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If you’re searching for a clear VW ID.3 & ID.5 review, you’re likely weighing up which of these all-electric Volkswagens is best suited to your lifestyle.
As EV adoption continues to grow, so does buyer anxiety as it can feel like a big step moving away from an internal combustion engine (ICE) if that’s all you’ve ever been used to.
Many drivers still feel unsure about things such as charging, driving range, and how electric cars compare in day-to-day comfort and tech features. You’ll also have questions such as:
That’s where this blog comes in, as we’re exploring the VW ID.3 and ID.5, as well as how Pulman are making EV maintenance easier with a dedicated team of in-house EV technicians. This means we keep your EV running smoothly, so you can enjoy the benefits of electric driving without the stress.
As a family-run retailer based in the North East, Pulman is all about delivering a fantastic customer experience, and a key part of this is helping you choose the right car.
Let’s get started!
Launched as part of Volkswagen’s ID family of electric vehicles, the VW ID.3 combines tech with practicality and comfort. Whether you're commuting through the city or going on weekend road trips, the ID.3 offers something for everyone.
The VW ID.3 is designed for drivers who need a versatile, practical car that’s perfect for everyday driving.
With its compact dimensions, it’s easy to navigate through busy city traffic and park in smaller spaces, making it ideal for those who regularly commute.
The VW ID.3 is smooth, quiet, and easy to drive, whether you’re commuting day-to-day or going on a longer trip. It picks up speed quickly, which is ideal for getting through traffic or pulling away at lights without delay.
As the battery is stored under the floor, the car feels stable and well-balanced on the road. It’s also comfortable, especially on models with smaller wheels.
There’s also a clever feature that helps the car slow down and recharge the battery slightly when you take your foot off the pedal; just switch to ‘B’ mode.
Overall, the ID.3 is quiet, relaxing to drive, and feels modern and easy to handle.
One of the main concerns when switching to an electric car is range anxiety. The ID.3 offers a range of up to 327 miles in its biggest battery form, (depending on the battery variant), so it can handle both daily commutes and longer trips.
Charging is also easy, with the ID.3 supporting fast charging at public charging stations. A 30-minute charge at a fast-charging station can provide up to 180 miles of range, while home charging overnight will keep your vehicle ready to go each morning.
The VW ID.3 comes with a range of features designed to make your driving experience more enjoyable.
For a compact car, the VW ID.3 is spacious with plenty of legroom and headroom; even the boot in the ID.3 has 385 litres of room.
Moving over to the interior, it’s minimal and modern. Most of the controls on the dashboard are housed within the central touchscreen keeping it clean and clutter-free.
The seats are also comfortable, which is ideal for longer drives.
Moving over to the VW ID.5, this blends coupe-inspired styling with the practicality and performance of a fully electric SUV.
As the sportier sibling to the ID.4, the ID.5 offers a sloping roofline and dynamic design without sacrificing interior space or comfort. It’s positioned as a more premium, long-distance-ready alternative to the ID.3, ideal for drivers looking for a bit more room and range from their EV.
The VW ID.5 is great for drivers who want the style of a coupe and the functionality of an SUV. This makes it ideal for families who need extra rear-seat space and boot capacity as well as commuters or frequent travellers who want comfort when making longer trips.
When you’re looking to make the switch from ICE to EV but don’t want to compromise on space or tech, the ID.5 is a great choice.
The VW ID.5 offers smooth, responsive acceleration and is particularly useful at higher speeds making it great for motorway driving.
The low centre of gravity, thanks to the floor-mounted battery, gives the car good balance while the suspension is tuned for comfort over distance.
Despite its SUV size, the ID.5 feels agile. Depending on the trim and wheel size, the driving experience varies slightly, with larger wheels feeling a touch firmer over rougher roads.
The ID.5 gently slows down and recovers when you lift your foot off the pedal - a smart feature called regenerative braking. It helps make city driving feel smoother and more relaxed.
Range is always a key consideration with electric cars. On a full charge, the VW ID5 offers a range of up to 327 miles (depending on the version you choose and your driving style). This means you don’t have to worry about stopping off frequently to recharge which can be a hassle.
This car is designed to make charging easier as you can plug it in at home overnight using a standard wallbox, or use rapid chargers on the go. It also comes with a built-in navigation to find nearby charging points, so you’re never left guessing where to plug in.
Tech is a strong feature in the ID.5, especially in the higher trims.
Key features include the following:
Higher-spec versions also get a panoramic sunroof and a heads-up display.
When looking at the interior of the VW ID.5, it’s practical and spacious. Thanks to its sleek design combined with LED lights and bold wheels, it has a modern look.
Inside, the cabin feels clean and high-tech as you’ll find a large 12-inch touchscreen for things such as maps, music, and phone apps. There’s also a smaller screen behind the wheel that shows important driving info.
Even though the roof slopes down like a coupe, there’s still plenty of space in the back for people to sit comfortably. The boot is also spacious with 549 litres of room overall.
If you’re still deciding between the VW ID.3 and VW ID.5, there are some key differences to consider which we’ve summarised below.
From the design to the driving experience, it’s important to understand how these models stack up so you can make the right choice.
Body style: 5-door hatchback
Space: Smaller than an ID.5
Range: Maximum range 327 miles
Driving experience: Generally more focused on comfort and practicality.
Focus: Better in city driving
Body style: Coupe-like SUV
Space: More spacious than an ID.3
Range: Maximum range 343 miles
Driving experience: Offers a slightly more distinctive and potentially more exciting driving experience.
Focus: Better in a range of different conditions
The VW ID family offers something for everyone depending on how much space you need and the type of driving experience you prefer.
The VW ID.3 and the VW ID.5 both offer something different, with the latter being more suited to families making longer trips. Thanks to its long-distance range of up to 343 miles from a single charge, it allows for easy driving without the stop-offs.
In comparison, the VW ID.3 is likened to the Golf, offering a more compact car which is ideal for urban drivers or those new to electric vehicles.
Hopefully this review has helped you decide which of these cars is right for you. If you need any further help deciding, book in for a free test drive here. You can get a real look and feel of the car whilst asking any questions you might still have about EVS. Our team is more than happy to help!
