Volkswagen's most topical EV is the ID. Buzz People Carrier. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz trendily redefines what a large family MPV can be for the new EV era. To some extent, practicality is sacrificed on the altar of fashion but hey, this EV's fun but sensible, enviro-conscious but desirable. Which makes it very unusual indeed.

Background

With the ID. Buzz, one of motoring's most iconic models, the Volkswagen Bus, was finally reinvented. The old Type 2 model it references, in production for a quarter of a century between 1950 and 1975, is still (after the Beetle) Volkswagen's second most recognisable vehicle, variously known as the 'Camper', the 'Bulli' and the 'Hippie van' but most commonly called the 'Microbus' or more usually, just the 'Bus'. The Wolfsburg maker had been promising to recreate it since the turn of the century, first with the 'Microbus concept' of 2001, then with the 'Bulli concept' of 2011, followed by the 'BUDD-e' of 2015 and most recently the 'ID. Buzz Cargo concept' in 2018. Prior to this model's launch, Volkswagen had been waiting for the technology to properly recreate its 'bus for a new electrified era and needed to launch its ID. series of electric hatch models first. This ID. Buzz became the fourth of them at its introduction in 2022, a trend-setting People Carrier that quickly became the Internet's favourite MPV. Sold both in passenger-carrying MPV and commercial 'ID. Buzz Cargo' van forms, it's built in Hanover alongside the brand's more conventional Multivan MPV. And it's like no other model of its kind. A wide-ranging package of updates followed in mid-2024, creating the car we'll look at here.

Driving Experience

Silent running was never a feature of the old chugging rear-engined, rear-driven Volkswagen Type 2 but of course the all-electric ID. Buzz is very different. Its mainstream powerplant, a (now-uprated) 286PS electric motor borrowed from the ID.7, is still rear-mounted though, here developing far more grunt than drivers of the old 'Bus could ever dream about, 560Nm of it. Though if you regularly exercise all of that, you won't of course get anywhere near the quoted EV mileage figures. These start at 282 miles for the SWB 79kWh model; it's 290 miles for the LWB 86kWh version; and 280 miles for the 79kWh GTX LWB variant. As usual with an electric vehicle, torque feels instant and drive comes via the usual EV fixed-ratio single-speed auto gearbox, going on the standard models to the rear wheels. With the 286PS motor, 62mph from rest occupies between 7.6s and 7.9s, depending on bodyshape, en route to the very modest top speed of 99mph - at last, something Type 2 owners of the Sixties will properly recognise. If you can spend more on your Buzz, that long wheelbase GTX version has two electric motors providing four-wheel drive and a combined output of 340PS. 62mph takes just 6.4s. In any Buzz, you sit commandingly, using a drive selector stalk on the right of the steering wheel. On the move, surprisingly, at least to some degree, the Buzz can deliver both comfort and a little sportiness. It feels like the premium product its price point demands, and in fact is one of the best-riding electric cars we've driven. Body roll is kept tight through corners, and the level of refinement is excellent, not just for the MPV class, but any class. We're not so impressed by the lack of brake energy recuperation options: there just an extra 'B' gear selector function to heighten energy harvesting off-throttle. But in every other way, the ID. Buzz is a revelation to drive. There's a tight 11-metres turning circle (a metre better than the Multivan), which along with the glassy cabin should make the Buzz feel very manoevreable in town. All the usual VW drive assist features are available - Matrix headlights, 'car2x' swarm informational technology and the 'Travel Assist' semi-autonomous drive system.

Design and Build

If you like retro looks, you'll get the Buzz, which references its 1960's Type 2 Volkswagen Bus predecessor with an uncluttered look, distinctive 2-tone paintwork and super-short overhangs front and rear. The 3-bar motif on the D-pillar is supposed to recall the cooling louvres for the old Type 2's rear-mounted air-cooled engine. And under the skin, the Buzz sits on the rear-propelled MEB platform used by smaller ID. series hatchbacks. Size-wise, at 4,712mm in length, the short wheelbase version is a touch shorter than the brand's Multivan MPV. There's also a long wheelbase model that increases body length to 4,962mm and allows for three seating rows. The LWB variant can also be had in 6-seat form. Up front, you sit quite high with a wide view through the vast windscreen. The high-mounted minimalist dashboard is unique and houses a 5.3-inch digital instrument display and a centre touchscreen that's now 12.9-inches and uses the brand's latest 5.2-era software. Other changes include climate control sliders that are now back-lit; and a vast optional panoramic glass roof. As before, the auto gear lever is on the steering column. And a compartment called the 'Buzz Box' hinges down from the base of the dash, revealing a couple of cup holders, a bottle opener and an ice scraper. Further back, there's a three-seat (non-removable) sliding and reclining centre bench (replaced by two individual chairs in the 6-seat model), while the 7-seat version also offers removable two-person third row seating. All ID.Buzz models now get a little sliding rear window for second row folk (who previously had no access to fresh air with this model). The LWB version can be specified in 5-seat form without a third row if you want, but we can't see why you would. With three seating rows in place with the LWB variant, there's 306-litres of boot space (about the same as a Corsa supermini), which increases to 1,340-litres with the third row folded (219-litres more than the SWB model) - and 2,469-litres with the second row bench folded as well.

Market and Model

The model is available with two main trim levels: 'Life' and 'Style'. In 77kWh SWB form, the entry-level Life starts at just over £59,000 and offers LED headlights, a heated windscreen, the Buzz box removable storage, Discover Pro navigation and infotainment with a 10-inch colour touchscreen, plus wireless charging. 'Style' trim (priced from around £64,000 in 77kWh SWB form) adds larger 20-inch wheels, the 'IQ. Light' LED matrix headlights and tailgate surround lighting. Inside with 'Style'-spec, there's much nicer 'Miwi' part-vegan-leather upholstery, a 'silver birch'-trimmed dash panel, a 30-colour adaptive ambient lighting system and a 'Multi-flex' cargo area loading base with a detachable net. We'd want to stretch to the Long Wheelbase 86kWh version. this starts at just under £60,000 in 'Life' form - or just over £64,000 in plusher 'Style'-spec. All ID. Buzz variants feature a digital cockpit and are available with the brand's iconic two-tone paint option. With up to nine USB-C 45-watt ports, 'Hello ID.' voice control and online functionality via We Connect and We Connect Plus, the ID. Buzz is well connected. The ID. Buzz Cargo van version is quite a lot cheaper, with ex-VAT prices starting from just over £43,000, though that could reduce if the government decides that this model is eligible for a Plug-in grant. There are two trim levels - 'Commerce' and 'Commerce Plus'. Eventually, expect an ID.Buzz California camper version too. This is theoretically one of Volkswagen's Commercial Vehicles, which means that all the brand's van dealers will stock it, but not all of the company's car dealerships will. If you want to try an ID.Buzz, it's best to go to the Volkswagen website, find this model, click on the 'test drive' option, then enter your post code, at which point the page should give you the Volkswagen van or car stockist with Buzz availability nearest to you.

Cost of Ownership

As we told you in our 'Driving' section, the EV range is 282 miles from the base SWB model's 79kWh battery (or 280 miles with the GTX). The 86kWh Long Wheelbase version's larger 86kWh battery boosts range to 290 miles. You'll want to know about charging, which with either variant takes place using a Type 2 connector and works via an on-board charger with a maximum power of 11kW. This replenishes the battery from empty to full in about seven and a half hours from an 11kW connection. If you're out and about and find a rapid charger, you can use that thanks to the provided CCS connection. The maximum rapid charge power for the 86kWh battery is rated at 200kW (up from 175kW with the original 77kWh SWB model), allowing 10-80% DC charging to be completed in 26 minutes. The 79kWh battery of the GTX DC charges at up to 185kW and it too can be DC-charged from 10-80% in 26 minutes. Finally, there's the warranty. Volkswagens of any kind are limited to three years of cover, but with a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle (which is what the ID. Buzz is classed as), the mileage limit in this period is raised from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's also three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance also included with no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and the ID. Buzz is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty.

Summary

There's still really nothing else quite like an ID. Buzz. Overnight, it's made the idea of an MPV potentially fashionable again, just like its Type 2 predecessor did half a century ago. Unfortunately, it's not affordable to ordinary folk in the way that model was, but the children of the hippies who rumbled about in the Type 2 back in the '60s may not mind that. And larger fashion-led families will flock to the 7-seat version. In reality of course, the Buzz shares virtually nothing but a few styling cues with the design that inspired it. Here in reality is an ID.4 hatch with an airier body and an MEV platform stretched as far as it can go. Not far enough, inevitably perhaps, to make it as practical for families as a Volkswagen Transporter Shuttle or even a Multivan. But the Buzz will raise a smile wherever it goes. And for that, you can't help liking it.

Body Glass

Dark tinted rear windows

Heated windscreen

Rain sensor

Heated rear window

Rear window wiper and washer system with intermittent control

Heated washer nozzles

Windshield wiper intermittent control with rain sensor

Brakes

Autonomous emergency braking front assist with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Electronic parking brake

Anti-lock brake system

Carpets/Rugs

Front carpet mats

Communication

Wireless charging

App-Connect incl. App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Voice control system

We connect preparation

E-call

Driver Aids

Electromechanical power steering

Driver alert system

Dynamic road sign display

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Electronic engine sound

Speed limiter with intelligent speed control

Front and rear parking sensors

Driver Convenience

Car2X technology

Tailgate latching without unlatching function front inside

Driver Information

Digital cockpit

Driving Mirrors

Power adjustable, heated and folding mirrors with front passenger lowering function

Gloss black door mirrors

Automatic dimming rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Black decorative trims

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio receiver

Exterior Body Features

Body coloured bumpers

Body coloured door handles

D pillar styling badges

Sliding door on the left and right

Exterior Lights

Daytime running lights

LED 3rd brake light

Integrated fog lights with cornering function

Auto headlights

LED rear combination lamp

Surround lighting with logo projector

LED Headlights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

2-zone Climatronic with enhanced air filter and stationary air conditioning

Interior Features

2 USB-C ports in dashboard

Operating voltage 12V

Airbag label on sun visor and B-pillar

Buzz box - removable centre console with storage compartments and mounting points in vehicle floor between front seats

Luggage compartment cover

1 USB-C charging socket in front passenger area

Lockable glovebox with illumination

Steering wheel, dashboard and central controls in black

4 USB-C charging sockets in rear

2 waste bins for door pockets

Interior Lights

Driver and passenger footwell lighting

LED luggage compartment lighting

Packs

Infotainment package plus with Navigation system - ID.Buzz

Assistance Package Plus - ID.Buzz

Open and close pack Basic - ID.Buzz

Safety

3-point rear outer seat belts with ECE label

Front and rear seatbelt audible and visual warning indicator

3-point seat belts with seat belt and lap belt pretensioner in front and height adjustment

Front curtain and side airbags with center airbag

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

Proactive passenger protection system

Electric child locks

Seats

Heated front seats

2 individual seats in 2nd row

Drivers and front passengers seat height adjustment

3 rear seat head restraints

Front head restraints

60/40 split folding rear seat bench

2 seat bench in 3rd row

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Vehicle Charging

11 kW AC onboard charger

Charging cable mode 3, type 2 32 A

Wheels

Airstop tyres

Wheels - Spare

Tool kit

Electric Vehicle Data

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Charge Time (Mins): 2100

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Power Supply - kW: 2.3

Battery Charging Scenario 1 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Charge Time (Mins): 450

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Power Supply - kW: 11

Battery Charging Scenario 2 - Percentage Change: 0-100

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Charge Time (Mins): 30

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Power Supply - kW: 185

Battery Charging Scenario 3 - Percentage Change: 5-80

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Charge Time (Mins): N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Power Supply - kW: N

Battery Charging Scenario 4 - Percentage Change: N

Coupler/Connector Type: CCS Type 2

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Years: 8

Standard manufacturers Battery warranty - Mileage: 160000

Battery Capacity in kWh: 79

Battery Leased: 0

Battery Type: Lithium-ion

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - City: 610

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb: 446

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEL: 446

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (km) - Comb - TEH: 438

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb: 19.6

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEL: 19.6

WLTP - EC (kWh/100km) - Comb - TEH: 20

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb: 3.2

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEH: 3.1

WLTP - EC (miles/kWh) - Comb - TEL: 3.2

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - City: 379

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb: 277

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEH: 272

WLTP - Pure Electric Range (miles) - Comb - TEL: 277

Battery Capacity % guaranteed under warranty: 70

Charging Port Location: Right Side Rear

Usable Battery Capacity: 79

Maximum Charging Rate - kW: 185

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 0

Standard Euro Emissions: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

CO: N

HC: N

NOx: N

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): N

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): N

CC: 1

Cylinders: N

Cylinder Layout: N

Number of Valves: N

Camshaft: N

Fuel Delivery: N

Catalytic Convertor: N

Engine Layout: N

Compression Ratio: N

Transmission: AUTO

Gears: 1 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: N

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

General

Coin Series: Life [6 Seat/Info+]

Coin Description: Pro 79kWh

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 39E

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: N

Timing Belt Interval Frequency - Months: N

Badge Power: 286

Badge Engine CC: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: No

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 7.6

Top Speed: 99

Engine Power - BHP: 286

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 210

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 413

Engine Torque - NM: 560

Engine Torque - MKG: 57.1

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: N/A

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 255/50 R19

Tyre Size Spare: SELF-SEALING TYRES

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: TILBURG

Alloys?: No

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4712

Width: 1985

Wheelbase: 2989

Width (including mirrors): 2211

Height: 1927

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 2515

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3125

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1200

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 610

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 1121

No. of Seats: 6

Embellishment Trims

Jade Green/Silver birch dashboard

Soul/Dark silver birch dashboard

Exterior Body Features

Pearlescent paint

Solid paint

Metallic paint

Two tone paint

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Heat pump

Interior Features

Velour upholstery

Miwo cloth upholstery

Packs

Styling seat package with Black steering wheel/Artvelours inserts - ID.Buzz

Styling seat package with White steering wheel/Miwo inserts - ID.Buzz

Styling seat package with Black steering wheel/Miwo inserts - ID.Buzz

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Starlight blue

Metallic - Bay leaf green

Metallic - Lime yellow

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Candy white

Paint - Special

Special metallic paint - Mono Silver

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone - Candy white/Starlight blue

Two tone - Candy white/Mono Silver

Two tone - Candy white/Medium Blue

Two tone - Candy white/Lime yellow

Two tone - Candy white/Bay leaf green

Seats

230-V outlet on front passenger seat cushion frame

Towing

Retractable towbar with electric release

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Sonom (Palladium/Soul)

Cloth - Miwo (Jade green/Mistral)

Cloth - Miwo (Light soul/Mistral)

Cloth - Miwo (X-blue/Mistral)

Eco Microfleece - ArtVelours (Mistral/Mistral)

Vehicle Charging

Charging cable Mode 2 Type 2 (10A)

Wheels - Alloy

20" Stockton alloy wheels in Silver with plastic wheel trim in Black

19" Venlo alloy wheels in Silver with plastic wheel trim in Black