Volkswagen ID test. Buzz (2022): the return of the electric combi, VW ID. Buzz: the electric combi € 8,000 cheaper in France than in Germany

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VW ID. Buzz: the electric combi € 8,000 cheaper in France than in Germany

Who says high weight, says Autonomy necessarily decreasing. This ID. Buzz has the largest battery available, already used on the ID.4 and 5. But with its additional 300 kg on the scale, Volkswagen cannot do miracles … announced to 419 km in WLTP cycle, The real data vary strongly. If in urban use and with a light crew, the ID. Buzz easily exceeds 450 km, the result is no longer the same when you engage on a fast track. 130 km on the highway, the combi battery runs out fast, very quickly. And as long as you are 5 inside with a few luggage, the autonomy can descend below 300 km ! Not very seller when you improvise your extra urban neo-retro adventurer … We will however wait for the verified data from our Autoplus lab to draw quantified conclusions.

Volkswagen ID test. Buzz (2022): the return of the electric combi ?

We hadn’t had any “True” Combi From the Volkswagen Transporter T3 (Type 25), released in 1979 and replaced by the T4 in 1990. It will therefore have taken more than 32 years for the German firm to fill this lack in its range. Because yes, for purists, we call “Combi” A Volkswagen Transporter having it engine placed at the rear, a big VW logo on the bow, and round headlights. And that’s good, this Id. Buzz may not have rounded optics, but it has an engine on the rear axle !

Before this new van, only the first three transport had these characteristics. We will notably remember the most famous of them, the T1 type 2 (1950-1967), which has largely participated in the success of the models in the series. Immediately identifiable with its two -color, his round headlights at the front and its huge logo posed on the bow, the original combi is always an icon in the automotive world.

It is with the arrival of T3 that Volkswagen marks a break with the spirit of the original van. The manufacturer operates a complete overhaul of its model and Abandon the engine at the rear. The transport of the transport is much more conventional and abandons the round headlights. If Volkswagen still markets it today as well as its variations (such as Multivan or California), the spirit of the original combi was sorely lacked.

Volkswagen has nevertheless tried to send signals to this effect, especially since the concept of Microbus, presented in 2001 at the Strait Show, but the wait was long. A second show-car, the Bulli, was then presented in Frankfurt in 2011. Finally, we all remember more recently theId. Buzz Concept, presented in January 2017 at Strait across the Atlantic which foreshadowed the model tested today.

L’Id. Buzz he therefore really resuscitates the spirit of the original combi ? If he does not have the round headlights, he nevertheless has a two-tone shade (optional), the big logo on the front, but also and above all a engine located on the rear axle ! Has a detail .. This one is electric !

Here is our Volkswagen ID test. Video buzz:

Id.buzz

Green -colored buzz

Id.buzz

Shargy

Design: a neo-retro combi with the strong capital sympathy

At first glance, it is impossible to be wrong, we are in front of a combi. But not just any ! This ID. Buzz is obviously 100% electric and resumes many Stylistic codes of the original van which built its reputation. In terms of design, we feel that Volkswagen wanted to offer something at a time modern, but evocative. On the front, this results in a huge VW logo posed on the bow, but also obviously in this two-tone shade (Candy white/orange Energetic), billed all the same € 1,790 ! Without option, ID. Buzz will be offered in united exterior painting, in metallic silver.

Optics are no longer round here as on the old model but take up the LED signature of models in the ID range. On the lower part, the grille is scrolled to allow the batteries to cool and let the very numerous sensors do their job.

In profile, we can see more clues that remind us of the 1950s’ combi. There is False air intakes on the rear amount for example, or even Custodes windows fairly imposing. Template level, ID. Buzz is imposing, even if thanks to a designer worked the latter does not appear if “strong” at first glance. This impression is due in particular to the large wheelbase (3 meters) with a very short hood (82 cm between the center of the front wheel and the bow). The van measures 4.72 meters long for 1.99 meters wide and 1.94 meters high. Interesting point, the turning radius measured at 11.1 meters is almost equivalent to that of the last golf course (10.9 meters).

At the front: a large and complete interior

Inside this ID. Buzz, we feel good. Really good ! On this aspect, the men of the art from Volkswagen managed a quasi-flawless. On our test model, the clear interior is very pleasant and adds a lot of light. The whole is very refined and is obviously inspired by the models in the ID range. In terms of digital slabs, we find the same tiny screen opposite the driver, as well as a 12 -inch large slab which sits above the central console (also optional, billed € 130).

Regarding the finishes, these are good, But the choice of materials, as for other models in the ID range, is questionable. Many plastics are hard even if some are textured, and there is a imitation leather present only inside the doors. On our test model, a light wood imitation plastic insert is arranged over the entire length of the dashboard but the hollow that sounds hollow. Damage.

Ergonomics is the same as ID.4 and 5, with capacitive commands present on the steering wheel or under the central screen for air conditioning in particular. The adaptation is perfectible and requires a slight helping hand ..

There are many storage. Buzz. Interior of the doors, spaces in the dashboard, induction recharge, large cup holder, large glove box and finally a removable “box” in the center, which even offers an additional drawer ! No doubt, you will have room to store your personal effects aboard the ID. Buzz.

At the back: a single bench but a huge chest

In the rear seats, there will be happy, but also disappointed. To start with what is lacking, for the moment ID. Buzz is only offered with a 3 -seater rear seat. No additional bench in the back so, The 7 -seater version will arrive later. Second black point, these are The windows that do not open at the back. There is not even possible intersecting.

But unsurprisingly, the overall note is revalued thanks to the rest of the service. For what ? Because you feel really good at the back of this big combi ! The clear interior offers a lot of light Even without a sunroof (for the moment), and even with tinted rear windows (optional). Leg and head spacing is also very generous. Even for a large size, there is still a lot of space above the head !

The trunk is also very large. With 1121 liters In its standard configuration, it can still grow by folding the rear seats. In the latter case, it easily exceeds 2,000 liters. Finally, the sliding bench allows you to further increase the size of the trunk.

Driving: absolute comfort but an autonomy to monitor

For his ID. Buzz, Volkswagen has resumed its MEB modular platform, Already used throughout the ID range. The proposed engine is unique: an electric block of 150 kW who delivers 204 horses. This engine draws its energy from a 77 kWh battery. On the road, Despite its almost 2.5 tonnes, This modern combi is rather agile ! Thanks to the batteries, the center of gravity is very low. The van does not pitch in the turns. Level performance, no thrills to be expected with this neo-retro combi even if the block, with its 310 Nm of torque, immediately responds to the accelerator, electric obliges. It’s very nice when you have a vehicle of this size. ID. Buzz accelerates flexibly at the red light. THE 0 to 100 km/h is made in 10 seconds roughly and The speed is limited electronically to 145 km/h.

Depreciation is surprisingly well managed, we really evolve very well on the road, the van absorbs the deformations of the road well. Only the highest donkey backs will obviously be disturbing. On the other hand, the very distant windshield Give a fairly strange feeling of driving, it takes a little time of adaptation all the same to manipulate this van.

Who says high weight, says Autonomy necessarily decreasing. This ID. Buzz has the largest battery available, already used on the ID.4 and 5. But with its additional 300 kg on the scale, Volkswagen cannot do miracles … announced to 419 km in WLTP cycle, The real data vary strongly. If in urban use and with a light crew, the ID. Buzz easily exceeds 450 km, the result is no longer the same when you engage on a fast track. 130 km on the highway, the combi battery runs out fast, very quickly. And as long as you are 5 inside with a few luggage, the autonomy can descend below 300 km ! Not very seller when you improvise your extra urban neo-retro adventurer … We will however wait for the verified data from our Autoplus lab to draw quantified conclusions.

Finally on a positive note, soundproofing is excellent and the Quasi inaudible bearings. The silence is gold aboard the van and the comfort is maximum !

Verdict: we let ourselves be seduced by this combi !

What to say about this ID. Buzz ? Aesthetically pretty, With several winks at the original combi, the new Volkswagen electric van has definitely a huge capital sympathy. You just have to see the smiles of passers -by who, in our way, remain motionless but all smiles, amazed by this rolling UFO. With a Beautiful driving pleasure, of a Maximum comfort and a Very “cozy” atmosphere Inside, the ID. Buzz marks an almost flawless on these points.

Even if, for the moment, some elements have taint the table: absence of a rear seat, windows that do not open, not yet a sunroof, unique motorization .. But above all an autonomy that sins when you want to go fast and far. We are a little hungry and the call price does not help ! Proposed from € 56,990 to which you have to withdraw € 2000 of ecological bonus, the modern van is not suitable for all budgets … and when you take some options, the note quickly exceeds the € 65,000. Enough to blow up the bonus of € 2000, too bad !

In the end, we can still be seduced by this ID. Buzz, which we had been waiting for so long. Once the steering wheel is last, we are charmed by this van which finally sneaks almost everywhere. And the desire to roll far and without counting animates us .. provided you have charging stations on the way !