We attended the world premiere of the VW ID. Buzz
There are few models as legendary as the Volkswagen Bulli. This is how the first generation Volkswagen Transporter is affectionately known, the VW T1, which will continue by our side, but now in a 100% electric version and with a new name. I have personally attended the world premiere of the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz (pronounced Aidi Bas). Pay attention, because I tell you all the details.
This is a car that we have already been talking about for years. We have even been able to test the Volkswagen ID. Buzz 2022, when it was still a prototype in the development phase and whose image was not final, that’s why you will see that in the photos it appears with camouflage.
Video: this is the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The first thing to explain is that this Volkswagen ID. Buzz does not replace, at the moment, the VW T6.1, which is still on sale with combustion engines. In fact, there will now be three Bulli models in parallel:
First up is the Volkswagen T6.1 (available as Transporter, Caravelle, and California) and that’s the model that was launched in 2015 and then refreshed in 2020.
Then the new Volkswagen Multivan, which is a leisure-oriented model, as an alternative to large premium SUVs, and the first Bulli to be offered with plug-in hybrid drive, as it is based on the MQB cross-modular platform for the first time. Internally it is considered the VW T7, but you won’t see them call it that, because T7 is registered by Volvo for their engines.
And finally there is this new ID. Buzz, which is added as the third pillar of the range and which, like the other two, is manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Hannover.
The ID. Buzz is based, like all the models in the ID. family, on the MEB electric modular platform. It is available as ID. Buzz, which is the version for passengers, and as ID. Buzz Cargo, which, as its name suggests, is for professional cargo work.
I tell you its dimensions so that you are clear about its size. Both measure 4,712 mm long. In principle, they will go on sale with the normal wheelbase of 2,988 mm. This roughly corresponds to the wheelbase of the current T6.1, which, on the other hand, is significantly longer overall, since it measures 4,904 mm, i.e. 19.2 cm more.
Height is 1,937mm, down from 1,970mm on the T6.1, making it 33mm lower. In terms of width, it measures 1,985 mm, that is, 81 mm wider than a T6.1.
By the way, in 2023, the ID. Buzz will also hit the European market with an extended wheelbase, but the cargo model is not expected to have a long wheelbase.
VW ID exterior styling. Buzz
Regarding its exterior aesthetics, I think it is evident how much they wanted to link it with the original Volkswagen T1. No, the headlights are not round like in that one, but they want it to have the same family resemblance of the entire ID family.
What they have done is put two-tone paint for the bodywork in up to four different shades, with the upper part and the V-shaped hatch at the front always in white. In addition, the VW logo that is integrated in the center is larger than in the rest of the current Volkswagens in homage to the T1.
Something that is also reminiscent of the classic model is that the overhangs are especially short and this is possible because the electric propulsion system takes up very little space.
This has practical advantages, such as maximum use of space, more compact exterior dimensions than a comparable combustion model, as well as a turning radius of just 11.1 metres, which is small for this class of vehicle.
It comes standard with LED lights and the Matrix IQ.LIGHT LED system can be optionally mounted. It adds for the first time a crossbar between the headlights, which is also LED if you opt for the IQ.LIGHT system. It is also convenient to explain that it mounts sliding doors as standard on both sides. The standard wheels are 18″, but can be mounted up to 21″.
On the back, the ID. Buzz is distinguished from the T6.1 by the LED rear light clusters, which are arranged horizontally rather than vertically, and in this detail they show a clear proximity to the new Multivan.
However, unlike the Multivan, the ID. Buzz are connected by a continuous light strip for the first time in a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model.
The Volkswagen ID. buzz inside
According to Volkswagen, the interior designed as an Open Space, with five seats (2/3 seating arrangement). The driver and front passenger sit in raised bucket seats, typical of VW vans, and are fitted with adjustable armrests as standard.
And in the rear, a three-seater seat is used that can be folded or folded in a 40:60 ratio. What I don’t like is that there are no rails on the floor to place the seats to your liking. These move 150 mm, like in a car and, by the way, the seats cannot be swivel either.
You can also opt, from 2023, for a configuration of six individual seats, each of them arranged in three rows of two seats each (2/2/2 seating arrangement). And with the long wheelbase, a seven-seater configuration (2/3/2 seating arrangement) will also be available.
Regarding the materials, it should be noted that there is a general absence of leather and other materials of animal origin. For example, the steering wheel rim is polyurethane, but I promise you it looks like leather and has a similar feel.
And for the upholstery of the seats and other interior elements, among other things, recycled materials from the sea and plastic bottles are used. A fabric called “Seaqual” and that is also used, for example, by Cupra Born.
What other details stand out? The sliding and removable center console, which has additional storage compartments in the upper area.
The trunk offers a capacity of 1,121 liters, with five people on board and the loading edge is quite low, at 619 mm from the ground. In the case of ID. Buzz Cargo, it can have two or three seats in the front and a fixed partition panel with the cargo area, the available space is 3.9 m3, suitable for two Euro pallets.
Technological equipment in the ID. Buzz
In this sense it reminds me a lot of other ID models. that I have already been able to test, with the Digital Cockpit located in front of the driver, which is the same as that of the ID. 3 and therefore still small for me at 5.3 inches. Although in this case the gear selector has been removed from this part and has been moved to the back of the steering wheel.
The infotainment system is located in the center of the dashboard. The standard system is the Ready 2 Discover Max and comes with a 10-inch touch screen, while the optional Discover Pro navigation system bets on a 12-inch screen.
Below the multimedia system, as usual, there is a control bar with digital buttons and touch sliders. The steering wheel controls are also tactile and I am afraid they will have the same lack of sensitivity as in the rest of the electrics in the house. But I can’t say that until it passes through my hands and I check it out.
To the right of the steering wheel are two USB-C connectors and a smartphone storage compartment with inductive charging function. Depending on the equipment, there are two other USB-C sockets in the center console; a fifth is located on the passenger door and one on each of the two sliding doors.
What engine carries the VW ID. Buzz?
At the moment it will only go on sale with a single mechanical version. It is an electric motor with 150 kW (204 CV) of power and a maximum torque of 310 Nm, the same one that other electric motors of the brand already use and that is integrated into the rear axle, therefore, it is a model of propulsion
The battery is lithium-ion and has a capacity of 77 kWh (82 kWh gross capacity). The charging power is 11 kW with AC, but it can be charged up to 170 kW with DC, which is a lot; therefore, it charges from 5 to 80% in just 30 minutes.
The total autonomy has not yet been declared, but with that battery capacity and taking into account that its weight will exceed 2,000 kilos (the 77 kWh ID.3 weighs 1,900 kg), with an optimistic estimated consumption of between 18- 20 kWh/100 km (77 kWh ID.3 declares 15.6 kWh/100 km) should be around 400 km.
However, as I say, they are data that I myself have estimated, since there is still no official confirmation in this regard. Although those responsible for brand communication smile positively when I tell them about my estimate. It must be that I am not misguided.
Regarding performance, Volkswagen has confirmed that the maximum speed is electronically limited to 145 km/h. And there is no data at the moment from 0 to 100 km/h.
Finally, it should be noted that in 2023 other battery versions with different power levels will be available. But they have not yet communicated which ones. Everything suggests that an improved version of the 58 kWh battery and one around 100 kWh will be launched, which would be the one that the Volkswagen ID will carry. Buzz GTX, whose arrival has already been confirmed, just like the ID. BuzzCalifornia.
ID Price Buzz
There is also nothing official about the price list. However, we estimate that the access versions could even benefit from the Moves III Plan, that is, they would drop below 54,000 euros (45,000 euros before taxes). About 47,000 euros with government aid.
Both the ID. Normal Buzz like the Cargo go on sale in advance in May of this year 2022, but it will not be in European dealerships until the third quarter of the year. In Spain it will be rather by the end of the year.
In principle, the Pro finish will be marketed, which is the highest of the range and the basic one, called Pure, will arrive in 2023.
