Review: Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB
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What is the Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB?
Many car manufacturers are bringing back nameplates from the past, or even offering their latest models with retro styling to hark back to some legendary vehicles. Volkswagen introduced the ID.Buzz back in 2022 as a modern-day celebration of the original campervan that first hit the roads in the early 1950s.
The ID.Buzz mixes retro styling with modern technology as it utilises an electric powertrain to make it as clean and efficient as possible. But, not only does it combine funky looks with a cutting-edge EV powertrain, Volkswagen has just made its most practical ‘ID’ vehicle even more commodious with the ID.Buzz Long wheelbase. Not only does it extend the van’s overall length, but it also means that an additional two seats can be squeezed into the passenger compartment. So, what’s it like?
What’s new?
This Long wheelbase version of the VW ID.Buzz is, in many ways, identical to the standard five-seater model. That means that it still sits on the same Volkswagen Group MEB platform, which is the same as in even smaller models like the ID.3, but that enables this large van to have more car-like characteristics behind the wheel.
The van still retains the option of the two-tone paint schemes, bright interior coloured trim and large alloy wheel designs to make it stand out from the crowd.
What’s under the bonnet?
There are a variety of different powertrains for the ID.Buzz, but we’re driving the version that comes fitted with a single motor mounted to the rear wheels, with 282bhp and 560Nm of torque. That means that 0-60mph takes just 7.7 seconds and the van will go on to a top speed of 99mph.
Under the bonnet, there is an 86kWh battery pack that Volkswagen claims to go up to 286 miles between top-ups. DC rapid charging of up to 200kW is applicable, which takes this van from five to 80 per cent charge in half an hour.
What’s it like to drive?
It’s no surprise that when you get behind the wheel of the ID.Buzz, that there are some rather charming characteristics that make it feel more like a van. Firstly, the driving position is rather high giving you a commanding view of the road ahead and the steering is very light to make it easier to manoeuvre. But, the single motor setup in our test vehicle means that its fairly rapid acceleration doesn’t make it feel like a van, with instant torque – typical of any EV.
On the open road, the ride quality is composed and does a good job of masking the imperfections. There’s only the faintest bit of wind noise creeping in from the windscreen area and door mirrors. As the van is rather tall and boxy, its efficiency isn’t as strong as a more conventional EV, but that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker as none of them can offer as much space and practicality as this van can.
How does it look?
The ID.Buzz really is one of those vehicles that doesn’t need any introduction when it comes to its styling. As it harks back to the original camper of yesteryear, the van features a split-colour design and a large Volkswagen badge on its nose.
Our test vehicle’s 20-inch alloy wheels also make the van stand out and despite the extra 250mm of wheelbase length, up close there is very little difference compared to the standard Buzz. Plus, its wacky styling has made the ID.Buzz a real head-turner out on the road and it certainly holds its own very unique identity when it comes to style.
What’s VW ID Buzz interior like?
As this is the LWB version of the ID.Buzz, the biggest difference is the fact that you get three rows of seats. Regardless of which row you end up in as a passenger, it still means you have plenty of room with lots of head and legroom, even in the third row. Some seven-seat SUVs have to sacrifice boot space with their third row of chairs, but that’s not the case with the ID.Buzz LWB. In fact, with all the seats in place you have an impressive 306 litres of room, but fold the third and second rows down and that gives you 2,469 litres.
This Volkswagen also features a clever array of different storage areas throughout its cabin with USB-Cs dotted all over to make sure every passenger can keep their devices charged up.
What’s the spec like?
Amazingly, the price difference compared to the five-seater model is tiny with this new Long wheelbase version being only £510 more at £59,545 – making this new addition to the ID.Buzz family seem like good value.
Our test vehicle is featured in the Style grade with a variety of different options that bumps the price tag up to £71,615 – which starts to make this van seem rather dear.
If you opt for the basic ID.Buzz LWB, equipment is still very generous with 19-inch alloy wheels, and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Verdict
Volkswagen has made a smart move with the ID.Buzz. Not only does it now come with the added benefit of even more interior space and seats, but if you don’t go mad with optional extras, its prices still remain competitive.
It drives rather well, and standard equipment is very generous, and considering the small price gap between this and the standard five-seater version, this larger model now almost makes the smaller less practical option redundant.
