As electric vehicles gain traction in the automotive world, families crave spacious options that don’t compromise style or performance.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz has been the talk of the town, creating an immense buzz (pun intended) among electric car enthusiasts. This long-awaited all-electric MPV pays homage to the iconic Type 2 microbus, and boy, does it deliver! It’s not just practical and comfortable; it’s downright charming.
The moment you look at its retro-inspired design, you’ll understand why it’s been causing such a stir. Even die-hard SUV fans might find themselves reconsidering their choices once they experience what this beauty has to offer.
But here’s where things get exciting: The ID. Buzz sets a new benchmark for VW’s electrification journey by combining its latest EV technology with user-friendly features that will turn heads. It outshines its predecessors in the ID electric car family with its unique appeal and undeniable desirability.
Get ready for an electrifying journey as we explore what makes the Volkswagen ID Buzz so exceptional. From jaw-dropping aesthetics to mind-blowing performance, this ride is set to redefine your driving experience like never before. This is one ride you will not want to miss.
About the Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a small electric van that pays homage to the beloved VW Microbus of yesteryears – a symbol of freedom and adventure during the swinging ’60s and groovy ’70s. With its upright front-end design reminiscent of the classic Microbus, along with hints of the 1990s VW Eurovan, the ID. Buzz seamlessly blends nostalgia with modernity, offering cutting-edge EV technology.
Built on the same platform as other electric vehicles in the Volkswagen Group lineup, like the ID.4 and Audi Q4 e-tron SUVs, choosing the ID. Buzz brings not only a healthy dose of nostalgia but also added practicality for families. In fact, all U.S.-bound models will come equipped with three rows of seats, ensuring ample space for everyone onboard.
Excitingly enough, Volkswagen plans to commence deliveries in the United States sometime in 2024. So get ready to embrace both past and future vibes as you hit the road in this electrifying ride that captures hearts with its retro charm while embracing all that modern EV technology has to offer.
Modern Retro Design
The Volkswagen ID Buzz takes inspiration from the classic Type 2 “Split Screen” van, but it’s larger in size. Although it feels huge, it’s shorter than a Tesla Model Y. However, thanks to its bold cab design and taller stature, the Buzz offers an exceptionally spacious interior with plenty of room to spare. As a van, it maximizes its footprint to provide ample space for all your needs.
Opinions on the ID. Buzz’s looks are divided among people. While some may not like the front design, many others absolutely love this vehicle. It catches attention wherever it goes – people stare at it and even give thumbs up in parking lots.
The interest in social media has been immense as well. The grille at the bottom front is the most debated feature, but personally, it adds an interesting touch to its overall box-like appearance.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
The ID Buzz is built upon Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform, also used for other vehicles in the Volkswagen Group family, like the Audi Q4 e-tron and VW ID.4 crossovers. While Europe will have both a commercial and passenger version, the United States will only receive a long-wheelbase passenger variant.
In terms of powertrain options, the base model of the ID Buzz comes with a single rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 282 horsepower. For those seeking even more performance, there is an available dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration that offers approximately 330 horsepower.
With its MEB platform foundation and various powertrain options, enthusiasts can look forward to experiencing impressive performance combined with eco-friendly electric driving capabilities when they get behind the wheel of the Volkswagen ID Buzz.
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Equipped with a standard 86.0-kWh battery pack, the ID Buzz offers impressive energy storage capacity. While Volkswagen has not yet disclosed the exact driving Range, the vehicle will provide at least 260 miles of range on a single charge – perfect for worry-free journeys.
Charging convenience is also a priority for Volkswagen. It is designed to be compatible with DC fast chargers, allowing drivers to recharge their batteries from 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes. This means less time waiting and more time enjoying the road ahead.
Its substantial battery capacity and efficient charging capabilities ensure you can confidently go on your adventures, knowing that power is readily available whenever you need it.
Masses Of Interior Space
The practicality of the ID Buzz is undoubtedly one of its standout features. The interior space it offers is truly remarkable. While the front doors are conventional, the rear ones slide open (although an electric mechanism would have been expected) to provide effortless passenger ingress. The middle back seat also boasts sufficient width, making long journeys more comfortable for occupants.
One notable aspect worth mentioning is that, at present, there is no seven-seat option available for the Buzz. However, cupholders behind the rear seats suggest room for a third row of seating in future versions. This feature is anticipated to be introduced with a long-wheelbase variant scheduled for release in 2024.
Highlighting its exceptional space utilization, even with passengers occupying the rear seats, the Buzz still offers an impressive 1,121 litres (nearly 40 cubic feet) of luggage capacity in the back – comparable to many hatchbacks when their rear seats are folded down. Folding down the Buzz’s rear seats further expands this storage area to 2,205 litres, surpassing most SUVs.
Additionally, I had driven a version equipped with a raised floor which slightly reduces these figures but provides a level surface when combining cargo and passenger needs while offering additional storage space.
Although there’s no way to remove the rear seats for maximum cargo capacity, it’s worth noting that towing capabilities are available as well. With just a press of a button and an optional electric towbar installed on selected models, you can tow up to 750kg unbraked or 1,000kg braked loads.
Fuel Economy
As an electric vehicle, the Volkswagen ID Buzz does not rely on traditional fuel sources like gasoline or diesel. Instead, it operates solely on electricity, making it a zero-emission vehicle. This means there is no direct fuel economy to measure in terms of miles per gallon (MPG) as you would with a conventional combustion engine vehicle.
However, it offers impressive energy efficiency and range on a single charge. While Volkswagen has not officially disclosed specific details regarding its driving range at this time, it is expected to provide at least 260 miles of range per charge.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The infotainment system in the VW ID Buzz is centered around a prominent 12.9-inch touchscreen that emerges from the middle of the dashboard, offering a sleek and modern interface for controlling various features. Additionally, a standard 10.0-inch digital gauge display provides essential vehicle information to the driver.
When it comes to connectivity choices, it features with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It allows users to seamlessly integrate their smartphones into the infotainment system for easy access to navigation, music streaming, and hands-free communication.
Furthermore, Volkswagen is expected to offer additional features, such as a rear-seat entertainment system for passenger enjoyment during journeys. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot will also likely be available, ensuring continuous connectivity on the go. For added convenience, wireless device charging capabilities are also expected to be included in the roster of features.
Driver-Assistance Features
The Volkswagen is equipped with a wide range of driver-assistance technologies, both standard features and optional upgrades. Notably, it offers a memory function for the self-park assist feature, allowing users to save routes for convenient parking assistance.
Key safety features found in the ID Buzz include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking systems help detect potential frontal collisions and apply brakes if necessary.
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist systems that provide alerts or corrective steering inputs to prevent unintentional drifting out of lanes.
- Standard adaptive cruise control system that maintains a safe distance from vehicles ahead by automatically adjusting speed.
These safety technologies enhance overall driving confidence while prioritizing occupant protection on the road.
How Does It Drive?
The Volkswagen ID Buzz is designed to provide an effortless driving experience, a major advantage of electric vehicles. Its lightweight body and easy handling make it a joy to pilot while delivering a sense of comfort that rivals even the most luxurious SUVs.
Although the ride quality may be slightly bumpy on larger wheels and steering less responsive on smaller ones, compared to other vans or MPVs, the Buzz stands out as an exceptionally refined vehicle with its sturdy build quality and smooth performance.
With a 0-62mph acceleration time of 10.2 seconds, this van is perfectly suitable for city driving thanks to its nimble manoeuvrability and tight turning radius facilitated by rear-wheel drive technology. While VW offers different driving modes for this model, they are hardly necessary, given how well-balanced this vehicle already feels on the road.
Verdict
The Volkswagen ID Buzz is an enticing electric minivan that successfully captures the nostalgic essence of its legendary predecessor, the Microbus. Its blend of retro design and modern technology offers a delightful driving experience.
With Volkswagen’s commitment to continuous improvement based on user feedback and planned upgrades like a power boost to address performance concerns, it promises even greater appeal in the future.
Overall, if you’re seeking a unique combination of nostalgia-inducing charm, environmental sustainability, and practicality in terms of space and range capabilities—paired with advanced technology—the Volkswagen ID Buzz emerges as an intriguing choice. It embodies style and functionality while embodying Volkswagen’s vision for tomorrow’s mobility solutions.
