The Volkswagen ID. range is the newest addition to the VW family. The ID. brand represents the future of the VW brand that focuses on electric cars. The first ID. car to be revealed was the ID.3, a VW Golf electric counterpart and the cheapest ID. car to date.
The VW ID.4 is the next one in line as it is a bigger, more powerful, and an all-around upgrade to the ID.3. The ID.5 is a more stylish and sportier version of the ID.4, but underneath the skin, these two are the same. In this article we will discuss all the differences between the ID.4 and the ID.5, so be sure to stick around and find out more.
The ID.4 and the ID.5 are different when it comes to price, size, engines, and style. These differences are large enough to make these two standalone models. These types of model separations are common in the modern-day car industry as brands tend to both offer stylish, less practical cars, and their more practical counterparts.
Cars such as the Audi Q5 and the Audi Q5 Sportback, the Porsche Cayenne, and the Porsche Cayenne coupe are perfect examples of this market philosophy. All in all, the ID.4 and the ID.5 are both great cars, but most people are likely going to prefer the ID.5.
What is the difference between Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5?
- Price
- Size
- Engines and battery
- Design
The price difference between the VW ID.4 and the VW ID.5
The Volkswagen ID.4 is the second ID. car to ever be released which means that it is a bit larger and more expensive than the VW ID.3. The ID.4 starts at $41,230, but if you take advantage of all the potential federal tax credits, the ID.4s starting price could be $33,260 which is a really tempting starting price, considering what you get for the money.
The VW ID.5 price is not yet officially released, but according to a few credible online sources, the ID.5 should start at around $45,000 while the top-of-the-line ID.5 GTX model could even go as high as $60,000 from the get-go. Federal tax credits could help bring the price down of the entry-level ID.5, but should always be $3,000-$5,000 more expensive than the ID.4
The size difference between the VW ID.4 and the VW ID.5
The VW ID.4 and the VW ID.5 share the same MEB platform which means that they are similar when it comes to outright dimensions. Both of these have the same wheelbase of 110 inches, and both of them have the same width of 73 inches. However, the ID.5 seems to be an inch or two longer and about two inches lower.
This means that the ID.4 employs a more traditional raised-up crossover/SUV shape while the ID.5 employs a more coupe-ish approach. This in turn means that the ID.4 is a bit more practical, easier to see out of, and has more cargo space as well.
Engine and battery differences between the VW ID.4 and the VW ID.5
One of the biggest differences between the ID.4 and the ID.5 is the fact that the ID.4 is available in two different battery variants while the ID.5 is only available with a single battery variant. That being said, the ID.4 is available with either a 52kWh or a 77kWh battery while the ID.5 is available with a 77kWh battery exclusively.
This means that the ID.4s power output ranges from 150hp, 170hp, 204hp, and up to 299hp. On the other hand, the ID.5 power output ranges from 174hp, 204hp, and up to 299hp. It’s not yet clear if the ID.5 is ever going to be available with the smaller battery.
Design differences between the VW ID.4 and the VW ID.5
The other most noticeable difference between the ID.4 and the ID.5 is the exterior design. The VW ID.4 offers a boxy SUV/crossover approach with rounded edges that help it to be more aerodynamic. The ID.5 is a sportier car with a lower sloping roofline that makes the car a lot more flamboyant and should attract a lot more attention.
The ID.5 is also available in the GTX trim which is predominantly a cosmetic package that makes the car look meaner and more purposeful. Most people are likely going to prefer the ID.5 looks more, but those that like to stay under the radar are likely to prefer the ID.4.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the VW ID.4 or the VW ID.5?
The VW ID.4 is a more affordable option while also being the same underneath the skin. This means that you are able to go for a higher-trim ID.4 model or a barebone ID.5 for a similar price. It’s up to your personal preference what you value most, but if you are short on budget, the ID.4 is the more reasonable choice.
On the other hand, if you are only interested in highly equipped variants, the very top crop model of each, the ID.5 is the better choice because it looks better and is likely going to perform a bit better as well. If practicality is your priority, then the ID.4 takes the victory overall.
When is the VW ID.5 coming on sale in the US?
Back in May of 2022, VW officially started production of the VW ID.4, but only for the European and Asian markets. It is not yet clear if VW is ever going to offer the ID.5 in the US, but for now, there are no promising plans that they will do so in the near future.
However, according to a few credible forums and car sites, the US market is interested in the ID.5, so we will have to wait and see if this is ever going to come to fruition.
Does Volkswagen make good electric cars?
VW is one of the biggest and most successful brands in the history of the automotive industry which means that they tend to do things right. VW managed to sell a decent amount of electric cars back in 2019, but the reality is that VW didn’t even offer all that many EVs back then.
Fast forward a year later, VW managed to triple its EV sales in 2020. As such, the ID. line seems to be successful as of now, but we will have to wait and see how good the upcoming VW EVs are going to be.
