Volkswagen ID test. Buzz: the successful reinvention of an icon

The world of electric cars is constantly expanding and now we have tested the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, one of the most anticipated releases of this group. With this model, the German brand reinterprets the iconic T1 or “Bulli”, but does it manage to keep the keys that made the original version great?

To check it out, I have traveled to Copenhagen, where a two-tone paint job that combines Bay Leaf Green Metallic and Candy White tones awaits me. Until now, I had only seen her in photos and while I already thought her appearance was striking then, in person she is even more interesting.

Parked next to a T1, the aesthetic differences are evident. However, it is noted that Volkswagen has tried to maintain the essence of the original with elements such as the front, very vertical and marked by the large emblem placed in the center. This, together with the two-color paint, are clear references to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz to the 50’s model.

However, there are differences in areas such as the headlights, which are no longer circular. Instead, these are now LED headlights similar to those found on other models in the ID range, recessing slightly into the fins. Also, on the side there are modern features such as 235/40 R20 wheels at the front and 265/45 R20 at the rear, but the nods to the T1 do not disappear.

An example is the high and numerous windows, which promise a great luminosity in the interior. However, the most striking element here is the advanced position of the front axle, something that helps to sign a battle of 2,989 mm. Without a doubt, this will also benefit the habitability.

However, before checking it out, I take a look at the rear, whose composition is more similar to a Multivan than to that of a classic “Bulli”. It consists of a large gate – there are optional double doors on the ID. Buzz Cargo- which gives access to a 1,121-litre trunk that can reach 2,205 with the seats folded down. In the Cargo, yes, the capacity is 3,900 liters.

Beyond this, behind the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is presented with a simple style, something that is repeated in the rest of the bodywork. Only the thin LED lights linked together and, again, the large emblem of the brand in a central position stand out here.

Inside ID Buzz: spacious, simple and attractive

Once having reviewed the exterior, it is time to check the cabin, where I am really surprised by its space. As you suspected, the large glass surfaces and minimalist design help create a feeling of spaciousness, but the truth is that the space is more than present without the need for design tricks.

Inside the ID. Buzz there are 5 seats in which children and adults can travel comfortably, but there will also be the option of reaching 7 seats. If we add to this the large trunk -even designed to sleep in it- and a large number of storage compartments, it is clear that we are not going to be overwhelmed at any time aboard this model.

However, the amplitude is also a characteristic feature of the Volkswagen California, but the truth is that this electric has more interesting keys. One of them is the materials used in it, such as synthetic leather that is pleasant to the touch and recycled plastics. Thus, the German brand indicates that each unit is carbon neutral.

Beyond this, in terms of the arrangement of the elements and the quality of the materials, it is true that there are no major differences compared to the rest of the ID range. of electric cars. There are quite a few hard plastics, the design is minimalist and two screens stand out: a 10” central one and another for the instrument panel that is somewhat small for my taste.

Regarding its operation and visibility, it is similar to that of any other BEV of the Wolfsburg firm. Thus, the differentiating touch within the ID. Buzz really brings it to the decoration, with nice easter eggs like some recordings of the silhouette of the car and a color scheme that replicates that of the bodywork.

In any case, although the aesthetics of this model is striking, what really needs to be checked here is its behavior. For this reason, I set off, since a route through the streets and highways of Copenhagen awaits me, until I reach the Swedish city of Malmö in a moment.

At the wheel, more agility than expected

The road has different types of roads, but I am already surprised in the first bars of the Volkswagen ID test. Buzz. Why? Because I am behind the wheel of the largest car created on the MEB platform of the German car group, but the sensations are not at all what I expected.

If I talk about figures, this is a vehicle that is 4,712 mm long, 2,212 mm wide and about 1,927 mm high. In addition, it has a weight of almost 2.5 tons, so a somewhat clumsy behavior could be expected, especially in an urban environment. However, I notice the opposite.

The engine of the ID. Buzz of 204 hp and powered by a 77 kWh battery moves the set without problems at all times. The answer is good in city and highway, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.2 seconds and a top speed that is limited to 145 km / h. This, together with a turning radius of 11 meters, makes the performance very positive already in the city.

From behind the wheel, I feel like I’m driving an SUV, but with a higher driving position and especially good visibility through the huge windshield and other glass surfaces. Without a doubt, wandering around with this model is not a problem despite its dimensions.

And if the first impression is good, on the road it is no less so. Here, the suspension smoothly filters out potholes and silence reigns in the cabin. Likewise, the seats are quite comfortable for long distances and, if I attack a curve with greater speed, I hardly notice any inclination of the bodywork due to the placement of the batteries.

Undoubtedly, as a whole this is a vehicle that allows you to travel long distances with comfort and tranquility. The autonomy of the ID also plays an important role in this. Buzz, yes, which is around 418 km. This is achieved with factors such as a drag coefficient of 0.285, as well as a consumption of around 22 kWh/100 km during the test.

However, if you are thinking of taking a trip aboard this electric car, you should not worry either. According to Volkswagen, the route planner offers all kinds of information about charging points and their availability during the journey. In addition, being able to support loads of up to 170 kW, they claim that you can go from 5% to 80% capacity in about 30 minutes.

Added to this are other solutions to facilitate charging, such as the Plug & Charge app, in which you install the card in the car and you do not have to do anything more than connect the plug at each charging point. What if you want to charge another device? There will be the option of bidirectional charging from the car itself, but it will come later.

Conclusion and prices

All in all, my feelings on this test are generally positive. The only details that have not convinced me have been some such as the size of the instrument panel and the operation of the haptic controls, but they are not exclusive elements of this model. As for what this one represents in particular, I am more than satisfied.

For this reason, I think it is a well-finished product, although it will not be available to everyone. The price of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Spain starts at 61,480 euros without aid in its PRO version, while Cargo will start at 56,140 euros. In other European countries it is succeeding, but will it do so here? We’ll know when it arrives at the end of this year or the beginning of next year.