Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the return of the astronauts

How to drive ID? Noise in the 204 hp version?
The driving experience is outstanding, in fact first-class, and far superior to combustion-engined models in this size class – SUVs and regular vans as well as the Multivan. In this area, transformation becomes progress. If you want to join the upper echelon in terms of driving experience, this is the place for you.
Basically an ID. The buzz is like a powerful luxury car. On the one hand this is due to the high weight, a good 2.4 tons that guarantees the fullness of the upper layer that nothing can disturb. There’s also VW’s top-tier electric motor, which impresses with its direct but well-dose response and can be easily overridden despite the car’s heavy weight. The VW Electric Bus is confident when overtaking on country roads, and also accelerates well on the highway. Plus, the interior is just as quiet as in a luxury car, thanks to the silent ride and solid body. Wind and rolling noise are also relatively subtle thanks to adequate insulation and aerodynamics.
A DCC adaptive damper system is available on the ID. There’s no noise, so the balance of handling comfort is slightly smaller than the ID.4 and ID.5. Personal fulfillment. The Buzz isn’t a comfortable ride, but its chassis soaks up bumps satisfactorily. The electric bus is very sharp in curves. Since the batteries in the floor of the car lower the center of gravity, you may tend to turn quickly. Of course, to some extent, higher weight sets limits. Personal fulfillment. Buzz is a fast hiker, not an athlete. In general, combustion cars have never been and will never be fun and convenient at the same time.
In city traffic ID. The Buzz has its pros and cons: it’s still short enough to find a parking space, rear-wheel drive means it has a small turning circle, and thanks to its high seating position it offers a good overview. However, above-average width can also cause problems in narrow streets and parking lots.

Do the promised range and charging speed hold up in practice?
The ID that was tested. According to the WLTP standard, the Buzz has a range of 415 km, which corresponds to a consumption of 21 kWh. Test consumption (in good weather conditions) was less than 20 kWh at identification. The Buzz rolled along country roads, meaning a range of about 450 kilometres. The ID card came on the highway. Buzz, on the other hand, has a consumption of about 24 kWh. Test consumption in mix of urban, rural and long distance: 23 kWh, resulting in an actual range of 350 to 370 km. When fully loaded and in winter weather, it will be less, so most Austrians also have to stop to charge on their way to a ski holiday. But this is very short, because the DC charging power reaches 170 kilowatts. With a good flow of power, it takes less than half an hour to return the battery charge level to 80 percent. No problem, right?

What does the price look like?
The good news: unlike the initial phase, cars are now available immediately. Prices start at €59,990 overall, the tested Pro version costs €70,863, and the test car including all extras costs €86,145. On the Austrian Volkswagen company’s website, the prices of cars currently available at dealers range between 64,000 and 85,000 euros. As a private buyer, you can deduct the electric car bonus of €5,400, and for companies electric cars have significant tax advantages compared to combustion engines. ID is cheaper, but also simpler in terms of materials and insulation. Buzz for shipping.
Personal fulfillment. So the Buzz costs a lot of money, but on the other hand, similar amounts are also spent on the VW Transporter. Especially for large SUVs from BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The ID is superior to that. Big bang for your buck in terms of space, while also offering luxury to drive and a more desirable appearance.

Conclusion?
Although id. Buzz was created by the Commercial Vehicles division of VW, but in the tested version, it belongs to a different class: more compact dimensions and vehicle technology of the MEB platform help the truck, which has been replaced by the SUV boom, make a counting car. Using one of the most beloved designs of all time makes the return of the MPV even more exciting. Compared with SUVs, the interior is brighter and more airy, and the cargo space is larger and more practical. The demand for higher ranges and lower prices is as justified as it is unjustified – a matter of perspective.