Volkswagen ID.Buzz electric van first drive: It combines nostalgia and technology

We’ve waited a long time for this one. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz was unveiled way back in 2017. Now it’s here and ready to drive. Except it’s not exactly “here.” It launches in Europe this year and will make its way to the United States in 2023. That means that while we did have an opportunity to drive the long-awaited EV, it was the European model.
Still, as far as hype vehicles go, the ID.Buzz is up there with the Ford Bronco for folks looking for an electric alternative to the automotive-nostalgia trend. During our drive, we found the ID.Buzz performed as advertised: It's a proper van that just so happens to be powered by electricity and a desire to reclaim yesteryear. Just don’t ask about price, range or the actual length of the upcoming US version.
Subscribe: / engadget
Like us on Facebook: / engadget
Follow us on Twitter: / engadget
Follow us on Instagram: / engadget
Follow us on TikTok: / engadget
The Engadget Podcast: itunes.apple.c...
More about Engadget Audio: www.engadget.c...
Read more: www.engadget.com

[@kit888]

Needs a 200km test drive loaded with people.

[@phatgringo2.0]

That'll turn into a 50 mile trip

[@aelaan12]

I'd say base model Euro 59k highest trim level ~80k and still... I am missing the pop-out tent on the roof.

[@ThePianist51]

It is already available for 45.000€ ./. environmental bonus without the interior seats and stuff.

[@MissStateFan]

@@ThePianist51 which is 45,070.87 USD. Still too expensive for most people.

[@TheAdorfer]

There is going to be a California version in the future

[@auliamate]

Hot damn, this better come to Canada. Now watch it start at 80K LMAO.

[@goodvideos.113]

Xe này mẫu này hôm nay mình mới thấy, nhìn rất đẹp và rất công năng.

[@youarefuture1]

Volkswagen ID Buzz is the minivan of the year

[@BladeoftheImmortal2005]

I really want the short wheel base one. Is there a way to import?

[@Poo_Brain_Horse]

I really want the short version, but I live in the US. I wonder how hard it would be to import it?

[@YoMumzinnit]

Oh yeah, I’m getting one

[@angtjingoean9627]

Luv this van but too expensive in Singapore. The price is 440k usd

[@norvikboghosian1482]

Hi Edward Snowden is this your personal chaneel?

[@TechGamesAU]

Hope they didn’t cheat the emissions test on this one

[@Troy-ol5fk]

Does it need a sim card to use the Internet?

[@benjaminschneider4555]

No

[@benjaminschneider4555]

The SIM card is already installed, the vehicle is constantly sending and receiving data

[@macmanmpls]

Why can't we get the short wheelbase??I would buy a short wheelbase ID. Buzz. I mean ANOTHER 3 row van/suv?? This is ridiculous.. VW stop teasing us!!!

[@theapplebizz1057]

Tell us again how that is the European version and not the American …

[@alwinbenjamin]

❤️

[@robostripez]

I’m gonna guess this one is gonna be around 80,000 €

[@Holeyguagaamoley]

It is not nostalgic in the least unless you are nostalgic for a VW van from 1990.

[@sorrows_touch]

Would have been better as a camper van

[@theBeachBusRI]

So an ev Scion xB with a skin

[@aukritdajsiriwong1649]

ควรผลิตประกอบในไทยแลนด์ราคาจะได้ลดลงมากนะครัย

[@cs292]

Like any body believes Volkswagen?

[@BryceLovesTech]

So cool and I would love to have one, but the prices jaw dropping

[@DescartesRenegade]

Not gonna lie, I will sell my 2022 model X for this thing. Had a Kia Sedona, LOVED the space and flexibility...

[@mcslender2965]

Honestly the range is a let down for it's purpose. Hope the longer wheelbase version is at least 300 miles range

[@benjaminschneider4555]

there will be a variant with 100 kWh in the future

[@mcslender2965]

@@benjaminschneider4555 noice

[@dragonlips2005]

Agree. This is a family road trip vehicle. 250 miles of range is simply not enough. Anything less than 300 is a BUST, IMO.

[@philipwoodford6286]

30 days till I can order mine really excited will be a nice change to my current EV and perfect for the family, camping and two big dogs!

[@spencerbeck9701]

Where are you ordering yours ? In the US ?

[@philipwoodford6286]

@@spencerbeck9701 uk

[@simonyeager6062]

Keep us updated Phillip! Excited for you

[@PaulHo]

Wow, the biggest news is that a VW now works on their own Electrify America charging network with plug and charge. Truly, the leaders of innovation. 🤡

[@northborneo]

Fluffy should definitely get this 😆

[@Felix_EN]

Ironic to test drive such a huge car in a bike-friendly city like copenhagen

[@micmaersk]

No, you’re not in Europe - you’re in Denmark!!

[@bikebudha01]

Until they put physical controls back in, I wouldn't buy one...

[@p-dub7422]

For some reason I like this. I have been reluctant to go all electric for a variety of reasons but this makes me reconsider and seriously think about it. l

[@schoonerthedog]

The price for the range is very very disappointing

[@chardelraconner2166]

long wheel base is enough ; how could you complain ©

[@olicas8137]

@fluffyguy Fluffy is all over this one!🤟🏽

[@oskarngo9138]

Are VW reliable now ( like Toyota’s)?? ...My mechanic recommended Against buying ICE VWs....

[@davidwearswool]

I am not at all impressed with the design work on this van. Please, please PLEASE build something that very closely resembles the original split window transporter - or do better. Why is automotive body styling going down the toilet? Seriously guys - you could literally just take your original design, make a few slight aerodynamic tweaks, and have something we all want! If you can't do better than the original shape, don't change it. You are a massive multinational corporation with all the resources you need to develop the most charming passenger van on the planet, and this is all your deisgn team can come up with? If you want me to launch into an actual breakdown and constructive critique I am more than willing to do that, but I am going to want to see the vehicle in person to do so. I know you guys can do better.

[@wh7938]

It's shot in Copenhagen, Denmark :) It sounds very American when he says he is in europe (and not Denmark), like Europe is a country. I guess it's a cultural thing. Anyways, cool video and car.

[@GrapeSodaBlackPeople]

I want one with a dope speaker system and 2-12inch subs lol throw some solar panels on top to help juice my soundsystem LOL ambient lights inside like the eqs and leds underneath with a dope two tone paint and tints to match the paint

[@PassportToPimlico]

From £56,244 in the UK. Parts from the ID parts bin are nothing special. How much are you paying for a VW badge?

[@TheNewsWave]

Do all car manufacturers think that Americans take up more space? 😂

[@mamaboocee]

I like it.

[@kisungyou6505]

That guy's hand gestures are so distracting.

[@kezzatries]

Not enough range for Australia

[@senjo31]

250 miles isnt a road trip vehicle lol

[@cmscms123456]

Im working on a conversion already.. EV to gas powered... It will be popular

[@ram64man]

Vw should invest in 800v architecture for the us model The recharge time iand road trip range Is key if they can use 350kwh chargers 0-80% in 15 mins most Americans just won’t matter since it’s not far off gas pump times also the us second row really should have a wind down window it was limited due to technology but now we can easily feed power connectors to allow it

[@denniswilliams4789]

One more vid with no specifics. Why bother? Get back to us when you have details, I've been fed the "emotion" for years.

[@YeshuaLove0722]

Wi-Fi ?

[@Handskemager]

Hope the EU gets the AWD version aswell and the long wheelbase

[@United_Wings]

GG

[@thedubwhisperer2157]

Nostalgia? Where?

[@allan.n.7227]

Welcome to wonderful DK 🇩🇰

[@pierrepinson2906]

👓🕶👀....😱

[@yolo_burrito]

Do the back seats fold flat?

[@philotimo5089]

Those 2 side sliding doors seem not very wide. How easy or difficult will it be to get in the American version 3rd row? Will it be like the VW Altas where you can tilt the seats forward to get into the 3rd row? Thanks

[@auliamate]

i assume that the North American (praying this comes to Canada) version will have wider doors thanks to the longer wheelbase and the sheer amount of McDonalds that'll be eaten in those models on family roadtrips (ba dum tss now laugh)

[@VamsiKrishna-ls5fk]

wow

[@JohnnyWalkerKat]

So... there is gonna be a US version you don't mention it!

[@aurelian1]

It's mentioned multiple times! VW just hasn't shared details beyond the 2023 window.

[@JohnnyWalkerKat]

@@aurelian1 I'm trolling cause he said it about 50 times.

[@gtd9536]

I wish they brought the short wheelbase version to the States. I'm not interested in anything longer. The short wheelbase would be ideal in the city. I suspect the longer wheelbase will turn away any younger urbanites who might have considered this van.

[@Optimus-Prime-Rib]

And i want the long wheel base and 3rd row for my family. Woulda thought both versions would sell well

[@gtd9536]

@@Optimus-Prime-Rib I'm not suggesting to bring the short base version in lieu of the longer one. But, I agree that both will do fine. I just hope the price is reasonable.

[@ropro9817]

I want to love this thing, but it's a hard meh for me

[@zicodennisvalentino748]

Is it because of its price? Yeah, its probably going to be even more pricey after tax

[@kteel777]

VW continues to disappoint... This stupid Van has been too long delayed and now with not even close to the range needed or desired for a road trip type vehicle. Its a no for me.. Im out ill just wait for the 500 mile range Cyber Truck, with the way more reliable Tesla charge network

[@giovannebeistline2575]

Not going to be 500mi range. I'm in the dev team...

[@christopherecho9783]

Also. It looks ridiculous

[@ricardonogueira6473]

If it's less than 500 miles range then it's a wast of money.

[@jaycorbin5361]

How?

[@ThePianist51]

Do you know any „economical“ van which does not sip sip much fuel?

[@kteel777]

100% agree .. what is vw thinking 🤦🏼‍♂️. Between, charging to only 90% and not letting it get below 10% and the terrible charge network.. anything below 500 is going to be nothing but annoying 🙆🏼‍♂️

[@jaycorbin5361]

@@kteel777 You want to re-phrase that in English this time?

[@kteel777]

@@jaycorbin5361 im not sure what you mean??