VOLKSWAGEN is continuing its assault on the EV market with the launch of its third model - it's called the ID.5 and brings coupe-SUV styling and practicality to the mix.

It follows hot on the heels of the ID.3 and ID.4 with customers able to select from trim levels called Style, Tech, Max, GTX Style and GTX Max.

There is only one battery available which is a 77kWh unit, but there is a choice of 174ps, 204ps or 299ps power outputs.

We opted for the ID.5 in entry-level Style grade powered by the lower 174PS-powered battery delivering 300Nm of torque. Costing £49,735 (£51,970 with options), it could complete the 0-62mph sprint in 10.4 seconds and maxes out at 99mph, while offering an impressive driving range of 313 miles between charges.

The ID.5 is very easy on the eye with a front end that is similar to its sibling ID.4 model, but as you move further along the car the differences become much more noticeable. The rear slopes away to offer a coupe-looking roofline giving the car a sportier profile.

Eye-catching features include 3D LED rear light clusters, integrated and illuminated door handles, IQ Light Matrix headlights, a panoramic sunroof, tinted rear windowsbody-coloured bumpers and smart 20-inch alloy wheels.

The interior is thoroughly modern and clutter-free with vegan leather upholstery along with ambient lighting with 30 different shades to suit all moods.

The main focal point is a 12-inch infotainment screen offering access to the sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, a DAB radio and a number of other systems.

In addition, the Hello.ID voice assistant can help with a number of requests, although it did keep bursting into life out of the blue which was somewhat irritating.

When it comes to performance, the ID.5 is a delight to drive. Although there is a start, stop button, the car detects the key and starts up automatically when you select D for drive. The acceleration out the blocks is instant as is the case with most EVs and the rear-wheel drive vehicle is beautifully balanced as it powers along the twisting country roads with no sign of body sway at all.

It's a motorway cruiser, quickly reaching 70mph and there are drive modes to alter the handling called Eco, Comfort and Individual. In addition, a ‘B' mode can be used to increase the level of regenerative braking. The perfectly weighted steering offers plenty of driver feedback and the all-round visibility also impresses which is good news in busy city centres with cars, cyclists and pedestrians darting out from all angles.

Although the sloping roof design of the ID.5 does impact slightly on rear passenger head room, there is still plenty of space in the back for a couple of adults to stretch out.

The boot is well-sized too with a capacity of 549 litres, which is increased to 1,561 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats dropped flat and elsewhere, there are plenty of storage options throughout the cabin. These include a central cubby box, door bins, a glovebox, front and rear cup holders, along with some trays. There are two USB-C ports in the front and two more in the back of the car to keep devices connected on the fly.

When it comes to charging, the ID.5 can be boosted to 80 per cent in 29 minutes via a 135kW rapid charger. It takes 12 hours, 40 minutes to 100 per cent on a 7.2kW wallbox or seven hours, 30 minutes via an 11kW charge point.

The car is also packed with safety systems and driver assistance aids that helped it secure a maximum five stars when tested for its Euro NCAP safety rating.

Systems include adaptive cruise control with front assist, city emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane assist, advanced high beam assist and plenty more besides.