VOLKSWAGEN ID.4 & ID.5 IS IT INDIA READY?

Helsinki is not a city that immediately comes to mind when you think of adventure or nightlife. Unlike Barcelona or Berlin, it has a distinctly relaxed vibe.

- RAMESH SOMANI

It's a pristine European city where people, though reserved, are warm and helpful when approached. The city's landscape is dotted with ancient architecture, churches, and cathedrals—an endless source of inspiration for art lovers. My stint in Helsinki, however, was far from just an artful escapade; it was an adventure with the Volkswagen ID.5, as we explored the city's outskirts on a winter drive, heading for a husky ride and skiing session.

Almost every automaker has either launched or is aggressively developing its lineup of EVs. Volkswagen is no exception; they have ambitious plans for India, rigorously testing their EVs in the country's hot and humid climate. While VW sharpened its axe, I flew to Helsinki to spend a few days with the ID.5 in snow-laden conditions. Perhaps writing this review ahead of its Indian debut will nudge VW HQ to fast-track its electric offensive onto Indian roads [ My test car had less than 100 km on board... as fresh as the snow it was driven on].

LET'S MEET THE VOLKSWAGEN ID.5

Volkswagen ID.5 is the third dedicated model from VW's MEB electric platform, followed by ID.3 and ID.4, I also drove the ID4 for a brief while, and it's safe to say that there is no such big difference between the ID.4 & ID.5 except the SUV coupe shape of the latter. The ID.5 also came out with an upgraded software version 3.0, which brings about a lot of improvements in technology and updates the digital features in comparison to its predecessor. Still, the coupe design has cost some amount of headroom and boot size.