The ID Buzz has quickly become one of the most highly anticipated additions to Volkswagen's growing electric range. It seamlessly combines retro and modern design elements, evoking memories of the beloved Type 2 microbus, a true icon of the 1960s. Despite its nostalgic design, the ID Buzz slots perfectly into VW’s current lineup. As a multipurpose vehicle (MPV), the ID Buzz focuses heavily on practicality. With few direct competitors, it stands to challenge rivals such as the BMW iX3, Tesla Model Y, and Volvo XC40 Recharge.
Before delving into the features that might entice buyers to opt for VW’s latest offering over more traditional SUVs, it’s worth noting that the Buzz isn’t cheap.
Prices start at £59,000, and there are a host of additional features available at an extra cost. For example, the stunning two-tone paint option, frequently showcased on the vehicle, comes with a £2,500 price tag. However, the ID Buzz is aimed at the premium SUV market, and thanks to its electric battery, the vehicle qualifies for a two per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate.
Additionally, high demand for the Buzz is expected to limit depreciation, with the vehicle predicted to retain around 62% of its original value after three years or 36,000 miles.
The ID Buzz is available in both short (4712mm) and long (4962mm) wheelbase variants. The shorter version accommodates five or six passengers, while the longer model can seat up to seven people. All short-wheelbase versions come with a 79 kWh battery, an upgrade from the previous 77 kWh, to boost performance. Meanwhile, the long-wheelbase version features a larger 86 kWh battery.
For rear-wheel-drive models, a 282 bhp motor allows the ID Buzz to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds (7.9 seconds for long-wheelbase models). The range-topping GTX variant boasts four-wheel drive and is powered by two motors that produce a combined 335 bhp, enabling a 0-62 mph time of 6.1 seconds. While not breathtaking, this performance is certainly respectable, ensuring the Buzz can keep pace with its rivals. Thanks to the low positioning of the battery within the chassis, the drive remains comfortable, and for a minivan, the vehicle offers a surprisingly agile ride, aided by a small turning circle.
When it comes to charging, the ID Buzz is in line with its competitors. It can connect to a DC rapid charger and replenish the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in approximately 30 minutes. The maximum charging rate is 185 kW for short-wheelbase models and 200 kW for long-wheelbase variants. A particularly useful feature is the ability to plan up to 10 stops on a route and preheat the battery before charging, minimising waiting time.
The range of the ID Buzz varies across models. The entry-level version offers a claimed range of 258 miles, while the Life Pro long-wheelbase variant achieves the highest range of 291 miles. However, as always, these figures should be taken with a pinch of salt, as real-world conditions and cold weather are likely to impact performance.
Where the ID Buzz truly excels is in the ample space and practicality it provides. The vehicle’s height and long wheelbase ensure generous legroom and headroom for even the tallest passengers. With the maximum number of occupants, VW has made sure that no one will feel cramped or uncomfortable. Access to the rear seats is also made easy with sliding doors, which can be operated electronically.
Boot space is another area where the Buzz shines. In the seven-seater long-wheelbase variant, there’s an initial boot capacity of 306 litres. Fold down the rear two seats, and this expands to 1,340 litres. If you fold all but the front two seats, the capacity increases to an enormous 2,469 litres, although laying down a Multiplex floor will be necessary to make the space completely flat.
In keeping with the focus on practicality, the ID Buzz is equipped with plenty of storage compartments, including a large glovebox and a compartment under the air vents designed for mobile phones and cups. One particularly innovative feature is the “Buzz Box” located in the centre console, which contains several storage compartments and can be removed as needed.
The exterior design of the Buzz shares many characteristics with VW’s other electric ID models, including angular LED headlights and a perforated front bumper. Inside, the Buzz boasts a large central infotainment screen and a smaller digital instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. The central screen has been enlarged to 12.9 inches and now features some climate controls permanently displayed, reducing the need to navigate through numerous submenus. Additionally, buttons and sliders are backlit, making the system easier to use in the dark. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard features, and heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are included even at the entry level. VW has also announced that ChatGPT will soon be integrated into its onboard systems.
For eco-conscious buyers, VW has ensured that the ID Buzz is made entirely from recycled materials, with no leather options available, making it one of the most sustainable vehicles in VW’s lineup. However, for around £1,000, you can opt to enhance the interior with plastic trim and coloured seat fabrics.
The ID Buzz achieved the maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash safety tests and includes a comprehensive suite of safety features. These include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a speed limiter, lane assist, seven airbags, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian and cyclist detection, seatbelt alerts, and road sign recognition. There’s also the option to purchase the Assistance Package Plus, which adds features like automated parking and semi-automated lane-changing.
VW’s new electric minivan is available in three trim levels: Life, Style, and GTX. The Life trim comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, while the Style trim upgrades to 20-inch wheels, with the option to go up to 21 inches, which come standard on the GTX. The GTX is also the only model with four-wheel drive and comes with a panoramic sunroof that uses “Smart Glass” to control the amount of light entering the vehicle, an option also available for the Style trim.
Though VW’s electric lineup has faced mixed reviews, the ID Buzz aims to address many of the issues its predecessors encountered while filling a gap in the market not yet explored by many manufacturers. With its nostalgic appeal and focus on practicality, could the Buzz be the alternative family vehicle we’ve all been waiting for amidst the sea of conventional SUVs?