By Ian Strachan.
When you look at Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz you’ll be reminded of the iconic VW campervans of the 1950s and 60s – the ones you still see today from time to time, usually broken down at the side of the road.
But there the similarities end. Despite its nostalgic design the ID.Buzz is about as bang up-to-date as you can get, with full electric power, 21st century comforts and bags of technology.
Despite its looks this isn’t a campervan, although I’m sure one will be coming soon. In the long wheelbase version that I tested this is a very roomy and practical seven-seater which is supremely comfortable, relaxing to drive and surprisingly nippy.
The ID.Buzz – in Style specification – develops 286PS, has a top speed of 99 mph and will propel you from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.8 seconds. Respectable for a large vehicle.
Of course if you take full advantage of the ID.Buzz’s impressive performance, you won’t get the published range of 286 miles on a single charge. Being heavy-footed has a range penalty. But to be honest this isn’t a vehicle that makes you put your foot down. It looks cool and relaxed and that’s how it will make you feel in the driving seat – helped by peerless visibility.
The ID.Buzz is a good looker from all angles, with its swinging 60s design cues. You can even have the distinctive VW campervan two-tone paint finish, although at £2,790 this is an expensive luxury. It looks good, though: my test car came in Candy White and Starlight Blue.
The interior of the ID.Buzz is modern, airy and well laid out. You get pleasant trim and seat materials (my test car had a velour comfort seat package at £2,985), integrated armrests in the front, heated, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, ambient lighting with 10 colour options and plenty of storage spaces, with a removable centre console with storage compartments.
The powered sliding passenger doors can be opened from the key fob. The tailgate is also powered, but be careful. The top-hinged tailgate is enormous and will catch you out if you are reverse parked close to a wall.
Specification on the ID.Buzz Style LWB is very good, with two-zone electronic air conditioning, 12.9-inch colour touch-screen navigation system with Harman Kardon nine-speaker sound system plus Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity and voice control, two USB ports with USB charging sockets in the front and rear, adaptive cruise control, head-up display and a range of safety technology including lane keeping aid, distance monitoring and park assist.
You also get 20 inch alloy wheels, (although my test car came with optional 21-inch bi-colour wheels with anti-theft bolts at £515), adaptive cruise control, all round electric windows and door mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors with area camera, park assist, high-beam assist and smartphone charger.
Apart from two-tone paint and 21-inch alloys my test car was also fitted with a swivelling towbar with electric release at £980.
Handling on the ID-Buzz is sure-footed and predictable, with suspension settings that soak up potholes with ease. It gives you an altogether enjoyable ride.
The ID.Buzz is a charming, head-turning enjoyable vehicle which will put a smile on your face. It’s not cheap, starting at more than £60,00 on the road. My test vehicle in seven-seat Style spec came in at £73,920 including more than £8,000 of optional extras, but residuals are good and you’re saving the planet.
