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Pros: cool looks, lots of space, good to drive
Cons: large dimensions, sometimes firm suspension, no storage in nose
The arrival of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz marks an expansion by the firm into the realms of the retro-inspired EV. We know from past concepts that the model's design takes inspiration from the original VW Type 2, or Bulli, as it's known in some parts of the world, but for this late pre-production test drive, we're behind the wheel of a prototype disguised by a very distracting rainbow paintjob. The ID.Buzz will come as an MPV or the ID.Buzz Cargo van.
Under the skin, the ID.Buzz shares its platform and electric running gear with the other ID models that VW has revealed so far – the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 coupe SUV. That means it features the firm's dedicated MEB platform, and in this instance a single rear-mounted motor. There's a 77kWh battery, too, but VW hasn't confirmed the range of the ID.Buzz just yet. Since it's the largest model to use this set-up so far, don't expect the 500km potential of models like the ID.4, but a distance in excess of 400km is being targeted by VW's engineers.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz Design
With the swirls and loops of the rainbow wrap disguising the ID.Buzz's finer details, we can only pass judgement on those bits of the new MPV that VW has allowed us to see. The overall silhouette is a familiar one-box shape, while the rakish windscreen, slender headlights and short front overhang are similar to those of the recently revealed T7 Multivan.
Overall, the ID.Buzz is a big machine. It measures 4.7 metres long, and at nearly two metres is wider than the current T6 Transporter van. The wheelbase is almost three-metres long at 2,988mm, which is only two millimetres off that of the T6, while stashing the battery under the floor means that these dimensions deliver plenty of interior space.
The body lines that curve up from the bumper and along the sides of the ID.Buzz are a nod to the original Bulli, and as we've seen from past concepts, opens the MPV up to having two-tone bodywork. Sliding rear doors are fitted to boost access in tight spots, while at the rear there's an upright rear end with a vertical tailgate and lights that mirror the look of the fronts. Wheel options at launch include sizes ranging from 18 to 20 inches in diameter.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz Interior
VW has yet to officially reveal the design of the ID.Buzz interior. However, what we can expect is a mix of the hi-tech, as already seen in the ID.3 and ID.4, combined with a spacious layout. Up front the dashboard will feature the same compact digital instruments as seen in the ID.3, while the drive selector is relocated to the steering column so that it's within easy reach. A large centrally mounted touchscreen will allow occupants to control all of the car's major functions, including the air conditioning and assorted connectivity options, while the cabin layout will allow for plenty of storage, too. One area where there's a lack of storage is in the nose - the front end of the ID.Buzz is taken over by the MPV's running gear, so there's no 'frunk' to hold the charging cables.
Concept versions of the ID.Buzz featured separate sliding seats on a rail system, similar to the layout you can get in a T6 Caravelle or its replacement, the T7 Multivan, but the production ID.Buzz has a conventional forward-facing bench in the back. This can fold completely flat so the MPV is almost a match for the Cargo model in terms of carrying capacity, offering up to 1,121 litres of space.
Elsewhere, the boot has a false floor that can be set to create hidden storage. Access should be simple, too, thanks to the sliding side doors and large rear tailgate, which are sure to be power assisted on higher spec models. The only real downside to the ID.Buzz that we can see so far is that there are only two ISOFIX child seat attachments for the rear bench - a third set would be a nice extra to have. A seven-seat version of the MPV is due to arrive at a later date.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz Performance & Drive
With 204hp and 310Nm of torque on tap, the ID.Buzz has a surprisingly nippy turn of speed for its size. Official figures haven't been revealed, but we estimate that the 0-100km/h sprint should take just under 10 seconds, which is impressive. Like most EVs, the ID.Buzz sprints off the line with zero fuss, with the rear-mounted motor driving the back wheels and pushing the car off the line. The other big benefit of this rear-engine layout is that the front wheels solely deal with steering, and the ID.Buzz has a turning circle of just over 11 metres, which is impressively tight for such a large vehicle.
On the move, the ID.Buzz is quiet and refined, with a distinct lack of noise from wind, road or the electric drivetrain. That boosts comfort, and the MPV is a relaxing place to spend time, but this hasn't come at the expense of driving fun. The chassis feels well balanced, while the rear-engined layout means the MPV feels lively when tackling a twisty road.
One caveat we have about the ID.Buzz is that comfort is largely dictated by the size of wheels you fit. We tried versions fitted with both the 18- and 20-inch wheels, and there was a marked firmness about the ride on the bigger rims. It's something we'd watch out for and recommend you try before you buy, if you can.
While initial models feature the one drivetrain option, expect to see four-wheel drive and a more powerful ID.Buzz GTX - with the same 299hp/474Nm drivetrain as the ID.4 GTX - join the line-up at a later date. While range figures for the 77kWh drivetrain set-up have yet to be announced, the ID.Buzz uses the same charging tech, so a high-voltage DC charge could take as little as 40 minutes to go from 5-80 per cent capacity.
Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pricing
We're still a good few months away from the ID.Buzz hitting showrooms, so prices have yet to be announced for the newcomer. This will likely come around August or September, and we expect prices to start from around €59,000. That might seem steep, but the plug-in hybrid Multivan starts at only a little less in its most basic format.
Carzone Verdict: 4/5
If you want an electric MPV, then the Volkswagen ID.Buzz makes a convincing case for itself thanks to its retro-inspired style and practical interior layout. It's a big machine, so it won't deliver the longest range of any EV, but that's a compromise you're going to have to be willing to make if you want one of the most practical EVs around.
Cabin space is generous, the digital layout and tech-packed appeal of VW's other ID models will be carried over intact and the ID.Buzz is sure to get heads turning when it's finally revealed. Factor in great refinement and decent comfort (albeit on smaller wheels) and the ID.Buzz looks set to create a new benchmark for the spacious electric family car.