Quick VW ID-Buzz, Transporter T6.1 and T7 Multivan comparison. Plus ID Buzz first drive and thoughts

Mitch at Parkway VW Kettering lent us the new Volkswagen ID-Buzz for a few days. This gave us chance to give it a test, make some comparisons to the current VW Transporter T6.1 platform and T7 Multivan.
While we had the ID Buzz passenger version, we got it on the ramps to get the measurements we needed to make ID Buzz lowering springs, Solow suspension coilovers and also Air ride for this and the ID Buzz Cargo. We also got some scans to work on some other styling options including a front splitter, amongst other things. I can't wait to see these thing with some extra styling. I think they are going to be a big hit. Looking forward to order that twin motors, AWD ID-Buzz GTX too.
One thing we were a little disappointed with was the lack of opening window in the back of the ID-Buzz. We've sent all the information to our factory who are already working on a flush sliding window for the passenger / car ID-Buzz in window OEM tint, plus a dark, smoked tint for those planing to convert the ID Buzz Cargo into campers / day / surf vans etc.
Our own Buzz arrives next week, so we'll go into more detail about our plans in a future video. We've got some interesting stuff planned ;)
Please do like the video, it mean's a lot!
Share it with anyone interested in the ID-Buzz, T7 Multi van or the T6.1.
Be sure to subscribe to the channel and ring the little bell image for updates on new video is releases. Plenty more interesting content coming, i promise.
As always, thanks for watching.

[@jcb202]

Thank you. Good to see an honest impartial review. Now work your magic!

[@THQAutomotive]

Keep watching, magic incoming 🙏

[@drewsteroriginals4564]

Great video, catching up on stuff so a comparison is great.

[@THQAutomotive]

Glad you liked it 😊

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Can’t wait to see you work your magic

[@THQAutomotive]

Can't wait to get ours low 😝

[@ahoyleisure]

I've not drove one yet but Ive seen one on the road and Im loving the look of them. ace video

[@THQAutomotive]

Thank you. Our actual Buzz arrives this week. I'll do a full review after a few weeks on ownership

[@adiehull]

Love the ID Buzz. Modified ones will be epic. Great range of van type vehicles from VW at the minute 👌🏼

[@THQAutomotive]

I have to agree 😊

[@bognormotors.]

Great video. You know we love the T7 (no one else does though😂😂😂). Can’t wait to get out Buzzes ❤

[@THQAutomotive]

I think it's just us and you on the T7 🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@neverleftthe80s29]

The rear seats and rails in the T7 is brilliant. 4Motion diesel is the one to get. ID Buzz will continue to evolve and looking forward to getting them in Australia in 2024. Enjoyed the video, cheers.

[@THQAutomotive]

We're hoping to have a distributor in Australia this year too.

[@skapet]

Looking forward when you do your magic! 😃👍

[@THQAutomotive]

We will don't you worry 😊

[@Tim_G_666]

I'm a Transporter guy all day long, but definitely starting to like the ID-Buzz, and I'm not a fan of electric vehicles yet. The current wife hired a Merc electric sprinter to help my sister in law move house just before Christmas, and because I drive a van as my daily, I was nominated driver. It had an 80 mile range, and we had to do 4 journeys house to house. I spent a lot of time at Morrisons re-charging. 80 miles! Definitely can't wait to see what you do with the ID-Buzz though chaps.

[@THQAutomotive]

Range is going to be key for so many people. I think 220-250 is acceptable. These will only improve with technology though.

[@peterwilding9744]

Very good content on the three of them like always very good video take care everyone drive safely how is the caddy coming along ?? 👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌

[@THQAutomotive]

We must get on that caddy update. I'll bump it up the list.

[@steveparlow7322]

Thanks for your video review Andy. I currently have a T6.1 Ocean which was also supplied by Parkway Kettering. It's the 3rd Transporter based VW I've had , before that a 19 Plate PV then T6.1 Combi. I've been looking at the Buzz and its progression to a production vehicle for some time as an eventually replacement to the Ocean, well, that's once I get too old to climb into the upper bed!! Now that it's out and available to order I have say I've gone quite cool on the idea of having one. The range on the Ocean is 550+ miles, with 35+ mpg round town and regularly see 53mpg on a run. It's my only 4 wheeled vehicle. Stunning for something that's nearly 3 tons. My concern is that EV's may well become the BETAMAX to VHS once the realisation eventually dawns that the ability to generate the increased electricity to power them is a very long way off, the National Grids own "live data" shows we've been topping up our electricity for years from continental Europe. As the Ocean only has 15k miles on the clock it might even out live me 🤣 anyway !!

[@THQAutomotive]

Hi Steve, yes I have my own concerns. I don't believe EV's are now or will ever be a complete replacement for a vehicle with a combustion engine of some sort. I do think they are here to stay though. There will always be a market for low emission area's, or town living if you have a drive way to charge. If you don't already, check the fully charged show you tube channel. They have some interesting video on harvesting and using solar energy.

[@steveparlow7322]

@@THQAutomotive It's a great channel and watch it all the time and completely agree that ICE transportation will be here for a long time to come ...... where I think the EV's really scores is for city and local type driving. We're about to get over run by cost effective small / medium EV's from China ........ Interesting that TESLA have globally made a significant reduction in the sales price in the last couple of days, making the Model 3 pretty much the same price as ID3 and ID4 ........

[@THQAutomotive]

@@steveparlow7322 Really, I didn't know that. I did enjoy my model 3 performance initially but it got boring pretty quickly. I wouldn't want to have been tied into a long lease agreement on it.

[@vdubster]

Sliding windows are a good shout, especially when the LWB comes out.

[@THQAutomotive]

We're on it. Flush sliders too 😊

[@linoleumbonypart385]

Still haven’t even got the T6 windows don’t hold your breath ..!!

[@vdubster]

@@linoleumbonypart385 well I’m very happy with my rear sliders in my T5, sadly leaking from poor fitting but the units themselves are awesome.

[@VeloPageyAdventures]

You speak total sense. The Buzz looks brilliant, I just wish the pricing was lower. Multivan is great for those who just want a day van & the 6.1 is the do it all machine.

[@THQAutomotive]

Yep, that about sums it up 👌

[@benkelly948]

Been looking at the cargo and getting some windows fitted but can't find any online. I'll be keeping an eye on you website for when you get some in stock. Great video btw.

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes we'll have them on camperglass.co.uk as soon as they are available

[@UKJLo]

I think we need to see the buzz with your modifications!

[@THQAutomotive]

Come soon I promise 😉

[@footballgeorgiebest]

I love a glass pano roof / sunroof and they are putting that in the ‘ Samba’ vers next year apparently.

[@THQAutomotive]

I love the pano roof in the T7. Its defo an option I'd tick if it was available on the buzz.

[@philhooper279]

Good information. Looking forward good to see a rear wheel drive on the ID Buzz. Is that a possible up grade to hybrid for the T6 with the 2L deisel using existing control mapping on VW such as the golf e. What would be the extra weight of batteries ? Phil

[@THQAutomotive]

Hi Phil, its doable but the cost would be more than a new vehicle. Bolt on electric parts just aren't there yet.

[@robertshunter]

We had the Transporter in North America through the 2003MY. I have two T4 as evidence of this, a 10v 2.5L I5, and a 12v 2.8L VR6.

[@THQAutomotive]

Nice!! It seems you're getting the ID-Buzz too

[@denverread2221]

Wow impressive bread man

[@denverread2221]

Beard

[@THQAutomotive]

@@denverread2221 it's getting there 😅

[@michaelw4620]

Hi guys, looking for your advice regarding upgrading the T6.1 radio to the bigger (genuine VW) piano black unit with the virtual cockpit. A video or any help regarding this would be amazing. Great vids keep up the great work. 👍👍👍

[@THQAutomotive]

Hello, speak to Paul at poollretrofits.com and tell him we sent you :)

[@shanewaller2864]

Hi Andy I have a 2022 204 highline swamper from van haven and as much as I love my van the integrated head unit does my head in .I noticed in your video just how much you took your eyes of the road .I sold my ford sierra cosworth to part fund my van and every button could be accessed while driving in the dark because nothing had moved, every function stayed put and didn't need a menu to access. I know its the way every thing is going ,but I just wish they would stick to what works .if its not broken why try to fix it . Still looking forward to seeing what you do to the ID BUZZ 👍🤟

[@THQAutomotive]

I couldn't agree more. Let's hope good old fashioned buttons and switches come back in to fashion. They're all just trying to be too futuristic, too "Telsa"

[@stefanrichter375]

I hired a new Golf recently and those touchscreen controls drove me mad. It's almost as if they never tested that setup in the real world.

[@1ManAndHisVan]

Given that you're not even allowed to touch your mounted mobile phone to change your sat nav when your vehicle is in motion, the mind boggles how VW have got away with that touchscreen control panel. Not hating on the ID Buzz, but that panel has got 'cause of accident' written all over it.

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes very good point. All cars seem to be going that way though 🙁

[@vdubster]

They want you to use the voice control I reckon.

[@THQAutomotive]

@@vdubster good point

[@antoniopalmero4063]

You can touch your phone if it’s in a phone holder ,although this is still very distracting in my opinion.

[@vdubster]

@@antoniopalmero4063 not in the UK you can’t

[@mendistudio]

My favourite design is the T6.1.

[@THQAutomotive]

I have to agree but the ID Buzz drives so much better.

[@RonnyR123]

You can swipe the buttons for heating, thats even faster than old turning knobs.

[@THQAutomotive]

I'm sure we'll get used to it. I still like a button though

[@martinspurway22]

Do you guys know if your swivel seat bases would work in the Buzz?

[@THQAutomotive]

I doubt it but work with Rusty Lee to develop one asap.

[@cheesesteakjimmy2076]

Them navis unknown wheels are absolutely cracking . Am stuck between them and the navis holeys

[@THQAutomotive]

The unknown is my favourite alloy ever! 👌

[@MrSnejkaj]

I have a silver Buzz with black interior and 20” wheels on order in sweden.

[@THQAutomotive]

We collect ours on Wednesday.... it's all yellow 😵‍💫

[@20yearsagotoday1]

FN72SLZ VW ID Buzz Style, colour blue, registered in Nottingham for Forest and Fens region on 05/12/22. Taxed until 01/12/23. Who’s a bad boy!

[@THQAutomotive]

Naughty!!! You'll get us in trouble 🤭

[@unsheep]

Seen a few on the roads here in semi rural Norway. They look cool but the t7 looks more practical. Not that I can afford either, I'll stick with the older stuff.

[@THQAutomotive]

We're starting to see more here. I think they'll become really popular.

[@jonmortermusic]

That centre console on the Buzz has ‘cause of accident’ written all over it

[@THQAutomotive]

I would think they included in the crash tests VW do?

[@raeldor]

Hi. I was wondering if anyone has a T7 PHEV and could answer some questions... Does it have a 'camp mode' or any way to run the AC from the hybrid battery? Does it have any internal 240v sockets?

[@THQAutomotive]

No to all the above. The battery is really small and would'n't handle much

[@raeldor]

@@THQAutomotive I have to respectfully disagree. It has a 10Kwh battery. My EV with AC or heat on uses about 1Kw per hour. So that should in theory give you up to 10 hours of AC/heating. The real question is... does it, like most PHEVs and EVs, run the AC and heat purely off the battery when in 'Pure Electric Mode' until the battery runs out and the engine kicks in.

[@T_Perkins]

In response to the buttons.. or lack thereof... VW boss has said that they are getting rid of the capacitive stuff by the end on this year.

[@T_Perkins]

The load capacity of the buzz is concerning. I hope it's not for structural reasons. And I hope it's not compliance reasons. Because 650 is a bit naff... What's the maximum train weight of the buzz? Nice to hear you like the t6 (?) velle. All the chrome. Lovely. Just enough to be special but not ultra shouty. Someone gets there unadulterated, executive, waxed every four months... I'm yet to see one in the same colour in 3 years. Haven't been to any dub events tho. Don't know if an unadulterated one would be welcome. Lol I'm not going to move away from a diesel powerplant until they can sort the maximum train weight issue out As it stands, you can have a camper as a visiting wagon and you can haul a white box on the continent if you want as well. I'm waiting on my op to happen before making steps.. a buzz as a camper with that battery taken advantage of is such a gem... If the load and train are good enough to boot...

[@THQAutomotive]

Wow, thats a bold step but one i'd to pleased to see.

[@Cous1nJack]

7:40 ‘haptic feedback’

[@THQAutomotive]

Thats the word I was looking for!! haha thanks

[@anoshya]

I’ve just bought a nice black VW t6 with DSG low mileage and have just put bed in and drawers sliding underneath. Euro 6 and would not like the electric vans as charging will be a great problem..imagine travelling to Nice from London in the ID Buzz..great looking vehicle but if battery fails out of warranty it’s very costly too..unless electric vans get a range of 500 miles before charge I don’t think they will take off

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes range right now isn't where it needs to be. There is a twin motor longer range Buzz coming

[@eurotoad]

The us got the t4 as the last bus model.

[@THQAutomotive]

Sorry I don't understand what that means

[@eurotoad]

@@THQAutomotive I the America Markey our last T series was the t4. Sales was to low to keep selling so they stopped after the T4.

[@THQAutomotive]

@@eurotoad but I think the US is getting the Buzz

[@mattsheldon9732]

Had one for the day today….. It’s an electric Sharan with less seats! 😢

[@THQAutomotive]

I honestly don't see it. I just don't see how its like a Sharan in anyway other than thats the name of another vehicle made by VW?

[@ianwilcoxson1579]

Great review, but the buzz isn’t a transporter not with those dimensions and design approach.

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes agreed. It's not trying to be a Transporter replacement. You can see how VW will use a out of this in the T6.1 replacement which will no doubt also come as a full EV.

[@alansteele3757]

There’s probably no sliding window on the sliding doors, to help increase the already poor range, these electric vehicles have !!

[@THQAutomotive]

We already have a flush sliding window in OEM tint and smoke conversion style tint in development.

[@cheesesteakjimmy2076]

Who done the chameleon on the 6.1

[@THQAutomotive]

I had it done in the Netherlands at Transporter HQ Europe.

[@antonybailey8939]

What colour is the chameleon tint please

[@THQAutomotive]

@@antonybailey8939 I don't know sorry

[@darkhorsegarage]

I have the Id3. The steering wheel buttons are horrible. They are so bad that VW has agreed to change the design in the future (they rarely do).

[@THQAutomotive]

Interesting

[@White1sox]

i dont like the t7 becuase engine display they have right now if they bring an diesel or an v6 patrol i would buy 1 but not as an hybride ...... i still drive my 2005 t5 2.5 tdi 174 hp tuned to 240 hp .. and i have an t6.1 2021 204 hp love it the t7 looks wirde

[@THQAutomotive]

They do a 2ltr TDI 204 bhp T7

[@RudiJass]

the lowered t7 looks absolutely ridiculous

[@THQAutomotive]

That's totally aired out. At ride height, it looks and drives really well. After having had 20" wheels on it, I actually think it suits the 17" wheel and AT tyre look better.

[@rudijass8771]

@@THQAutomotive 👍

[@StuartPlumbley]

If they hadn't screwed up the T7 lwb (not a long wheel base anymore) I'd happily have one of those

[@THQAutomotive]

I've not actually been in the LWB T7

[@ApexCypher_]

£55k for a decent spec ID Cargo and £75k for the Buzz is way too much for mass adoption.

[@THQAutomotive]

I guess like so many vehicles, they'll be put on fleet and be a cheaper 2nd owner vehicle. VW are offer strong GFV's if funding them though. They're confident they're going to hold their value.

[@zaneenaz4962]

The older vans have more room ------> kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn3Rq36jqcdgbrM

[@daveb1242]

All that Buzz needs is a proper engine. The T 7 is just not cool. No matter how hard you try

[@THQAutomotive]

It may not be cool in some (most) peoples eyes, it a great drive and super practical. Not everyone buys a vehicle to be cool.

[@daveb1242]

@@THQAutomotive How does that help you. What you do is make cool vans cooler

[@THQAutomotive]

@@daveb1242 if its shit to start with, it makes it easier for us to make them cool 🤷🏻‍♂️🤪

[@RedBatteryHead]

It's eighter you go full EV or not. Plug in Hybrid is just troublesome. And every mile running the ICE it's not helping the economic performance at all.

[@THQAutomotive]

Yes I have to agree.

[@ThePotter201]

So the electric vehicle is a nice bit of awkward technology for well off people who don’t mind throwing money at something that’s clearly going to have issues down the line like the other VW electric EV systems when it comes to modifying and VW’s clear dislike of it.

[@THQAutomotive]

But if people didn't modify VW's, they'd sell way way less. It seems some VW dealers know us.

[@danbissett]

It only works as a run around, this design will never work as a camper, issues with charging, no network? this van is only as good as the ability of fossil fuels and that's no where near. We are still a long way off. If you can charge from on your own drive then this works on cost and ease of use. What happens when you live in a victorian terrace road? Or a block of flats? People park where they can in cities - that's a big load of extension leads criss crossing across a suburb street in Bromley! Lastly the costs at petrol stations that have electric chargers, they charge a massive premium to boot . No lithium is not the answer? discuss...

[@THQAutomotive]

Yeah i agree. The don't currently work for a lot of people. I can see camper sites starting to offer charging pitches though. No they clearly don't work if you don't have a drive to park / charge them on.

[@commuterbranchline8132]

I’m disappointed with the Buzz, it’s a shockingly poor execution of the original ‘Bulli’ Concept launched in 2011. The software on the control panel has now been acknowledged as unfit for purpose while the MEB platform could have easily been so much better. As a school run wagon it might be ok, but what about all you VW folk who love to tour and meet up in fields, will you manage 100 miles between charges at motorway speeds? Any word on the real life charging speed? It’s a real shame, VW have the heritage and all the cool a brand could ever want, it’s a shame this modern version does nothing to further the dream. Tesla will make a van which will have speed and range, if they make a stainless steel cyber version VW might not be able to give these things away.

[@THQAutomotive]

Now a Tesla van is something i'd love to see. I'd be ordering one for sure.

[@mnp3713]

T7? no such thing its a Passat mate.

[@THQAutomotive]

haha, yeah they are so similar.

[@danbissett]

vegan leather? lol

[@THQAutomotive]

Their words not mine!! haha. I'll probably totally re-trim ours in napa.

[@tommorides8086]

Losing their soul. Say goodbye to VW as you know it.

[@THQAutomotive]

I don't agree, I love the direct of some of their stuff. It just takes some getting used to because in our heads, we all love a mk2 GTI

[@tommorides8086]

@@THQAutomotive They're just going to be another Ford on the road in drag, no matter how much you try and squint your eyes. Its genuinely a shame.

[@THQAutomotive]

@@tommorides8086 everyone has their own opinion I guess. I think VW will make Ford more VW, than Ford make VW more Ford.

[@jonpetter8921]

@@tommorides8086 I m sure many will disagree with you , me included.

[@redstar612]

The T7 is ugly as hell The Buzz is ok but to much €€€ not worth it The T6.1 is 👍💕 beauty

[@THQAutomotive]

I agree on the T6.1 😍