badge does for the Golf.

We've already tried the ID.4 GTX, as well as the standard ID.5, and this model is very much a combination of the two. It uses the same 299hp twin-motor, four-wheel drive configuration as the ID.4 GTX, but a different roofline is designed to give the ID.5 a sportier shape.

Rivals for the ID.5 are the same as those for the ID.4, really. Since this is the most powerful model, it takes on electric SUVs such as the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-e, while the new Skoda Enyaq Coupe RS uses the same running gear as the GTX. Elsewhere, it's worth checking out the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The Volkswagen ID.5 model range

Irish pricing for the Volkswagen ID.5 GTX starts at €66,500 for the GTX Business model and rises to €77,110 for the GTX Max. For reference, the ID.4 GTX comes in the same trim levels, but they are priced at €64,530 and €74,950, respectively. Surprisingly, the ID.5's sleeker shape doesn't boost efficiency. On a full charge, the ID.5 GTX has an official range of 494km (or 476km in GTX Max spec tested here), while the ID.4 GTX can manage 504km (or 485km for the Max model).

Looking at rivals, the new Skoda Enyaq iV Coupe RS uses the same running gear as these GTX models. However, it's expected to cost less when it lands in Ireland, with a comparable range.

Back to the ID.5 GTX, and since it's the top-spec model in the line-up, it's generously equipped. As well as all of the kit you'll find on a standard ID.5 Business model (including adaptive cruise control, wireless smartphone connectivity, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, climate control and a full suite of safety systems) the GTX includes 20-inch alloy wheels, metallic paint with a black contrast roof, an exclusive GTX body kit and plenty of GTX detailing inside and out. There's also the Sport Package, which adds Progressive steering (that's variable-ratio steering in Volkswagen-speak) and lowered Sport suspension.

On top of that, the GTX Max adds adaptive dampers, a head-up display, a beefier stereo, sports seats, a 360-degree camera system, park assist and sensor-controlled boot opening and closing. It's very comprehensive in terms of equipment, but then you'd expect that for a €75k asking price.

There's a flat-rate 5.9 per cent APR finance rate on the entire VW range right now, whether it's electric or combustion-powered, and the ID.5 is available from €629 per month. Of course, the GTX will be more than that, but go to the Volkswagen Ireland website for the latest offers.

The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX interior

With so much shared with the ID.4, it will come as no surprise that the ID.5 looks largely identical inside. In GTX form, that means plenty of Alcantara-style fabrics, and lots of red stitching to go with the GTX badging.

Sports seats boost the racy ambience, while the panoramic glass roof helps the cabin to feel light and airy. However, in line with VW's other ID models, some of the plastics used are surprisingly hard and low-rent, which is disappointing in a car that costs so much.

A longer rear overhang for the ID.5 means there's a boot capacity of 549 litres, compared with 543 litres for the ID.4 in five-seat mode. However, the tables are turned when the back seats are folded, because the ID.4 has a 1,575-litre boot to the ID.5's 1,561 litres. Either way, the ID.5 still feels like a spacious SUV, and there are no compromises for passenger space, while those in the back have access to air vents and USB sockets for convenience.

As with other recent VW models, the ID.5's infotainment system is a bit of a let-down. The touchscreen system simply isn't as intuitive to use or as quick to responds as the firm's past set-ups, and while placing the climate controls within the screen makes for an uncluttered dashboard, they're not as easy to use when on the move as physical controls. The sliding temperature controls (and sliding volume control) aren't illuminated at night, either, further spoiling the system's user-friendliness.

The Volkswagen ID.5 GTX driving experience

While the GTX is the most powerful ID.5 for sale, its performance in a straight line isn't dramatically different from the standard versions'. A 0-100km/h time of 6.3 seconds is extremely rapid for a five-seat family car, and the GTX is helped off the line by the four-wheel-drive traction that its twin-electric motor set-up provides. That time is 2.1 seconds faster than the next most powerful (and two-wheel-drive) ID.5, but once you're moving, the differences in straight-line performance aren't quite as distinct.

One major benefit of the GTX Max over any other ID.5 is the adaptive dampers that come as standard. They help improve the car's spread of talents, because the GTX still feels as planted as any other model in the range, but it backs this up with improved comfort in the softer settings. VW offers a wide range of adjustment here, with a number of pre-set modes, and an Individual setting that allows you to tailor the car to your specific tastes.

The ID'5's steering offers decent feedback for an EV, while the 'B' mode of regenerative braking that's on offer helps the brake pedal feel smooth - there's a decent transition between that and using the physical discs and pads. Overall, the GTX feels rapid, but not intimidatingly so, and we can't help but feel that this is more of a high-spec sporty trim level than a high-performance SUV, in the way that the GTI badge helps hot Golfs feel special.

Our verdict on the Volkswagen ID.5 GTX

The VW ID.5 GTX is undeniably impressive, and it looks great in our car's King's Red metallic paint, but this is a car that can't quite live up to its billing, whether that's in terms of its coupe-SUV looks, GTX badging or high price tag. Essentially, it's an ID.4 in a different shape - nothing sportier, nor more efficient - but at least it doesn't demand any compromises when it comes to practicality or range. The GTX badge isn't quite the electrified equivalent of GTI, either; it's best to think of it as a high-spec variant of the standard ID.5. It's the only way you can add four-wheel drive to VW's coupe-SUV, though, so that might add to its appeal for some.