The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is arguably the most convincing electric car from the company yet
Few electric cars have had as much anticipation about them as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The concept of a new MPV with looks inspired by the original VW Type 2 Kombi has been kicking around since the Microbus Concept of 2001, but the ID. Buzz finally makes it a reality.
However, more than simply reviving the spirit of the Type 2, the ID. Buzz sets a new benchmark for VW's path to electrification. It puts the firm's latest EV technology in a package that's more user-friendly and potentially more desirable than the ID.3 hatch or ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs that came before it.
About the ID. Buzz
Volkswagen's plans for the ID. Buzz started with the reveal of the first concept in 2017, although before then VW had shown the Bulli and Budd-e electric MPV studies which tested the waters of the concept. However, production was confirmed this time around, with the new model being based on the same MEB platform that is used by the ID.3 and ID.4, as well as other electric models from Skoda, Cupra and Audi.
Where the ID. Buzz stands out is with its retro-inspired looks inside and out. That one-box body maximises space within the car's footprint, while the long wheelbase means there's space for the largest 77kWh battery that's currently offered with any MEB-based machine. That means the ID. Buzz has a WLTP-tested range of 255 miles, while the charging technology on board means a 170kW charge from five to 80 per cent can take as little as half an hour.
There's just one body available for the ID. Buzz, which features twin sliding side doors to access the back seats and a top-hinged tailgate. From launch there was just a five-seat layout, with a longer wheelbase seven seater arriving in mid-2023. The cabin features a conventional seat layout with two front seats and three across the rear, but it's finished in light-coloured materials to give it the feel of a Type 2 bus, and has touches that give it an upmarket and user-friendly feel.
The model line-up is simple enough, with just a 201bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels and the 77kWh battery offered from launch, while there are just two trim levels to choose from, both of which offer plenty of equipment. On top of that, VW does offer a variety of options for owners to personalise their cars further, although this can see prices rise significantly. Seven-seats and four-wheel drive will be offered later in 2023, while a sportier ID. Buzz GTX is also in the pipeline.
With prices starting north of £55,000, the VW ID. Buzz is an expensive option when compared with other electric MPV rivals. We say rivals, but really there's just one alternative that's offered under a variety of different badges. The Stellantis Group offers the Citroen e-SpaceTourer, Peugeot e-Traveller and Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric, all of which can be had for prices starting around £20k less than the ID. Buzz. They're more spacious, with seven-seat options available, but you only get a 50kWh battery, so there's a shorter range, while their van-based roots are a lot more obvious than the ID. Buzz's.
Look at the ID. Buzz as a desirable family car, and its price puts it up against other five-seat electric models such as the BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Tesla Model Y or Volvo C40/XC40. However, the ID. Buzz will be more practical than any of these, thanks to its fold-flat back seats and vast cargo area, while its stand out looks will be more appealing to buyers who want a car that turns heads wherever it goes.
For an alternative review of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, visit our sister site drivingelectric.com…
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In this review
- 1
Verdict – currently readingThe Volkswagen ID. Buzz is arguably the most convincing electric car from the company yet
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Electric motor, drive and performanceThe ID. Buzz majors on comfort and refinement, but it's still pretty nimble for its size
- 3
Range, charging and running costsThe VW ID. Buzz isn't a cheap option, but for some buyers its combination of funky looks and a practical interior will be worth the asking price.
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Interior, design and technologyWhile the ID. Buzz is a fairly ordinary one-box MPV shape, its retro-inspired looks mean it's a car that will turn heads wherever it goes
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Practicality, comfort and boot spaceWhere the ID. Buzz steals a march over VW's other ID models is the versatility of its body and interior
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Reliability and safetyBuyers will appreciate the generous level of standard safety kit included with the ID. Buzz, although warranty cover is only average
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