Video Summary
The ID Buzz is not technically a van but uses similar underpinnings to the ID.3 and ID.4. The ID Buzz is a successor to VW’s iconic Type 2 camper from the fifties. The interior is very massive, with loads of leg and head room, plus a flat floor throughout. Back seat features include large windows that do not go down and rear seats that recline. Upfront, there are lots of helpful storage compartments. The centre console lifts up and is removable. Storage space in the back is great, with door bins and storage compartments; pouches for smartphones can be found on the back of the front seats. USB-C chargers are available with a picnic tray.Sliding rear doors are a very practical feature with wide access to rear seats. Electrified doors are available if you are willing to pay extra. The boot is absolutely huge: 1,121 L with the seats up. The removable raised platform makes the boot floor all but flat with the middle row down. For the record, 16 carry-on suitcases can fit in the back; a Range Rover only fits ten.
The driving position upfront is fantastic, like sitting in a Range Rover. Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera come standard. Touch-sensitive buttons on the wheel are easy to trigger accidentally. The air conditioning controls aren’t back lit, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard. The screen is an optional 12-inch screen. There are different colour schemes to choose from, with good-quality plastics, and an optional three-pin socket inside. On Style Trim is blind spot monitoring and lane-centering.
The Buzz has an 82kWh battery with a usable capacity of 77kWh, which results in a 258-mile range. In real-world driving conditions, something closer to 230 miles when the weather is good or 180 miles when it is cold is more realistic. Charging speeds have been upped from 130kW to a maximum of 175kW. A 10 to 80 per cent charge with a 175kW charger takes 30 minutes; the same charge with a 50kW charger takes about an hour. A 0 to 100 per cent charge with a 7kW home wall box takes 12 hours.
The ID Buzz has better predicted value than its rivals and is cheaper than equivalent electric SUVs. This makes PCP finance deals more competitive. VW ID Buzz is What Car’s 2023 Car of the Year.
The Buzz offers pretty good performance. Above 40 mph, performance is still quick, but other electric cars are faster. The 201-bhp electric motor, driving the rear wheels, does 0 to 60 mph in 9.5 seconds.
The ID Buzz earned five stars out of five for safety by Euro NCAP. However, the effectiveness that offers is slightly disappointing. Due to its van-like styling, the model is less aerodynamic. It scores particularly high for child occupant protection.
