New Volkswagen ID. Buzz

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz embraces its groovy lineage (by visually referencing the Volkswagen Camper, most notably) while keeping all four wheels most assuredly in the now. So, while this all-electric van’s design evokes thoughts of the carefree late-sixties, it has much to offer the adventurous modern-day family. For instance, it delivers space and practicality aplenty – and everyday usability.

Exterior

With its retro-contemporary stylings, this is a van that more than lives up to its name, and the sort of buzz it’s already generating doesn’t only apply to each time it’s attached to a power supply. Of course, the vehicle’s name represents another play on words because the Camper was also referred to as the ‘Volkswagen Bus’. The van’s two-tone appearance is a delightful touch, which differentiates it from most of its rivals. But this is a very practical vehicle too, providing easy access, with sliding rear passenger doors which also enhances the Buzz’s ability to function effectively in fairly tight spaces.

Interior

As you’d likely anticipate, there’s bags of room inside, more than enough to comfortably accommodate five full-size adults. So, for a young family of five, the ID. Buzz is beyond perfect. The interior is bright and airy, with a combination of recycled materials, including upmarket plastics used in the core construction. The driver is afforded a great view of the road ahead thanks to a combination of elevated seating position and expansive windscreen – in fact, all-round visibility is surprisingly good. With all seats in place, the van offers an impressive 1,121-litre luggage volume – and with rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to a spectacular 2,250 litres.

Performance

As you’d likely anticipate, there’s bags of room inside, more than enough to comfortably accommodate five full-size adults. So, for a young family of five, the ID. Buzz is beyond perfect. The interior is bright and airy, with a combination of recycled materials, including upmarket plastics used in the core construction. The driver is afforded a great view of the road ahead thanks to a combination of elevated seating position and expansive windscreen – in fact, all-round visibility is surprisingly good. With all seats in place, the van offers an impressive 1,121-litre luggage volume – and with rear seats folded, cargo capacity expands to a spectacular 2,250 litres.

Safety

The point of connection to the ID. Buzz’s range of driver aids is located at the base of the windscreen, making them easier to access. Standard-issue active protective features include Autonomous Emergency Braking, which uses radar technology to measure the distance between the ID. Buzz and objects ahead of it. Lane-keep Assist and Sign Assist also feature, the latter making it easy to register upcoming speed-limit changes, for example.

Technology

Specification levels haven’t yet been finalised but it’s expected the ID. Buzz will offer wireless charging in addition to charging ports for as many as seven mobile devices. A 5.3-inch screen provides instrumentation data for the driver while a minimum-size 10-inch touchscreen display affords access to infotainment features aplenty. Furthermore, Volkswagen has committed to providing exceptional levels of connectivity, with over-the-air updates delivered via We Connect and Car2X, for example.

Trim Levels