VW ID Buzz Review - Exceptional Drive, Painful Interface
Uploaded 8 months ago by Engineering Explained
Video Summary
The ID Buzz is visually appealing and attracts attention. Despite appearing large, it's only about the size of a Honda Accord in length, though wider and taller. The wheelbase is 16 inches longer than the Accord, providing a huge interior space. Rain-sensing wipers with opposing directions offer good coverage. There is no frunk, but it has a camera in the front for parking. Wheels have aerodynamic covers.
The exterior drag coefficient is relatively low, but there is a large frontal area. There is a hidden retractable tow hitch, and the rear door is massive. The rear-wheel-drive version weighs nearly 6000 lbs; the all-wheel-drive one is approximately 6200 lbs.
The interior volume is impressive, particularly the height and the glass roof. The legroom in all three rows is generous at about 40 inches. 7 adults can comfortably be seated. There is no pause button on the steering wheel for audio.
With climate control set at 72 degrees Fahrenheit, 75 mph highway testing resulted in 190 miles of range. The battery capacity is 91 kWh gross and 86 kWh net.
The peak charging rate is about 200 kW, with 10-80% charge completed in about 26 minutes. Testing verified this figure. However, Volkswagen doesn’t supply a charging cable, it is a $350 option. On Electrify America charging stations, the first station needed to be plugged in three times to get it working. The charging speeds drop off at 35% battery level.
The rear-wheel drive model achieves 0-60 in around 7 to 7.3 seconds. The all-wheel-drive one does it in around 5.8 seconds. However, acceleration tapers off considerably above 50 mph. For control, it is necessary to press the rear button, which has a long pause, to be able to manipulate.
The onboard navigation has the potential to find ideal charging sites and preheat the batteries on the way; it does not include Electrify America stations
The charging speeds are slow by today’s standards. All trims destination fees are an additional $1550.
In a few circumstances while touching the break, there was some swaying, which caused concern. As the cost is almost $70k, the vehicle seems to be overpriced for the range and features offered. If there were 1-pedal driving, that would help its value. For the rear wheel drive, the starting price is $60k.