They are TV’s power couple: Andrea Sawatzki and Christian Berkel. Both actors. Both best-selling authors. They hit the road together in Austria – fully-electric and virtually CO2 neutral. Testing the ID.5, Volkswagen’s first electric SUV coupé, and the sporty ID.5 GTX. The idyllic mountain roads around the Wilder Kaiser in Ellmau provided the backdrop, as Sawatzki and Berkel checked out the qualities and practicality of the all-rounder, whilst at the same time discussing e-mobility, sustainability and equality in an interview.
Christian Berkel: “Cool. Although I have not actually done any driving yet. I have just been a passenger. However, I do hope to get behind the wheel on the way home …”
Andrea Sawatzki: “I’m quite happy to drive back too (laughs). The ID.5 is really great to drive. I was already familiar with the ID.4, and that also feels fantastic. The ID.5 is even sleeker and sportier. It is easy to drive, even on winding mountain roads.”
Andrea Sawatzki: “I am a big fan. The advantage of electric cars is that they are so quiet and wonderfully smooth to drive. What I also find very reassuring about the ID.5 is the fact that it not only shows you when the car needs recharging, but also where you will find a free charging station nearby. The idea that you could be somewhere in the middle of nowhere, without a clue where and how to charge the car, had previously always made me a little uncomfortable.”
Christian Berkel: “With me too, the range and charging had been the reasons for not going all-electric. That is why I still drive the Volkswagen Touareg hybrid on longer journeys, and Andrea has the fully-electric ID.4. We have also tested the ID.3. Previously, I would never have believed it possible, but the driving experience in an electric car is actually better. It is a joy to drive. Plus, you have the wonderful knowledge that you are doing something for the environment.”
Christian Berkel: “We both like to drive in a sporty manner.
Christian Berkel: “I am obviously happy to let my wife drive if she wants to. Like today.”
Andrea Sawatzki: “I love driving. And I did indeed put my foot down and insist today.”
Christian Berkel: “We normally alternate at the wheel. Sometimes she drives, sometimes I drive. However, I have to admit that it has changed over the years for me. I didn’t use to like being a passenger. Nowadays, I have no problem with it. I actually enjoy it.”
In my opinion, the switch from combustion to e-mobility needs to happen as quickly as possible.”
Christian Berkel: “Don’t drive so fast – I do actually hear that sentence sometimes (laughs). Otherwise, we chat about all kinds of topics in the car. We are also quite happy travelling in silence – which is also nice sometimes. Then you are alone with your thoughts.”
Andrea Sawatzki: “If I am on a book tour, I can be in the car for up to four hours. Then I listen to podcasts. I find them fascinating.”
Andrea Sawatzki: “I think it is great that the ID.5 has automatic distance control and brakes as soon as you get too close to another road user or a parked car. I don’t like it when another car is breathing down my neck, and I like to have a certain space in front of me. And you are warned as soon as you get tired while you are driving – which is something you are often unaware of. We didn’t use to have any of that.”
Christian Berkel: “We only eat meat once or twice a month at home.”
Andrea Sawatzki: “And only from species-appropriate farming. You won’t find sausages or anything like that in our refrigerator. We also dress sustainably and know exactly where things are produced.”
Christian Berkel: “Mass production is always bad, whether meat or fashion items. An important aspect of sustainability is to prefer to spend a bit more money on high-quality and fairly-produced products. I am the opinion that there is no need for fashion to constantly change, or for me to always submit to it. When buying something, I ensure that I can still wear it in three or even ten years. That is also sustainability. Let’s get out of this throw-away society, as it is all poison for the environment.”
Andrea Sawatzki: “Very positively. It is no longer how it used to be, when people used to be surprised if you drove down the street with virtually no noise. Nowadays, many cars in films are electric. And more and more taxis are e-cars.”
Christian Berkel: “They think it’s cool. They also find car sharing super. However, and I have to mention this here, I believe it is still too expensive and so not practical for everyone.”
Fancy driving the ID.5 or the ID.5 GTX yourself, or as your partner’s passenger? This way to the test drive.
