We drive the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the largest model in the electric family

The design concept of the ID. Buzz was unveiled as a world premiere at the Detroit Motor Show in 2017, and it has kept its original features quite faithfully, such as the front with the large brand logo, the short overhangs, the efficient use of interior space and the two-tier division of the bodywork. After five long years of waiting, it has finally entered series production and is powered exclusively by electricity. The careful work on the bodywork has achieved a drag coefficient of just 0.29.

Its front stands out, dominated by LED headlight units joined by a light bar, as well as by a badge integrated in the centre as a tribute to the original 1947 T1. At the rear, the ID. Buzz is distinguished from the current T6 by its LED rear light units, which are arranged horizontally, connected by a continuous light bar, rather than vertically.

Familiar technology

Based on the group’s MEB platform for electric vehicles, it uses a McPherson strut front axle with dampers and springs, while at the rear it employs a very compact multi-link axle, which frees up space in the cargo area, with a width of 1,204 mm in the boot of the five-seat version and 1,230 mm in the Cargo version. Wheels in sizes from 18 to 21 inches are available, although in the case of the cargo version the maximum size is 20 inches, always fitted with low-rolling-resistance tyres. The front wheels are narrower than the rear ones, except on the 1st Edition, which fits 235/55 R19 AirStop tyres front and rear; the front brake discs can reach up to 382 mm (depending on the wheel size), while the rear ones are always drums.

It is offered in cargo and passenger versions, for now in a five-seat configuration, although a long-wheelbase bodywork with six or seven seats is planned for later, which could feature a higher-capacity battery, around 100 kWh. Both ID. Buzz variants share an identical length of 4,712 mm and a wheelbase of 2,989 mm. In width, both measure 1,985 mm without the exterior mirrors, with a height of 1.93 m. To make manoeuvring easier and simplify use, the turning circle is just 11.1 metres.

Spacious interior

The interior is very simple, with few controls, plenty of space in all seats and good visibility in every direction, thanks to the high driving position. It has large individual seats and adjustable armrests in the front seats, while at the rear there is a bench for three occupants with backrests that recline and fold in a 40:60 split.

The rear benches can slide up to 150 mm to alter legroom or boot capacity, which ranges from 1,121 litres up to 2,205 with the second row folded down. In the passenger version, the two sliding doors come as standard and can be fitted with automatic electric operation. The Cargo has a sliding door on the right-hand side and, optionally, another one on the left. The split-opening rear doors will also be optional on the Cargo.

It follows the design of the brand’s electric models (and in some cases the group’s), with simple instrumentation spread across two screens. A small one (5.3 inches), attached to the steering column, displays speed, battery capacity or other relevant driving information, warning lights or navigation prompts, and, on the other hand, a central touchscreen of up to 12 inches (in the Discover Pro version), which allows selection of audio, multimedia, navigation, driving modes, etc. Naturally, it offers very advanced connectivity features for wireless smartphone integration.

It includes the new-generation software 3.2, which can be updated automatically Over the Air, without needing to visit the workshop. It is also possible to use the Apple Music and Spotify streaming services through the infotainment system without a paired smartphone.

As with the original model, the bodywork is offered in several two-tone finishes. In total, the range consists of eleven variants: a solid white colour, five metallic colours: Monosilber, Lime Yellow, Starlight Blue, Energetic Orange and Bay Leaf Green, a pearl-effect paint called Deep Black, and four two-tone paint finishes. If ordered in one of the two-tone finishes, the upper area, including the roof and the front section, will be painted white, while the area below the dividing line can be painted in one of the four metallic shades.

150 kW electric motor

Initially it will go on sale at the end of the year in a single version with an electric motor integrated into the rear driven axle, of 150 kW (204 CV), maximum torque of 310 Nm and a 77 kWh battery located under the floor, which considerably lowers the centre of gravity and limits body roll. It shares its motor, single-speed automatic gearbox, twelve-module battery and inverter with other models from the brand and the group, although in this case it accepts a higher DC charging power, which here reaches 170 kW. On the WLTP combined cycle, the range of the ID. Buzz can reach 418 km, while that of the Cargo is 414 km.

Both accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds, while their top speed is electronically limited to 145 km/h. The ID. Buzz Pro consumes 21.7 to 20.5 kWh/100 km and the Cargo from 22.2 to 20.4 kWh/100 km, although during the test drive around Copenhagen, Denmark, we managed to bring consumption down to around 19 kWh/100 km, driving at average speeds of about 100 km/h.

Thanks to the regenerative braking system, it allows high recharge values; in automatic “D” mode it coasts as soon as we lift off the accelerator, offering no resistance. In “B” mode, activated by a small switch on the steering column, a deceleration of around 0.3 g is achieved — equivalent to about 100 kW of regeneration power — through the electric motor.

The 77 kWh lithium-ion battery accepts three-phase AC charging power of up to 11 kW. At fast-charging stations it is possible to go from 5 to 80% of battery capacity in 30 minutes. In addition, the “Plug & Charge” function is available at compatible stations from Aral, BP, Enel, EON, Eviny, Ionity, Iberdrola and Zunder — for now — allowing communication via the CCS connector, so that both activation and billing are automatic, without the need for charging cards or phone apps.

Modern technology

As in the rest of the ID. family, the new assistance systems, Travel Assist with traffic data and assisted lane change, are available as options, along with the Park Assist Plus with memory function for autonomous parking, an interesting feature for parking habitually in a narrow space or for keeping fleet vehicles perfectly organised: the driver performs the parking manoeuvre once at a speed below 40 km/h, and Park Assist Plus memorises the distance travelled, which can be up to 50 metres. After the learning phase, up to five different manoeuvres are stored for later assisted use.

In all versions, the Car2X system, which warns of hazards in the vicinity, and Front Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection or the traffic sign recognition system are included as standard. As with the other models in the ID. family, the passenger version of the ID. Buzz also features the interactive ID. Light.

It includes an emergency call system and a communication system via eSIM card to offer online update services and the We Connect and We Connect Plus functions. The We Connect features are available free of charge and without time restrictions, while We Connect Plus is offered free of charge for one year without a navigation system, whereas with the Discover Pro navigation system the service is included as standard for three years.

The latest version of We Connect includes the Plug & Charge, Temperature Alert and Battery Care Mode functions. Plug & Charge allows charging without a card or app, and the Temperature Alert service reminds you to charge depending on the weather forecast and the charge level. Battery Care Mode is a function that optimises the battery by capping the upper charge limit at 80% to protect it, although it can be deactivated manually.

Sustainable transport

The Cargo variant is practically identical to the passenger version, with the same drivetrain and technical characteristics in terms of battery and performance, but clearly oriented towards carrying goods, with a cargo volume of almost 4 cubic metres and a payload capacity of 650 kg. As standard it is offered with three seats in the cabin, that is, the driver’s seat plus a double seat, although it can be ordered with two individual front seats. Behind the seats it has a fixed partition separating the cargo area, which offers 3,900 litres (space for two Euro pallets) and which, optionally, can include a window or a hatch for transporting long objects.

It offers a storage compartment with space for a laptop or a clipboard in the upper section, as well as a cup holder. There is also a folding compartment of 1.4 litres at the front.

Easy to drive

It stands out for how easy it is to manoeuvre on any kind of road, not only because of the smoothness and power delivery available at any moment, but also because of the turning circle it offers, which makes parking manoeuvres very simple. It also has parking assistance via camera and sensors that warn of possible obstacles. Setting off is effortless, in complete silence and in a linear, progressive and, if desired, also forceful way, as the electric motor delivers a generous amount of torque at any rotational speed. Although it has no e-pedal system, the “B” function, selectable from the gear selector lever, offers much simpler operation than in the group’s other electric models, always switching from “D” to “B” each time the selector is turned.

We did not have the opportunity to drive on mountain roads or winding sections during the test drive, since almost the entire route ran on motorways or dual carriageways with strict speed limits or through urban areas. Nevertheless, driving at the limit of the legal speeds at all times, we managed not to reach the 20 kWh/100 km consumption threshold.

It is especially pleasant to drive in any circumstances, since regardless of performance (0 to 100 km/h in just over 10 seconds and top speed limited to 145 km/h), the sensations it conveys to the driver are fantastic. Smooth and precise steering, an elevated driving position with good visibility, simple controls within reach, and so on. It also inspires a great deal of confidence, since most of the mass, made up of the batteries, motor and chassis, sits at axle height, considerably lowering the centre of gravity, which provides very stable dynamic behaviour, without strong body oscillations.

As for prices, the Pro version costs 61,480 euros, while the launch version, the 1st Edition, designed specifically for the Spanish market with very complete equipment, is priced at 71,430 euros. The ID. Buzz Cargo version, meanwhile, is available from 56,140 euros including VAT.

With the We Charge programme, monthly subscription rates of 2.99 or 9.99 euros are offered, which reduce charging costs at AC, DC or high-power stations.