Cheap on price, not on features: Volkswagen unveils ID. Era 5S

Volkswagen has unveiled its new ID. Era 5S in China. The midsize plug-in hybrid sedan (PHEV) has an attractive starting price of $13,000, while the top trim costs approximately $17,000, according to auto blogger Sergey Gilevich.

A hybrid without a traditional transmission

The ID. Era 5S features a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine producing 110 hp, a 170-hp electric motor and a 19-kWh battery. The fuel tank holds approximately 50 liters. Interestingly, the internal combustion engine operates without a conventional transmission.

«The car simply doesn’t have a traditional transmission,» Gilevich said.

According to the blogger, this design helps reduce manufacturing costs, and if the battery is charged regularly, the gasoline engine can be used much less frequently.

The car itself is designed primarily for comfort, with soft suspension and good sound insulation, Gilevich said. However, he noted that at speeds between 120 and 140 km/h, the car begins to feel less stable.

«The sound insulation is truly surprising for this price,» the blogger emphasized.

Another feature he highlighted is acceleration: The car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in about seven seconds, while strong regenerative braking helps slow the vehicle down.

Massage, ventilation and even an air freshener

The biggest surprise of the ID. Era 5S isn’t its performance, but its equipment.

«The top trim, priced at $17,000, comes with massaging, ventilated and heated front seats. Heated rear seats are also included,» Gilevich added.

In addition, the car features a dedicated menu for the air freshener, automatic parking, cameras, a voice assistant, 50-watt wireless phone charging and additional features for rear passengers. A separate tablet in the second row allows passengers to control some of the car’s functions.

Despite the sleek design, there are some areas where the company appears to have cut costs. The interior, for example, features hard plastics and inexpensive materials. Even the six-speaker audio system failed to impress the blogger. However, he found the white Nappa-style faux-leather upholstery to be surprisingly high-quality for the price.

Could the Volkswagen ID. Era 5S be available in Kazakhstan?

So far, the Volkswagen ID. Era 5S has been showcased only in China. That said, its plug-in hybrid powertrain could make it an appealing option for the Kazakh market.