Feel the Buzz of Volkswagen’s new electric van

Car Reviews and Advisory
The Volkswagen Kombi is back, but not as we knew it.  
Volkswagen ID.Buzz front view.

For a brand that has rattled the sabre so vigorously about the benefits of electric vehicles in recent years, Volkswagen Australia’s own journey to electrification has been a slow train coming.

While fellow Volkswagen Group brands Audi, Cupra and Skoda have all launched fully electric models locally, Volkswagen Australia has had to wait patiently while its parent in Germany got on with the job of electrifying its fleet in Europe and elsewhere.

Now, the floodgates have opened with a wave of new electric models due in 2025, spearheaded by the brand’s first battery-electric models the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, which both launched in December 2024, and are soon to be followed in early 2025 by the ID. Buzz GTX, ID.4 and ID.5 mid-size SUVs.

What’s the difference between the VW ID. Buzz models?

In terms of market positioning, the ID. Buzz Pro is a passenger-oriented vehicle that’s available in five- and seven-seat configurations, while the ID. Buzz Cargo is a three-seat commercial vehicle offering.

There are two different wheelbases, a short wheelbase for the ID. Buzz Pro five-seater and a long wheelbase for the ID. Buzz Pro seven-seat, and the Cargo.

Not available at launch but due in early 2025 is the top-spec ID. Buzz GTX, a luxuriously appointed long-wheelbase seven-seater that will be the only dual motor all-wheel drive variant in the range.

All other ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo variants feature a single rear-mounted motor driving the rear wheels.

The short wheelbase five-seater rides on a 2,989mm wheelbase and has an overall length of 4,712mm, which is about the same as an Audi Q5 or BMW 3 Series wagon.

The long-wheelbase seven-seaters ride on an expanded 3,239mm wheelbase with an overall length of 4,962mm, which is slightly longer than a VW Caravelle and about the same overall length as a BMW X6.

Vehicle height varies between 1,924–1,927mm, depending on wheelbase length and wheel choice.

How much does the VW ID. Buzz cost?

Recommended retail pricing starts at $79,990 for the three-seat ID. Buzz Cargo, rising to $87,990 for the short-wheelbase ID. Buzz Pro five-seat, on to $91,290 for the ID. Buzz Pro long-wheelbase seven-seater, topping out at $109,990 for the GTX LWB long-wheelbase 4Motion seven-seat.

The ID. Buzz Cargo shares the same core technologies as the passenger-oriented ID. Buzz five- and seven-seat variants but needs to be optioned-up to gain some of their standard features, such as LED matrix ‘IQ Light’, and bigger alloy wheels.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz on the highway.

As it stands, the entry-level ID. Buzz Pro sneaks in under the luxury car tax threshold, although it won’t take much in the way of options to tip it over.

What technology does the VW ID. Buzz have?

All ID. Buzz variants are based on Volkswagen’s modular MEB electric car platform which in this configuration delivers even front and rear weight distribution, two different wheelbases, short overhangs, and a low centre of gravity.

Under that distinctive-looking Kombi-style body are lithium-Ion battery packs in either 84 kWh (short wheelbase) or 91 kWh (long wheelbase) sizes.

The batteries feature a modular construction which VW says makes them repairable one cell at a time if damaged, unlike some competitors who require a full battery replacement, and are guaranteed to retain at least 70% capacity at the end of the eight-year or 160,000km warranty period.

The ID. Buzz Pro long-wheelbase with the larger battery has the best range of the trio of models we drove, delivering  a claimed 452km on a full charge, versus 431km for the ID.Buzz Cargo and 422km for the ID.Buzz Pro short-wheelbase. 

When it comes to charging, the ID.Buzz Pro short wheelbase and the Cargo can accommodate DC charging at up to 185kW, where the long-wheelbase ID.Buzz Pro with the 91kWh battery can handle a higher 200kW DC charge rate. AC charging is 11kW for all models.

Charging times vary depending on power source (and battery size), ranging from 30 minutes for a 5–80% charge on a DC fast charger, to 7.5 hours for a full charge on an AC wall-mounted charger, to almost 23 hours for a full charge on an AC household socket.

The vehicles come standard with AC charging Mode 2 (for home charging) and Mode 3 (for public charging) cables.

All ID. Buzz models come with an embedded SIM card for connected car functions, including live technical status, battery state of charge, battery health, recent trip records and other features.

Connectivity is via a non-proprietary but VW-approved mobile phone app which comes with a 5-year licence to match the new car warranty.

What’s the exterior design of the VW ID. Buzz like?

Described by VW as “progressive and futuristic” the ID. Buzz showcases an unmistakeable design aesthetic that instantly reminds one of Volkswagen’s iconic Kombi, a van loved by generations of hippies, surfers and globe-trotting adventurers for its spaciousness, simplicity and versatility.

Of course, Volkswagen has form when it comes to revisiting its styling back catalogue, having drawn inspiration for 1997’s New Beetle from the original Beetle that originated in post-war Germany.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz interior.

If a nod to the past worked before, there’s no reason it can’t work again, and in this instance, Volkswagen has borrowed cues from the original Kombi to create the thoroughly contemporary electrified ID.Buzz.

Up front there’s an over-sized VW logo, flanked by LED Matrix headlights with a neat ‘eye-wink’ animation on start-up.

There are 13 different colour variants to choose from on the passenger models, including metallic and pearl-effect paints with each adding $1890 to the base price, and the distinctive two-tone option which adds a hefty $4090. The Cargo has a choice of seven colours, including metallic and pearl.

The passenger-oriented ID.Buzz Pro variants feature so-called ‘Easy Open’ power tailgate and power side doors on both sides of the vehicle as standard.

The doors and tailgate can be operated via a foot swipe under the vehicle which activates a sensor, or via buttons on the dash.

The ID.Buzz Cargo gets dual manual sliding side doors as standard, with the option of electric doors. A manual tailgate is standard with optional electric operation, while manual rear wing (barn) doors are also available as an option.

What’s the interior of the VW ID. Buzz like?

Inside the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo feature a large 12.9-inch touchscreen display, with passenger variants boasting up to seven USB ports, wireless phone charging, and tri-zone climate control with vents in the second and third rows.

The infotainment system includes digital radio reception (DAB+), Bluetooth hands-free function, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The standard audio system is a nine-speaker unit, with an upgraded Harman Kardon system available for an extra $2200 which includes a head-up display.

The absence of wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are unusual for a contemporary vehicle at this price point, but VW Australia says the popular features will become available as a software update in Q1 2025.

Another pricey option is the panoramic sunroof, which is standard on the GTX but $3,290 on the other variants. The sunroof features a multilayer switchable liquid-crystal-foil element that is opaque when switched off and clear when on.

While it certainly makes for a lovely, light vehicle interior, we’re unsure how the glass roof will perform with regards to interior heat buildup under Queensland’s fierce tropical sun.

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Both the passenger-focused five- and seven-seat models offer comfortable and attractive interiors.

There’s adequate bolstering and functional armrests for the front seats, and comfortable rear seats with ample space.

Helpful amenities include second-row map pockets and handy aircraft-style flip-out tables, plus air-con vents in all rows. There are also storage pockets and cup holders, plus USB-C style charging ports.

A removable centre-console-style box located between the driver and front passenger seats provides additional storage up front.

Ambient lighting with 10 different colours and design profiles is standard on the passenger models, with selection via the infotainment system.

The standard seating package features with cloth trim with the front and outer rear seats gaining inserts of another fabric material called Seaqual.

The driver and front passenger seats are heated and feature armrests on the inner sides of the seats.

Stepping up to the $6,470 Interior Style package brings a 30-colour ambient lighting system, power front seats with memory, heating and massage functions, leatherette door trim armrest, and sound-insulated glass with dark privacy tint.

The top-grade Premium Interior Style Package brings all the above plus a nicer ‘ArtVelours ECO’ microfleece fabric for the front seats and outer rear seats, at a cost of $6,970.

Head and legroom are more business- than economy-class, with enough headroom for above-average height adults and a second-row seat that’s wide enough to accommodate three adults sitting abreast, although it’s obviously more comfortable with two.

The absence of a transmission tunnel ensures a flat floor, which further benefits passenger comfort, and even the third row of seats in the seven-seater is more comfortable than some 4x4 wagons and SUVs we’ve experienced.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz second row of seats.

The cargo area in both five and seven-seaters is generous, with the short wheelbase offering 1,121mm of space behind the second row of seats, and the long wheelbase expanding this to 1,340mm.

With the second row of seats folded, space in the short wheelbase expands to 2,232mm and 2,469mm in the long wheelbase.

Unsurprisingly, luggage space is significantly reduced with the third row of seats in the upright position, falling to just 306mm between the seatback and tailgate.

The ID. Buzz GTX features a multi-flex board system that creates a raised false floor, and comes with two storage boxes that can be slid in under the floor for extra storage.

Despite this, families of more than five may still need to look at external storage options like roof pods, or a trailer.

If that’s the case, braked towing capacity for the short wheelbase is 1,200kg, while the seven-seat long wheelbase is restricted to 1,000kg.

The interior of the Cargo is more workmanlike and includes a bench-style seat and fixed partition with a window located behind the driver and passenger seats.

The partition helps keep road and tyre rumble from the cargo area bay, ensuring an impressively quiet cabin.

The load space is designed to accommodate two Euro pallets and is clad in durable, scratch-resistant material, with a wood-topped floor.

The cargo area measures 2,208mm long with tailgate, or 2,232mm with wing doors. Width is 1,732mm, reducing to 1,230mm between the wheelarches, with a height of 1,257mm.

Payload is a handy 774kg and the ID.Buzz cargo has a braked towing capacity of 1,200kg.

An additional ‘load-through hatch’ located in the fixed partition between the driver's cab and the cargo area allows longer items to be extended from the cargo space into the passenger cabin.

There are also underfloor storage compartments on both left and right sides of the vehicle, for items like ropes and tie-down straps.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo front view.
The ID.Buzz Cargo features a three-seat layout.

While there’s space aplenty in the rear of the ID.Buzz Cargo its three-seat layout is clearly not designed primarily with passenger comfort in mind, with the lack of seat bolstering feeling less than ideal for multiple occupants on longer journeys.

Still, there are four USB-C ports and a 12-V plug available in the cabin, with a large above-dash storage bin providing a handy place for folders and other equipment.

Elsewhere, all ID. Buzz variants feature a lot of hard plastics throughout the interior which detracts from the otherwise premium feel of the interior.

VW Australia staff said this was designed to reduce vehicle weight, but there’s also no doubt a cost-saving component and when you’re paying this much for a new vehicle it’s reasonable to expect more premium interior finishes.

What’s the VW ID. Buzz like to drive?

The ID. Buzz driving experience is exceptional, with smooth and instantly responsive power delivery, and impressive driving dynamics that means it never feels like a big, cumbersome van to drive.

The single rear-mounted electric motor puts out a claimed 210kW/ 560Nm on passenger variants, while the ID. Buzz Cargo delivers the same 210kW but a slightly lower 550Nm.

Stepping up to the dual-motor GTX boosts power to 250kW, although this model wasn’t available to drive at launch.

The strong power outputs of the single-motor variants are felt on the road with the 0–100km/h sprint coming up in under 7.0 seconds and the electric motor’s torque supplied instantly to the wheels.

There are different power modes (economy, sport and default) on offer, as well as drive and regenerative braking selections.

We chose to leave the drive mode in its default setting for the most part, reaping the benefits of additional regenerative braking.

The five-seat version rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, stepping up to larger 21-inch units on the two seven-seat versions. Optioning the base model with the handsome 21-inch alloys costs $1,900.

Both rim sizes feature staggered width tyres, with the five-seater equipped with 235/55 R19 tyres up front, and 255/50 R19s at the rear.

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The seven-seat model is equipped with 235/45 R21 tyres in front, and 265/40 R21 at rear. The more pragmatic ID.Buzz Cargo rolls on 18-inch steel wheels clad with 235/60 R18 tyres up front, and 255/55 R18 at the rear, with the option to upgrade to a 19-inch alloys wheel and tyre combo.

Without any weight in the ID. Buzz Cargo, the rear suspension can feel a bit firm, resulting in passengers being jostled around on rough surfaces, highlighting a lack of padding on the contact points with the door trims in this variant.

However, we also got to drive the ID. Buzz Cargo with 500kg of load in the rear and it was in this configuration that the firm load-oriented suspension setup made more sense.

What sort of safety features does the VW ID. Buzz have?

There’s a raft of advanced driver assistance systems available across the ID. Buzz range, as reflected by a 2022 five-star EuroNCAP rating for all variants.

This includes a 92% score for adult occupants, 87% for child occupants, 60% for vulnerable road users and 90% for safety assist features. There’s is no local ANCAP score yet available for any ID.Buzz variant.

The long list of standard safety features as standard, including: driver alert system; fatigue detection; multi-collision braking; ESC with ABS and traction control; front emergency brake assist; emergency steering aid; tyre pressure monitoring assist; park distance control front and rear; adaptive cruise control with stop & go; lane change assist; lane keeping assist; swerve support with turn assist (front); rear-view camera; rear traffic alert; and more.

There’s also a range of sophisticated lighting features as standards, including automatic headlights with high-beam control, dynamic cornering lights, and a coming-and-leaving function.

What’s the ID. Buzz Ownership experience like?

Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) used the launch of the ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo electric vans to announce ‘On EV’ a package of services designed to make EV ownership easier for its customers.

The ‘On EV’ package covers existing and new owners of battery electric from all the German car maker’s brands, including Audi, Cupra, Skoda, and Volkswagen Passenger and Commercial Vehicles.

Features include access to battery ‘health’ checks at regular service times, flexible financing and lease options, solutions for charging at home and on the road, plus guaranteed future value.

Working with major Australian partners such as JETCharge, ChargeFox, Ampol, and Europcar, along with Volkswagen Financial Services, VGA says ‘On EV’ will provide solutions for at-home and on-the-road charging, including home charging installation and access to public charging networks as part of the vehicle’s finance package.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo rear view.

The finance aspect will include Guaranteed Future Value, novated lease options for all VGA EVs, and all-in-one weekly repayments, creating a virtual ‘pay as you go’ means of ownership.
VGA Group EV drivers will also be able to secure an EV loan car with a service booking through VGA’s national dealer network.

The ID.Buzz’s servicing intervals are a long 24 months or 30,000km, and priced at $670 each, with buyers also able to choose from six, eight or 10-year care plans, which include further servicing cost discounts.

Should I buy a VW ID. Buzz?

With the launch of the all-new, all-electric five- and seven-seat Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and the the-seat commercial offering the ID. Buzz Cargo, VW has delivered a practical, modern and attractive EV with excellent performance and driving dynamics.

The company claims to already have some 8000 customer expressions of interest around the country, and based on our experience at the vehicle’s launch in and around Newcastle, NSW, we’ve got no reason to doubt that claim.

The retro styling approach appears to have struck pay dirt, with multiple parties approaching us over the course of the two-day drive-program expressing interest in the vehicle.

As an all-electric seven-seat people mover, the ID.Buzz Pro sits in rarified air, with few direct competitors.

Yes, there are electric SUVs out there like Kia’s EV9 and both Mercedes-Benz and LDV offer more van-like rivals, but none have the style and instant visual appeal of the ID.Buzz.

This is a cool car and one that potential buyers may feel a special attraction to and affinity for, thanks to its visual links to combustion-powered Kombis.

VW expects the long wheelbase ID. Buzz Pro seven-seat model to be the most popular variant but the company also has high hopes for the ID. Buzz Cargo, which they predict will eventually rank second to the Amarok ute when it comes to the brand’s commercial vehicle sales.

The relatively high price will be an understandable barrier to some buyers but with is cool looks, low ownership costs and impressive driving dynamics, the ID.Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo twins will appeal to families and businesses want to change into a roomy, charming, enjoyable and well-built EV.

Key stats

  • Price (MRLP): $91,290 (MRLP)
  • Warranty: Five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty (vehicle); eigh-year, 160,000km warranty (high-voltage battery)
  • Powertrain: 91kWh lithium-ion battery, single electric motor, rear- wheel drive (210kW/560Nm)
  • Range (WLTP): 452km
  • Energy consumption (WLTP): 21.1 kWh/100km
  • ANCAP crash rating: Not rated (Five-star EuroNCAP 2022)
  • For: Head-turning exterior styling, excellent handling and power delivery, quiet and comfortable, intuitive infotainment system.
  • Against: Relatively high price, limited range, no spare wheel (inflator kit), staggered-fit tyres that could result in higher tyre costs, expensive options.

By Joel Tucker, Ged Bulmer

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