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Volvo EX30 vs VW ID.5
At a glance
In this comparison, Volvo EX30 counters with the lowest price, while the VW ID.5 leads on value for money, motorway range and family practicality.
Which should you choose?
Choose the VW ID.5 if...
- you want the most for your money - best overall spec per pound
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.9p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The VW ID.5 leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
ValueVW
Volvo
5.9
VW
7.4
Motorway RangeVW
Volvo
2.7
VW
6.7
FamilyVW
Volvo
5
VW
8.3
Charging
Volvo
5.7
VW
5.7
Too close to call
Cost Per MileVW
Volvo
3
VW
7.5
City Driving
Volvo
6.2
VW
6.3
Too close to call
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
VW ID.5
Pro Essential
- 142 miles more WLTP range
- 139 litres more boot space
- 2.4s quicker 0-62 mph
- 0.8 m tighter turning circle
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Volvo EX30Single Motor | VW ID.5Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £33,060 (better) | £36,995 |
| Official range | 209 miles | 352 miles (better) |
| Boot space | 400 L | 539 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 26 min (better) | 29 min |
| 0-62 mph | 9.1 sec | 6.7 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
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Volvo EX30
VW ID.5
Length
Volvo EX304,233mm-366mm
VW ID.54,599mm
Width
Volvo EX301,838mm-14mm
VW ID.51,852mm
Height
Volvo EX301,550mm-68mm
VW ID.51,618mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Volvo EX30Single Motor | VW ID.5Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4,233 mm | 4,599 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,838 mm (better) | 1,852 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 2,032 mm | Not available |
| Height | 1,550 mm | 1,618 mm |
| Turning circle | 11 m | 10.2 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 562 mm spare (better) | 548 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Volvo EX30Single Motor | VW ID.5Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear legroom | 821 mm | Not available |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 2 | Not available |
| Boot space (seats up) | 400 L | 539 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1000 L | Not available |
| Frunk | 7 L | Not available |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 1,000 kg | 1,000 kg |
Full specifications
| Specification |  Volvo EX30 Single Motor |  VW ID.5 Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4.23m | 4.60m+366mm |
| Width | 1.84m | 1.85m+14mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 2.03m | Not available |
| Height | 1.55m | 1.62m+68mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.65m | 2.77m+121mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 400L | 539L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1000L | Not available |
| Frunk | 7L | Not available |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Rear Legroom | 821mm | Not available |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 11m | 10.2m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,840kg (better) | 2,128kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,000kg | 1,000kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 51kWh | 79kWh (better) |
| Range (WLTP) | 209 mi | 352 mi (better) |
| Max DC Charge | 150kW | 165kW (better) |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £33,060 (better) | £36,995 |
| Price after EV grant | £33,060 (not eligible) | £35,495 (-£1,500) |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | SUV | SUV |
| Available | 2024+ | 2026+ |
* Volvo EX30: 11 kW AC on Core and Plus; Ultra has a 22 kW on-board charger.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Volvo EX30Single Motor | VW ID.5Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 209 miles | 352 miles (better) |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 149 miles | 293 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 26 min (better) | 29 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 150 kW | 165 kW (better) |
| Home AC charging | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Energy consumption | 169 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 51 kWh | 79 kWh (better) |
| Battery chemistry | LFP | NMC |
| Heat pump | Not standard | Standard (better) |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Volvo EX30Single Motor | VW ID.5Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 9.1 sec | 6.7 sec (better) |
| Power | 200 kW | 210 kW (better) |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 545 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests.
Volvo EX30
Single Motor
7.5/10
average across 6 reviews
- DrivingElectric4.5/5
- Auto Express4.5/5
- Parkers4.1/5
VW ID.5
Pro Essential
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Volvo EX30 Single Motor
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant88%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users79%
Safety Assist80%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - VW ID.5 Pro Essential
Tested 2021
Adult Occupant93%
Child Occupant89%
Vulnerable Road Users76%
Safety Assist85%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Volvo EX30Single Motor | VW ID.5Pro Essential |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag real-world range. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Volvo EX30
Single Motor
Owners love
- Owners consistently praise the performance: even the single-motor car is quick, and the Twin Motor Performance is very fast.
- Build quality, seats and cabin materials are widely described as good for the price, with a light, modern interior.
- The ride and road holding win praise, and the compact footprint makes it easy to park.
Watch out for
- Almost every control lives on the centre touchscreen, and the lack of a driver display or head-up display is the most common complaint.
- Driver aids such as lane assist and speed-limit warnings are seen as intrusive, and must be switched off again at every start.
- Rear legroom and the boot are small, so owners call it a car for two adults rather than four.
Owner tips
- Pick the Single Motor Extended Range for the best balance of range, ride and price.
- Set climate, wipers and lights to auto and save a driver profile so you rarely need the screen on the move.
VW ID.5
Pro Essential
Owners love
- Owners praise the design, interior quality and the roomy rear with no centre tunnel.
- It is easy to live with as a first EV, with a comfortable ride and low servicing costs.
- The adjustable regenerative braking works well for everyday driving.
Watch out for
- Touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard are easy to press by accident.
- Some owners report app problems, such as wrong charge or range readings when used with smart chargers.
- One owner reports key fob batteries draining within about a month.
Owner tips
- Test the touch controls carefully on the test drive.
- Set charging schedules in the car rather than through several apps at once.
Buying options
Get a quote
Volvo EX30
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
VW ID.5
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Volvo EX30
- £26,1672024Car360View
- £27,5512025Car360View
- £23,4992024Browns of RichmondView
VW ID.5
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the VW ID.5 worth the extra £3,935 over the Volvo EX30?
The VW ID.5 costs £3,935 more than the Volvo EX30. For that premium it adds 142 miles more WLTP range, 139 litres more boot space and a 2.4s quicker 0-62mph time. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the VW ID.5 comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Volvo EX30 or the VW ID.5?
The Volvo EX30 is £3,935 cheaper to buy. The VW ID.5 is cheaper to charge, roughly £152 a year versus £184 for the Volvo EX30, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Volvo EX30 comes out roughly £3,775 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 149 miles for the Volvo EX30 and 293 miles for the VW ID.5 - both below their WLTP figures, because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. The VW ID.5 goes roughly 145 miles further between charging stops. Both rapid-charge to 80% in a similar time, around 26-29 minutes.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Volvo EX30 or the VW ID.5?
The two are within 14 mm on width, so neither is meaningfully easier to thread into a tight space. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 562 mm of total clearance for the Volvo EX30 and about 548 mm of total clearance for the VW ID.5. The VW ID.5 also turns in a 0.8 m tighter circle, which helps with U-turns and multi-storey ramps.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Volvo EX30 or the VW ID.5?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 90% battery health for the Volvo EX30 and 84% for the VW ID.5. That gives the Volvo EX30 a modest edge in retained real-world range. The Volvo EX30's LFP-type pack tolerates daily 100% charging, while the VW ID.5's NMC-type pack lasts longest kept to about 80% for everyday use. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Volvo EX30 comparisons
More VW ID.5 comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 rank among the best family EVsWhere the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 rank among the best electric SUVsWhere the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 rank among the best city EVsWhere the Volvo EX30 and VW ID.5 rank among the cheapest EVs to run
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Volvo EX30 (2024 on): the Battery Recall, Which Version & What to Pay
A used Volvo EX30 buyer’s guide: the high-voltage battery recall and 70% charge cap, Single Motor vs Extended Range vs Twin Motor Performance, warranty, real-world range, what owners report, what to pay and a printable checklist.
GuideBuying a Used VW ID.5 (2022 on): Pro, Pro Performance or GTX, Software, Range & What to Check
A used VW ID.5 buyer’s guide: Pro 174 PS, Pro Performance and GTX vs the 2024-on 286 PS Pro, the software issues and updates, the heat pump, warranty left, the door-handle recall, real-world range, what to pay vs new with the grant, and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .