Presentation and price: ID.Buzz can be ordered now
According to VW, the first units are to be delivered in Europe as early as September 2022, and the ID.Buzz has been available to order since the end of May. Prices for the five-seater ID.Buzz initially start at 64,581 euros. There’s the provisional entry-level model, the “Pro” version with 204 hp and extended standard equipment.
The prices at a glance:
VW ID.Buzz Pro: from 64,581 euros; after deducting the environmental bonus: from 56,606 euros
VW ID. Buzz Cargo: from 54,431 euros; after deducting the environmental bonus: from 45,740 euros
Appearance and dimensions: ID.Buzz wants to be close to the original Bulli
Two-tone paintwork, large window areas and short overhangs as a tribute to the T1.
The pattern on the front apron consists of air intakes that become smaller towards the outside LED headlights are connected by a light bar – both are reminiscent of the other ID series. Even the largest representative is only available with matrix LED technology at an additional cost. The light signature at the rear seems to be adapted to the current VW car models.
This is mainly due to the shape of the taillights: instead of being high as before, they are very flat and wide and also connected to each other by an LED strip. Since the third generation, the rear lights were designed vertically.
Wheelbase in line with the current Multivan, despite the shorter exterior length
Looking at the dimensions, the electric bus is shorter and lower than a current T7; nevertheless, the wheelbase remains roughly the same. However, the width of the bus is increasing, measuring eight centimeters more than the Multivan.
Dimensions at a glance
• Length: 4712mm
• Width: 1985mm
• Height: 1937-1938 mm (depending on equipment)
• Wheelbase: 2988mm
• Trunk in the ID.Buzz: 1121-2205 litres
• Loading volume in the ID.Buzz Cargo: 3.9 m³
Interior: generous space in the electric Bulli
The ID.Buzz wants to be a real Bulli, which is why the entrance is pleasantly high. The short snout suggests a manageable distance from the driver’s seat to the end of the vehicle – unfortunately, this impression is not true when trying the seat. Due to the bulky dashboard, the bus is less easy to assess from the front.
Who through that to that T1 If you were hoping for the cab-over-handle feel based on the design, you will be a bit disappointed here. Otherwise, the ergonomics of the cockpit are already familiar from other vehicles in the ID family. The ID.Buzz also has the current multifunction steering wheel with touch surfaces.
Lots of shelves and USB-C connections: The VW ID.Buzz combines commercial vehicle virtues with modern functions.
Behind it is the small digital instrument cluster, with the gear selector moving to the steering column. The up to 12-inch infotainment screen docks flush with the dashboard, which makes operation somewhat difficult for the driver.
VW relies on a fresh interior for the electric bus, which, however, still contains a lot of hard plastic. Nice details are intended to distract from this: Small VW bus pictograms are distributed throughout the vehicle, which actually give the buzz a fresh breeze.
Rear: The second row of seats is close to the first
In the second row, the space with a short wheelbase is very reminiscent of a minivan. The legs have plenty of room for the first row of seats. The right bus feeling doesn’t really come up, however, as the row of seats would have to be placed much further back.
But the lavishly dimensioned trunk scores points in everyday life. The two electric sliding doors greatly facilitate access to the rear and show that the passenger version of the ID.Buzz was designed for urban environments with little space to get in and out.
Summary by Andreas Huber: Visually, nothing in the interior is reminiscent of the ancestors of the ID.Buzz. The electric bus is also modern and different from its predecessors when it comes to the interior concept and seating position. The overview has fallen by the wayside, and VW still uses a lot of hard plastic for the Bulli.
Cargo variant: Also available as a transporter version right from the start
In addition to the window bus, there is also a transporter variant. It bears the suffix “Cargo” and does not have a window in the rear. The ID.Buzz Cargo has three seats as standard, i.e. the driver’s seat and a double seat bench; the Transporter is also optionally available with two seats. The 3.9 cubic meter cargo space is separated from the driver’s cab by a fixed partition (with a window or through-loading option at an additional cost).
The electric transporter version ID.Buzz Cargo comes standard with three seats and 3.9 m³ of cargo space.
Two Euro pallets fit into the loading space. The permissible total weight is three tons, the maximum payload is 650 kilos. The wooden floor is equipped with lashing eyes for load securing, lashing rails in the side walls are also available on request.
The ID.Buzz Cargo is equipped as standard with a sliding door on the passenger side and a normal tailgate; a second sliding door and the wing door for the rear cost extra. For even more space, a variant with a longer wheelbase is to follow in 2023.
Camper: A Camper ID.California has already been announced
VW has announced that it will also bring a camper version of the ID.Buzz, the ID.California. However, not right from the start. As far as the market launch is concerned, the announcement is more than vague: the electric campervan should be available in the second half of this decade.
In addition, it should only be offered with a large 111 kWh battery. Their electricity could then also feed the camping equipment. As standard, VW should equip the car with a pop-up roof, kitchen and cupboards.
Technology and range: initially with 150 kW and rear-wheel drive
At the market launch, VW will initially equip the ID.Buzz and the ID.Buzz Cargo with an electric motor on the rear axle with an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and delivers 310 Nm of torque. Since memories are awake, because the ancestor T1 also relied on rear-wheel drive. The top speed is limited to 145 km/h, after 10.2 seconds the 100 mark falls.
At the market launch, there is only the 77 kWh battery. A smaller power storage unit for the entry-level model will follow later.
Features: Thanks to other cars, the electric bus recognizes the lane
In addition to the optional two-tone paintwork, in which the roof is always white, there are also various assistance systems on the list of options. These include “Travel Assist” with swarm data, in which the ID.Buzz also uses data from other vehicles to enable semi-autonomous driving. In this way, the electric car can recognize and stay in its lane even on roads with only one lane marking.
There is also a lane change assistant for the motorway for the first time. However, it only works up to 90 km/h. There is a new memory function for the parking assistant: you can use it to save a specific route, so that the car can move, e.g. B. maneuvered into your own carport or on the underground parking space.
Driving: ID.Buzz drives as good as it looks (update!)
How To Cars has already driven the electric Bulli. Starting point is in Copenhagen. The Danish capital has long since supplanted Amsterdam in terms of bicycle density – here the signs are clearly pointing to the future. An ideal location to let the fully electric Bulli off the leash.
Suitable for long distances: The ID.Buzz should be able to travel 400 to 450 kilometers with the 77 kWh battery. In practice it should be less km.
And indeed, the five-seater with two-tone paint is very well received. Everywhere he attracts attention, thumbs are stretched in the air. Most new cars are hardly noticeable on the street. The fact that the ID.Buzz is doing it so positively deserves respect.
Comfortable suspension, good steering and little driving noise
There is also a good mood inside. Just opposite that Multivan the ID.Buzz drives at least one class better. The MEB platform creates space for a complex multi-link rear axle, on which the drive is also attached. Although it is on a stately 20-inch wheel (even 21 inches are possible), the ID.Buzz rolls surprisingly quietly and velvety.
Charge from five to 80 percent in 30 minutes
You can get over that – also that the top speed is limited to 145 km/h. What is annoying in most e-cars on the motorway at the latest, fits the character of the ID.Buzz well – let it roll and enjoy. With the new software 3.2, voice commands are finally implemented directly, that GPS automatically calculates charging stops.
The combination of the 77 kWh battery (net) and the aerodynamics (cd value: 0.29) should cover around 420 kilometers Range be good. With up to 170 kW, it can be charged from five to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
Technical data of the VW ID.Buzz
• Power: 150 kW (204 hp)
• Max. torque: 310 Nm
• Drive: rear wheel drive
• Top speed: 145 km/h (electronically limited)
• Battery capacity: 82 kWh gross (77 kWh net)
