Volkswagen's most topical EV, the ID.Buzz People Carrier, is a better bet in this lengthier 7-seat form. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Background

At its original 2022 launch, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz was something of a curiosity. It stood out with its retro-trendy looks. But you couldn't help thinking how much better the car would be with extra cabin space, a little more EV driving range and a few of the infotainment system quirks ironed out. Turns out Volkswagen thought so too because all those things were attended to as part of a far-reaching mid-2024 update that's brought us a wider model range and, specifically, the extra long wheelbase 7-seat model we look at here. So much more versatile is this lengthier Buzz that it's hard to now see why you'd choose the original short wheelbase two seating-row version of this model (which continues), particularly given the small price differential between the two body shapes. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experience

There were quite a lot of engineering changes as part of the mid-2024 Buzz update. All 2WD rear-driven models now get a gutsier 286PS motor (up from 204PS before). And there's Volkswagen's more up-to-date battery technology, the SWB 5-seat model changing its original 77kWh unit for a 79kWh battery (which boosts range from 258 miles to as much as 283 miles). And the LWB 7-seat variant getting a bigger 86kWh battery borrowed from the ID.7 (capable of up to 293 miles). Opt for the LWB body shape and you can also now have a Dual Motor ID.Buzz in the shape of the sportier GTX version, which has two electric motors providing four-wheel drive and a combined output of 340PS, which means 62mph in just 6.1s. The rear-driven 286PS model needs between 7.6s and 7.9s for the same increment, depending on body shape; which is around two and a half seconds quicker than the original. Silent running was never a feature of the old chugging rear-engined, rear-driven Volkswagen Type 2 but of course the all-electric ID. Buzz is very different. As usual with an electric vehicle, torque feels instant (there's 560Nm of it) and drive comes via the usual EV fixed-ratio single-speed auto gearbox en route to the very modest top speed of 99mph: at last, something owners of the old Sixties Type 2 'bus will properly recognise. Towing weights are rated at up to 1,800kg for the LWB GTX. As before, you sit commandingly, using a drive selector stalk on the right of the steering wheel. And there's a tight 11-metres turning circle (a metre better than VW's combustion alternative, the Multivan), which along with the glassy cabin should make the Buzz feel very manoeuvrable in town. All the usual VW drive assist features are available - Matrix headlights and 'Car2x' swarm informational technology. Recent further updates include the addition of an improved 'Connected Travel Assist' system, which can now react to traffic lights and automatically brake you at a stop light. The brake regen system also now has a 'one-pedal' drive system where the fiercest setting virtually brings the car to a stop when you come off the throttle.

Design and Build

This LWB 7-seat model is 250mm longer than the SWB version, measuring in at 4,962mm - much closer to the brand's Multivan combustion MPV. Look closely and you'll notice the extended sliding doors and the extra metal added between the C-pillars and the rear wheels. Otherwise, the look of course is as before. If you like retro styling, you'll get the Buzz, which references its 1960's Type 2 Volkswagen Bus predecessor with an uncluttered lines, distinctive 2-tone paintwork and super-short overhangs front and rear. The 3-bar motif on the D-pillar is supposed to recall the cooling louvres for the old Type 2's rear-mounted air-cooled engine. And under the skin, the Buzz sits on the rear-propelled MEB platform used by smaller ID. series hatchbacks. Up front, you sit quite high with a wide view through the vast windscreen. The high-mounted minimalist dashboard is unique and houses a 5.3-inch digital instrument display and a centre touchscreen that's now 12.9-inches and uses the brand's latest 'innovision'-era software. Other changes include a multifunction steering wheel with newly-designed buttons; climate control sliders that are now back-lit; and a vast optional panoramic glass roof is fitted above base trim. There's a useful removeable 'Buzz Box' compartment between the front seats. As before, the auto gear lever is on the steering column. And a compartment hinges down from the base of the dash, revealing a couple of cup holders, a bottle opener and an ice scraper. Further back, this 7-seat model delivers family-friendly flexibility, with a three-seat (non-removable) sliding and reclining centre bench and removable two-person third row seating. That centre bench can be replaced by two individual seats with the 6-seat model. All ID.Buzz models now get a little sliding rear window for second row folk (who previously had no access to fresh air with this model). The LWB version can be specified in 5-seat form without a third row if you want, but we can't see why you would. With three seating rows in place, there's 306-litres of boot space (about the same as a Corsa supermini), which increases to 1,340-litres with the third row folded (219-litres more than the SWB model) - and 2,469-litres with the second row bench folded as well.

Market and Model

As with the brand's Transporter Shuttle and Multivan MPV models, you'll only be able to get an ID. Buzz at a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles dealer. All Buzz models come with a choice of 'Life', 'Style' and 'GTX' trim levels. The LWB 7-seat version is priced from just over £60,000 - only fractionally more than the equivalent SWB model. You can also have the LWB model in 6-seat form. Equipment levels include most of what you'd want. The entry-level 'Life' version offers 19-inch 'Tilburg' alloy wheels, LED headlights, a heated windscreen, the Buzz box removable storage, Discover Pro navigation and infotainment with a 12.9-inch colour touchscreen, plus wireless charging. 'Style' trim adds the 'IQ. Light' LED matrix headlights and adaptive interior ambient lighting, plus 20-inch 'Solna' wheels, a powered tailgate, powered sliding side doors, a head-up display, a Multi-flex board for the boot, a Harmon Kardon premium sound system and tailgate surround lighting. The GTX gets 21-inch 'Townsville' wheels, a panoramic glass roof, 30-colour ambient lighting and red-stitched black 'ArtVelour ECO' microfleece upholstery. All ID. Buzz variants feature a digital cockpit and are available with the iconic two-tone paint option. With up to eight USB interfaces, including three USB-C ports for rapid charging supplied as standard, "Hello ID." voice control and online functionality via We Connect and We Connect Plus, the ID. Buzz is well connected too. Volkswagen has now also added a vehicle-to-load function to this car. It enables electrical devices to be powered directly from the vehicle battery. The high-voltage battery can be used to continuously operate or charge external devices with 2.0kW via the Mode 3 connection of the charging socket using an adapter. This makes it possible, for example, to charge e-bikes directly at the ID. Buzz on a weekend trip.

Cost of Ownership

You'll want to know about charging, which with either variant takes place using a Type 2 connector and works via an on-board charger with a maximum power of 11kW. This fully replenishes the 79kWh battery from empty to full in between seven and nine hours from an 11kW connection. You'd need about 12 and a half hours with a single-phase 7.4kWh AC supply. Add about an hour to each of those times if your ID.Buzz has the larger 86kWh battery we're trying here. As for DC public charging speeds, well the 79kWh battery charges at up to 185kW and can be DC-charged from 10-80% in 26 minutes. The larger 86kWh battery DC-charges at up to 200kW (up from 175kW with the original 77kWh SWB model), allowing 10-80% DC charging to be completed in 26 minutes. Finally, there's the warranty. Volkswagens of any kind are limited to three years of cover, but with a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle (which is what the ID. Buzz is classed as), the mileage limit in this period is raised from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. There's also three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance also included with no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and the ID. Buzz is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion body warranty.

Summary

With every model update, it's easy to say that this is the car this design really should have been from the start - but that really does apply here. The ID.Buzz price tag isn't small, but the cost increment of this more versatile LWB model over the original short wheelbase version is. Unless you don't have a parking space (or a garage) able to accommodate its extra 250mm of length, it's the no-brainer choice in the range. Whether this Buzz LWB is a no-brainer choice in its segment is another question. Virtually all its direct super-large MPV EV rivals are converted vans, which you might see as a point in this VW's favour (no LCV stigma). Or possibly a de-merit (this car design doesn't have as much interior space and can't seat eight or nine). As ever, it's a question of perspective. Whatever yours is, there's no doubt you'll find this Buzz hugely improved.