Volkswagen ID. Buzz: road test of the electric multivan that comes from the past

It was the year 1949 when the first generation of the Volkswagen Transporter, better known by the Bulli’s nickname, a commercial vehicle also available in a passenger variant, developed on the beetle platform. For over half a century, the German multivan has been synonymous with travel and freedom, powering entire generations of enthusiasts of life “on the road”. Today, 73 years later, the Bulli is evolving and with the new generation focuses on a whole new guise. The new Transporter is now called ID. Buzz and to keep up with the times it becomes completely electric.

The new ID.Buzz is developed on the MEB platform of the Volkswagen Group, the one designed exclusively for electric cars. It is 4.71 meters long and 1.98 meters wide, while the height reaches 1.93 meters. Generous measures which, however, are at least partly “disguised” by a design made up of soft lines that refer to the very first generation of the model. The shapes of the T1 have been skilfully reinterpreted by the German designers, who have revisited in a modern key all the style elements that have made the history of the model, such as the V-shape of the front and the large logo positioned in the center of the almost vertical nose.

But be careful, do not be fooled by the proportions of the model, because despite these the ID. Buzz is able to ensure a coefficient of aerodynamic penetration of just 0.29.

But it is in the interiors that the ID.Buzz really manages to amaze, exploiting the intrinsic benefits of the MEB platform, which has made it possible to create a wheelbase of 2.98 meters, which translate into record-breaking internal volumes. For the moment only available in a five-seater variant, it ensures plenty of space also and above all for those traveling behind, while luggage is reserved for a load compartment of 1,121 liters in the standard configuration and 2,123 liters by folding down the backrests of the second row.

So much technology on board, inherited directly from other models of the ID family. The dashboard settingin fact, it is practically the same as the ID.3 and ID.4: behind the steering wheel there is a small 5.3-inch display with instrument panel function from which to check the gear data, the navigator’s indications and the operation of the driving assistance systems that here allow you to count on Level 2 autonomous driving.

In the center of the dashboard, on the other hand, the 10 or 12-inch screen of the Discover infotainment system stands out, characterized by accurate graphics, even if a little practice is required to move between the various menus. But what is most striking once behind the wheel of the ID. Buzz is the perfect visibility guaranteed by the huge glass surfaces. Furthermore, the very advanced positioning of the double front pillar means that the classic blind spot that is usually generated at the height of the mirrors, on the new electric multivan of Volkswagen is very small.

Unlike many multispaces that are born on the basis of commercial vehicles, the ID. Buzz represents a model in its own right, declined in a passenger or van version, but developed on a native electric platform, on which cars and SUVs are also developed. This ensures a whole series of advantages from the dynamic point of view that we will see in a moment. The powertrain, on the other hand, is only one (for the moment) and is made up of one 82 kWh battery (77 kWh net)which powers an electric motor mounted on the rear axle, another sign of continuity with the tradition of the model, with a power of 204 HP (150 kW) for 310 Nm of torque.

Numbers that, compared to a unladen mass of 2,471 kgallow you to shoot from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.2 seconds, for a maximum speed of 145 km / h. The battery, which ensures a range of 423 km, can be recharged to a maximum power of 170 kWallowing you to go from 5 to 80% in 30 minutes, a time that goes to 7.30 hours for a complete recharge if you connect to an 11 kW column or wall box.

We put the new Volkswagen ID to the test. Buzz on the streets surrounding Copenhagen. A quick first contact, but which nevertheless allowed us to test the dynamic qualities of the new German electric, along a route of about 80 km. What is striking from the very first kilometers is how much the ID. Buzz manages to be different from any other passenger model derived from a commercial on the market today. And the reason is obvious: in fact, the ID. Buzz is not derived from a commercial. The platform, as we said, is the same as the other models of the ID family, consequently, despite the high seat, the enormous space available and the shapes that certainly refer to those of a van, the new Volkswagen electric drive is more like a car than a commercial vehicle.

The steering, for example, is greatly reduced, but still very communicative and in this regard, thanks to the almost total absence of mechanics on the front, the German technicians have managed to gain a lot of space inside the wheel arches. In this way, the ID. Buzz can count on a turning angle of just 11 meters: not bad considering the length of the vehicle. Returning to driving, the trim calibration favors comfort, but despite this, roll and pitch are rather contained, as long as you don’t overdo the throttle. The 204 HP, in fact, are able to move the multispace with a good agility, despite its almost 2.5 tons of tonnage. Of course, it’s not a lightning bolt of war, but it doesn’t want to be either. There are also four driving modes, which allow you to change the steering and engine behavior according to the driver’s wishes.

The level of soundproofing is excellent, with some aerodynamic rustling too much coming from the rear-view mirrors perceptible only at motorway speeds. The few kilometers traveled did not allow us to accurately assess consumption. In any case, during our test which took place on urban and extra-urban roads, we recorded an average of about 25 kWh / 100 km.

And here we are at the real sore point of the new Volkswagen ID.Buzz: the price. With a price list that opens at 66,000 euro round, the new German multi-space certainly fails to intercept all those travel and adventure enthusiasts who have been driving around the world for over half a century. With such a price, the target audience inevitably rises. But less powerful variants should arrive later, which could thus bring the price of access to more affordable figures. In any case, there are two set-ups available, Pro and Pro +.

The equipment is quite rich from the entry version to the range, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, the Lane and Front Assist, the traffic sign recognition system, the rear view camera, the full-LED headlights and the infotainment system with a 10-inch screen. The Pro + set-up, offered at a price of 68,500 euros, adds to the equipment the rear doors and the electric tailgate, the Discover Pro navigator with 12-inch screen, the Matrix headlights and the two-tone paint.

• ID.Buzz Pro: 66,000 euros
• ID.Buzz Pro +: 68,500 euros

Technique

• Electric motor: synchronous rear with permanent magnates
• Power: 204 HP
• Torque: 310 Nm
• Suspensions: McPherson front, Multilink rear

Dimensions

• Length: 4,712 mm
• Width: 1.985 mm
• Height: 1,920 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,989 mm
• Trunk: 1,121-2,123 liters
• Unladen mass: 2,471 kg

Performance

• Top speed: 145 km / h
• Acceleration 0-100 km / h: 10.2 seconds
• Consumption declared: 21.7-20.5 kWh / 100 km
• Consumption test: about 25 kWh / 100 km
• Range: 402-423 km
• Maximum charging power: 170 kW