The VW ID range explained
Learn about the ID range – Volkswagen’s lineup of electric cars.
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Volkswagen is one of the most innovative car brands in the world, always striving to better itself and design the latest and greatest thing.
In this case, it’s the turn of ID – the brand’s lineup of fully electric cars.
What is VW ID?
Volkswagen’s ID range is its collection of electric-only cars ranging from small hatchbacks to full-size campervans.
The first ID model was the ID.3, unveiled in 2019 and acts as a fully electric alternative to the Golf. This kickstarted a while host of other models that followed.
What does VW ID stand for?
According to Volkswagen, ‘ID’ stands for “Intelligent design, identity and visionary technologies”.
This is drawn-out way of saying it’s a futuristic way of thinking.
The VW ID range of cars
ID.3
 "Vokswagen ID.3")
Volkswagen first showed the world its electric Golf alternative at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2019, and it’s since gone onto be a real success.
Its futuristic look and environmentally conscious interior help it to stand out among other rivals.
As of October 2024, the ID.3 gets a maximum range of 369 miles.
The top-spec ID.3 GTX gets 318hp and is a true sporty model that could be considered an electric hot hatch.
ID.4
 "Volkswagen ID.4 driving")
The ID.4 was the second model to arrive, acting as a medium-sized SUV ideal for families and those who need a little more space.
VW introduced it at the end of 2020 and offered ID.3-like styling but with much more practicality.
At the time of writing, it gets up to 349 miles of range. There’s also the top-spec ID.4 GTX, which has more performance and more aggressive styling.
ID.5
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2021 was when VW came out with the ID.5 came later in 2021, a sleeker, coupé-like crossover SUV that would become a main rival for the Polestar 4, Ford Capri EV and Skoda Enyaq Coupe.
Again, sitting at the top of the range is the ‘GTX’ version – sportier in how it looks and how it drives.
You’ll get 344 miles of range from the ID.5.
ID.7
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If you’re after something even more futuristic looking, the ID.7 is the pick of the range.
Available as either a Fastback (a saloon) or ID.7 Tourer (an estate), this family EV is proof electric cars don’t have to be boring.
It even offers an impressive 436 miles of range, which puts it very high up in its class.
After a more refined model with proper performance? Perhaps the ID.7 GTX is the car for you with 330hp and a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds.
ID. Buzz
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If fun and practical thinking is your thing, look no further than the ID. Buzz.
A homage to the old-school campervan, the Buzz (launched in 2024) takes it into the 21st century with an all-electric powertrain and all the tech your family could ever need.
You can get the ID. Buzz as a five-, six-, or seven-seater MPV, making it ideal for families and groups of friends.
Plus, it gets a range of up to 258 miles, which for a van, is very impressive. Add that to the GTX variant and this unlocks 330hp, which again, is a lot for a van.
Exclusive VW tech
VW, like all manufacturers, has its own range of unique tech to set it apart from rivals. Whether it’s special air-con or punchy sound systems, it’s important to know what you’re getting.
Smart climate control
Climate control in cars isn’t a new thing; in fact, it’s been around since the 1950s. But what VW does differently with its cars is take the concept to the next level.
With the ability to pre-heat or cool your car before getting in it via the We Connect app, you don’t need to hang around for ages waiting for the car to be at a good temperature.
You can also personalise where the air comes from, meaning you can choose which occupants get the breeze directed at them.
Autonomous driving
Driver assistance systems can be scary, but they’re very much in their infancy and usually only offer basic assistance, due to various laws in place.
This is why VW offers five different levels of autonomous driving, each step helping you pick the level of help you want.
Full autonomous driving isn’t yet available, at least in the UK, and VW will need to comply with these rules and gradually implement what it can, when it can.
ID.Sound
Because they’re fully electric, VW’s ID cars are completely silent. But if you want a replacement for engine noise or to warn others of your presence, that’s where ID.Sound comes in.
ID.Sound projects sound outside the cabin to warn pedestrians, cyclists and other road users of your whereabouts when you’re reversing or pulling away at speeds under 20mph.
It’s not quite the ‘warning, this vehicle is reversing’ you hear from the bin lorry, but it’s still safer than sneaking around in silence.
Other VW electric cars not from the ID range
Before VW launched its dedicated EV naming convention with the ID.3, we had some other fully electric Volkswagens.
VW e-Golf
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Before the ID.3, VW’s EV hatchback was the e-Golf. Admittedly, it had less range and fewer features than its successor, but was a fine starting point nonetheless.
It looked like a Golf and drove like a Golf, with around 100 miles of range and 7kW charging (meaning a full charge in five hours).
VW e-up!
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Since the standard up! was so popular, Volkswagen decided to make it electric with the e-up! (not to be confused with a Yorkshireman’s greeting).
It offered 160 miles of range and drove just like the standard car, albeit a little heavier at 1,235kg instead of the petrol car’s 980kg weight.
Still, 160 miles of zero-emission driving from a little city car is nothing to poke a stick at.
Explore used VW ID cars for sale
Volkswagen’s ID range is only growing, but for a first stab at a full range of electric cars, we don’t see how they would have done any better.
We look forward to seeing what exciting new electric Volkswagens crop up in the coming years.