Back with a buzz: Volkswagen’s latest ID. Buzz

Volkswagen’s ‘ID’ models are its modern electric cars which have become quite the line-up, with the Golf-sized ID.3, the ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs, and the ID.7 – available as a large fastback or estate. Smaller models at the base of the range – in the shapes of the ID.1 and ID.2 – are due in the next year or so, making electric motoring more affordable, but it’s arguably the car at the top of the pile that has made the biggest splash. It’s called the ID. Buzz and it’s a modern-day reinvention of Volkswagen’s beloved Bus of the 1960s.

Following decades of rumours, and various concept cars that clearly indicated Volkswagen’s desire to resurrect ‘the big people carrier’, it eventually launched the ID. Buzz in 2022. While it was universally adored right away, it really came of age last year with the introduction of a new long-wheelbase (LWB) model with proper seating for up to seven people. Tellingly, that’s now the only variant offered to Irish buyers.

Exterior design and image

The ID. Buzz could never be mistaken for anything else, even if it’s not in the eye-catching two-tone finish most of the promotional cars are shot in. We reckon it actually looks better in a simple colour as it’s less of a caricature of itself, and anyway, the design is so full of interesting details that it hardly needs fancy paintwork. The rear and sharp headlights are our favourite aspects.

Undeniably, the ID. Buzz’s design references the original VW Bus, but it’s a thoroughly modern-looking car and its exterior dimensions dwarf the original in all directions. Indeed, the LWB version of the car has 250mm more bodywork between the front and rear wheels than the variant first introduced in 2022. While the extra length is noticeable when you view the car from the side, the proportions are still commendably intact and it receives admiring glances everywhere you go.

Interior and practicality

That extra length frees up a lot of space in the car, making it far more versatile than it originally was. You can spot the LWB model by the little square opening windows in the sliding side doors, and those doors are longer than before, too, making it even easier to get in and out of the vehicle.

The biggest change inside comes from the addition of an extra row of seats, making the ID. Buzz a full seven-seater. And what’s more, full-sized adults can get comfortable in any of the seats, even the rearmost row. Very few regular seven-seat cars on the market can achieve this. The seats are adjustable and removable for maximum flexibility as well.

And while most seven-seat cars come with a pitiful amount of space for luggage if all seats are occupied, the ID. Buzz still holds over 300 litres of stuff behind the third row. Usefully, there’s a horizontal partition splitting that space up into usable sections.

Within the car itself there’s plenty of room for storage, including enough cupholders and USB charging ports for use by all occupants. The big dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen, and it feels very modern, even if there is a bit of a retro vibe to some of the cabin finishes. And don’t worry – you can have more practical and subdued colours than the white-and-yellow-themed cabin pictured here.

The driving experience

The ID. Buzz will surprise anyone expecting it to drive like a big, heavy van. Sure, it is a heavy vehicle, but the controls and the set-up of the suspension disguise that brilliantly. So, it really is good to drive with responsive steering and great body control, yet decent comfort at motorway speed.

Some will be startled by the car’s performance as well, as the rear-mounted electric motor’s instant torque quickly accelerates the ID. Buzz off the line in a fuss-free manner. It’s a cinch to nip out of busy junctions, for example, and it is generally quick to react to all of the driver’s inputs.

Aside from the obligatory electronic noise at low speeds that warns other road users of the car’s approach, the ID. Buzz is, like all electric vehicles, wonderfully quiet and relaxing to travel in.

Price and electric range

Naturally, all this space and versatility have a cost. But the ID. Buzz is arguably worth the price of entry when you start comparing it with other vehicles that fulfil the same role. The entry-level Life model costs €67,785 and the top-of-the-line GTX car is €85,105 – though that comes with two motors for more power and all-wheel drive.

Featuring an 86kWh battery pack, the ID. Buzz can officially travel up to 487km on a charge. Even full of people and driving on the motorway it should be capable of over 300km. Most owners will charge up at home for convenience and to save money, though the ID. Buzz can make use of fast DC chargers at up to 200kW as well, so charging on a long journey shouldn’t delay things too much.

One to buy?

There are several van-based people carriers on the market that are just as practical and versatile as the ID. Buzz, some of them electric, some of them priced lower than the VW. But none of them can come close to the image and appeal of this car. We suspect it’ll be considered by those that might otherwise have gone for a large, premium SUV instead. Considered from that perspective, the ID. Buzz mixes its charm with a hugely spacious cabin in a package no more expensive than the alternative. Indeed, many buyers probably won’t need all the room of the Buzz, but they’ll certainly appreciate having it.