VW ID.Buzz: we spend a month with VW’s retro bus. Do we still love it as much? / Electrifying

[@squaresphere]

That bad efficiency is a real head-scratcher. This goes on the "check it again in 5 years" list.

[@Rangarid]

It's not bad efficiency, it's as good as it get's for that type of car. So the issue is not that the efficiency is bad, but rather that the battery is too small, too heavy and has insufficient energy density. So to make this more interesting for many people a new battery technology with higher energy density would be needed. The Mercedes bus (EQV, eVito Tourer) and the Stellantis bus (Opel Zafira, Peugeot Traveller, ...) all have worse efficiency from what i could observe so far. So i guess there is not so much you can do about it. Still even these cars are good enough for longer travels with the family already. Not so much if you want to get from A to B over 1000s of kilometers as fast as possible, but i guess that are not most of the people interested in this car.

[@Extralarse]

@@Rangarid I agree, battery technology is not ready for vans and roadtrips and neither is the charging network in many countries. Been looking for an electric van too but the price/range made me reconsider very quickly. Hopefully they have better batteries than the current lithium-ion ones in 4-5 years when I get to lease a new car :).

[@colinhare4722]

Brick aerodynamics. Not sure what this model gives you above a standard car.

[@jjperceval]

@@colinhare4722 camping capabilities

[@pauladams5673]

I don't think it was a fair review. Other reviewers got nearly 400 Km range in colder climate.

[@FreedomToRoam86]

Very good well-rounded review. I like that you were honest about the poor range. Especially with people having to wait 18 to 20 months, if they’re getting the same specs that you reviewed, that range is going to be considerably worse than what than newer EVs will be then, as better battery technologies and pricing keeps coming online. The only thing that I wish you could find a way to do in your video, is to keep the volume more uniform. Sometimes I can barely hear you talking, and then turning up the volume results in too loud other times.

[@andrewsutton1657]

They have built something ideal for long trips away, then not given it the range... 150 - 170 miles won't even get me and the kids to the seaside and back...

[@oliverstemp9132]

It’s for yummy mummy’s to drop the kids off at their private schools and show up everyone else in their very cheap Model 3. It’s perfect for that

[@diluxe]

100% with you on that . And I know people say well you could stop for a break at the services and recharge but then that gets away from the benefit of being able to fill the battery up cheaply from home.

[@patrickmooney5035]

​@Robin Banks When I go to the Seaside I charge at the Seaside. It never occurred to me to waste half an hour at a services. Podpoints 6.6KW chargers usually cost about 30p a KW. So, it costs about 7.5 per mile. Seems reasonable to me

[@andrewsutton1657]

@@patrickmooney5035 the point of a van and a a trip to the coast is being self reliant as much as possible load it up with what you need, find a quiet beach not near a town and relax in the isolation. Have charging anxiety about the trip home is not my ideal. Interestingly the id7 is looking like it's going to get a bigger battery, hopefully future versions will get better range, as if this one could push a realistic 250-300 miles, I'd have my name on the list.

[@xxwookey]

@@patrickmooney5035 I've not seen that much seaside parking with chargers. Have you? I guess there is some in the middle of towns but I really want to be in the quiet windblown spots. I have seen a couple in NT carparks, and I guess more will appear.

[@williammillard687]

Moving the central-bin between the front seats enables easy walk-through between the front and back.......very handy if it’s wet/too hot/cold/ need to have a cuppa Etc. (I lived in a ‘68 Kombi for 13 months in Oz in the early 90’s)

[@Ro32da72]

It's beautiful, but that doesn't make up for the poor efficiency and range imo. That and the awful 'everything stalk' (like Merc's I guess) would definitely be deal-breakers for me, even if I could afford it. A good, honest review 👍

[@gladeous4161]

battery/efficiency is definitely a deal breaker.

[@gsengle]

It’s efficient it’s just large. Same thing with a gas powered vehicle that size.

[@SWR112]

VW have nailed the looks, the interior and the family space. Sadly people are flipping them for a premium as the yummy mommy brigade want one. I’d rather see them on the road doing the school run than Range Rovers. Unfortunately VW is probably five years behind on efficiency of Tesla motors and packs. Imagine a battery half the size and weight and double the density and it’s there. In time it will happen just to much money being thrown at battery R&D and what are we on the iPhone 14 today this is Van would be like the IPhone 3 it will improve in time.

[@HygienistDentist]

Can't wait for the longer version to come to America. Hope they can add more practical quirks that we love in minivans like powered doors, comfortable seats, sunroof, many vents for the back passengers, removable seats 🤤 hell I'd buy one!

[@amanasd26]

You would pay over 70K for this?

[@janjer5361]

Power doors are actually available, it's just this test car that doesn't have them.

[@Demobot1]

​@@amanasd26 What are my options at that price point?

[@FabriSlv]

Reading this after the Buzz LWB reveal and... Was VW reading you? Because they did all of them.

[@colinrenfrew48]

At the price being charged, it needs to be more than good.

[@saschalauterbach810]

If you dislike the control stocks at the steering wheel, you'd better not try an older Mercedes G. They had those multifunctional control stock for everything (yes, one solely for light controls, wipers, turning signal and horn). Even in modern trucks this solution can be found quite often.

[@hellcat1988]

One of the biggest selling features for many dads and single men for passenger vans is the ability to take the seats out or fold them into the floor and carry a full sheet of 4x8 plywood flat on the floor. If it can't do that, it's already lost a lot of potential buyers, including this one.

[@Truthbomb918]

Is it, I've known of literally no one who has ever done that

[@hellcat1988]

@@Truthbomb918 I did it in a Dodge Grand Caravan just last month. Hauled 10 sheets of 4x8 3/4 osb to my house for part of a remodel.

[@Truthbomb918]

@@hellcat1988 ur one person who did it, not many dad's or single men

[@hellcat1988]

@@Truthbomb918 I'm not gonna start listing people I know who have done it. That would take to long and is pointless in an internet argument. Plenty of videos of people doing it on youtube though. The fact that you CAN is the point. These vw can't, and that's gonna be a strike against them for people who want to still be able to do the things they would with a truck they might have had to sell now that they have kids.

[@waynehobbs5175]

It can't fit an 8 x 4 or in metric 2400 x 1200mm sheet in the back.

[@BHBeckenbauer]

Never in my life have I had any interest in MPV’s/vans but this car is just SO cool

[@zanesutherland406]

I have a few issues with it: wish they would make a gas version. Either a turbocharger 4 cylinder or v6. Since we have long distances to travel in the US, not to mention freezing winters that would decrease range more. I also don’t like that it doesn’t have physical buttons for climate control etc. plus the price is quite expensive for most considering what it is. It does look great though!

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Especially expensive since it won’t qualify for any tax incentives. Maybe VW will build a battery plant in America and make better batteries. Unfortunately these might be long dead by then since as is they aren’t likely to sell more than a few thousand of them here. Sigh. Another stillborn bus reboot.

[@briangriffiths1285]

Don’t North Americans stop for a pee? Every time you pee you recharge! And the driving season is in the warm weather. From what I have heard only the long wheelbase 7 seater will be available over the pond, in which case it will have a bigger battery? And the test drive in the UK was in cool weather, motorway speed would be 70 mph, is that allowed in the States or are you mainly restricted to 50-60? I have an MG with a 44 kW battery and what is rely noticeable in cool weather is that range will start off at 135 miles and after 15 miles it will be up to 145 miles. The cool battery has internal resistance which goes as it goes along. So for the first few miles the economy seems rubbish, but once going along it rises. Speed makes a major impact on range. With so little loss in the traction system, wind against and speed can catch you out. At touring speed ~ 45 mph the range increases to over 200 miles, down the motorway at 75 mph range is 135/40. EVs are a joy to drive because of the quiet in the cabin.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

@@briangriffiths1285 you’re assuming the place you might stop to discharge has a place to recharge. They don’t. We also have state run rest stops along our highways for going to the bathroom. No charging there. Though there should be. Many charge points are extremely inconvenient. You have to drive 50-100 miles off course to find one and hope it works. It might be located in an office park. It’s really only the NE corridor, FL and CA that offer functional charging. We’re meant to charge at home and stay within range. Not the way I’d want to use a van.

[@briangriffiths1285]

@@f.kieranfinney457 That is a disaster for electrifying transport. Canada seems to be catching on with chargers at rest spots on its highways and New Zealand which has many areas of low population has pretty good charging arrangements. The UK has just caught up, we have Motorwy Service Areas every 20 miles or so and very many are well served if they have sufficient power supply. Europe is well ahead too. I am sure that the US will come out of the third world soon😀! Seriously there will be some difficult areas, like in Canada, up in the wilds of the north the cold and huge distances might mean hydrogen is the only answer but for most countries and yes the States, recharging batteries shouldn’t be an issue. Interestingly in my village of about 5,000 folks on a main holiday route, BP have just installed a double headed CCS unit. But the power supply must be limited so the unit contains 170kWh of battery. The unit can dispense 150 kW so that many cars could pick up 50kWh or 150 miles in 20/25 minutes, whilst they pick up fish and chips, or a snack at the bakery. You can see how well we are becoming served by looking at www.Zap-Map.co.uk

[@f.kieranfinney457]

@@briangriffiths1285 my town of 70k has two 100kw chargers in a mall parking lot. Only one seems operable and half the time I visit that mall a regular car is parked in the spot. There’s a charger at a small hotel but it’s guests only. Only 37% of the population in my state have access. Gas is cheap and everywhere. Stations have restrooms and food. Until we get to that the US seems unlikely to exceed 5% EVs. The auto journalists all live in California, Michigan or NY so the picture they paint is vastly incomplete. It’s a shit show to be blunt. Unless you charge at home, where we do have an infrastructure advantage. I can’t imagine driving northern BC or Ontario or crossing the prairies in Canada is any better.

[@connclissmann6514]

I have been driving an ID.3 for over a month. Now that I am familiar with the menu structure on the infotainment system, I find what I need easily. It has never frozen nor crashed. Works well with Android Auto. This is a VW over a year old so probably not even the latest update.

[@mandrpodbury5258]

It’s all very well using the tail gate as a shelter, but watch out for the water collected in the recess for the number plate.

[@sih1095]

They are not looking at it in loving it. They are looking at it because they haven't seen one before. I would.

[@Telcontarnz]

It looks brilliant and incredibly practical for families, dogs and things to move. I want one but VW are simply pricing it out of the market. As for the comments about taking people out of SUVs…I don’t really understand them as this is a similar size if not bigger. I still want one and will keep an eye on them over the next few years.

[@absrecovery]

No rear opening windows No good for kids or dogs when it's hot

[@Telcontarnz]

@@absrecovery aircon plus dog mode.

[@absrecovery]

@@Telcontarnz there's no vents in the back and to get the rear cool Aircon would need to bee working very hard your range will be disappearing before your eyes

[@mikeroutledge8879]

If you have to wait up to 24 months for a new one VW can't be pricing it out of the market. They probably could increase the price and still have a long waiting list. I do agree though that it is beyond the financial reach of many of those who would like one.

[@danielletoyer649]

Yup. They are deal-breakers. Was so excited about this. Won't be trading the MX in until they sort out the IT and the range. What a shame! @vw.

[@noodlesthe1st]

I don't live in the UK anymore. Now I live on a much smaller island in the pacific and this car is like my dream. The range doesn't bother me at all because the furthest trip I can make is about 50-60 miles. Can't wait for the car to hit the US market. The big thing is the price really. The US version just looks like it will be MUCH more expensive.

[@athollmcnicoll1028]

No thanks Nicki, if the seats do not fold flat and I cannot remove them to make way for a bed, cooker and fridge, then this is no use to me whatsoever. Plus I heard the price was close to £62.500 , way outside my piggy bank price range.

[@Vilmir]

Same here, I thought it would carry over the functionalities of the original model! What is the point if it's just another monospace?

[@chryschrysostomou5392]

Check out reviews from other people. You will be amazed what is available now, before the campervan is available!

[@amanasd26]

As tested this was close to 70

[@llukas0906]

You can always remove the seats. The amount of necessary work may vary ;)

[@Truthbomb918]

If I pay the asking price for this, which is ridiculous, I don't want to have to ignore major flaws. Vw have now had years to sort these flaws and haven't bothered, just moved them from one model to the next. I wouldn't touch a vw ev when there are better cars out there

[@graingerblaze]

This won't be getting family's out of there SUV's or people carriers, the price and poor range is awful. Will wait till they put proper batteries in that can cover 400+ miles, then it will be worthy of the price tag and be a usable alternative. Great review, just a shame about the real world results.

[@Balecart]

So all this electric stuff still produces 265 grams of co2 per kWh. So about 130g per mile on uk data. Hardly green. Great box, ticking exercise, but I do like the look of the buzz. It looks nice. Thank you for the honest review of it.

[@xxwookey]

Greener than ICEVs of similar size. Vivaros are 212 gCO2/kWh. And the grid is down to 170gCO2/kWh average this year, so that's 63g/mile. So it's less than 1/3rd the emissions, and will improve further with the grid. So yeah, a big vehicle is never all that green but it's dramatically better than petrol/diesel in local pollution and noise, and respectable in CO2 terms too.

[@sailingoctopus1]

To be honest, the range and price were both better than I expected. People will bleat on about the range, but, honestly, unless you are driving from London to Edinburgh every week, who cares? In reality, so long as you can charge at home and are prepared to take it easy on the occasional long journey, which most people buying this sort of car will be, it's fine. People lambast manufacturers for not producing cars with longer range, as if it's a simple choice that they chose not to take, without recognising that it's a compromise with diminishing returns. Yes, you can have a bigger battery, but that costs more, takes up more room and increases weight, which reduces efficiency and requires a bigger battery to achieve the same range etc.. For a lifestyle vehicle like this, a 150 mile real world winter range is fine. You break your journey every 150 miles or two hours driving, have a picnic or go for a walk, camp the night, grab a Travelodge or sample the delights of wherever you've happened to end up. If you're on a really tight deadline then fly, take the train or hire an ICE, what's the big deal? And if you're life is that deadline-driven, then perhaps take a look at how you are living your life.

[@tyvovo]

The whole point of this car is too road trip, explore and camp. That's the fantasy and it only getting 150 mile range is awful for roadtrips you'd literally have to stop every 90 minutes to wait 30-90 minutes for it to charge. Most charge stations arnt exacly picturesque.

[@bradleysturley4180]

Sorry but I do not agree with your comments on the entertainment system/Apple car play and the driving stalls/controls. I have just spent a week in the buzz van version (exactly the same controls) and the Apple car play worked perfect as it’s all I use and after a couple of hours I was fully used to and comfortable with both of the stalls and controls. Maybe it was just the model you had??? I personally think that it was very good and the driving experience was incredible. 👌

[@stuartscott5136]

Would love to know how the Head2Head video comparison with the Model Y now stacks up given the Y’s massive price reduction !

[@Flyingtwiglet]

I have a Buzz on order and the MY price reduction has made me rethink that choice. If we could get the comfort suspension that seems to have rolled out elsewhere, I’d change my order to the Y.

[@Truthbomb918]

Model y was vastly more efficient

[@SpenceW]

I took delivery of a Model Y in December ‘22 (before the price cut), but the comments below remain the same: 1) the suspension is terrible - crashy, noisy, loud. If this is the new ‘comfort’ suspension you refer to, I really do feel for owners of earlier Model Ys 2) it doesn’t have parking sensors, which is utterly ridiculous. Yes, Tesla Vision *might* save the day, but it’s nowhere in sight yet (pun intended) Sadly, we appear to have taken a huge step backwards with the introduction of EVs whereby legacy automakers can’t get to grips with the new tech (efficiency, software, etc) and the new boys (e.g. Tesla) seem to get so wrapped up in the tech that the basics are poor. It really does feel that, at the moment, we need to spend a fortune and choose the ‘least worst option’ for our particular needs 😕

[@David_Polak]

@@SpenceW Sorry to hear that. What were you driving before? And are looking out for alternatives to trade it in for?

[@SpenceW]

@@David_Polak We had a Škoda Octavia vRS estate before. Fantastic car for the 7-8 years that we had it. Given the recent price cuts & the even bigger loss that we would take getting rid of the Model Y, it seems that we’re stuck with it for at least a while. It’s such a shame that I feel this way, but I can’t forgive the (very!) many examples of poor execution on what should be an amazing car, especially at the price I paid

[@meadmaker4525]

A real shame about the range and poor/weak regen on that thing. Seems like we've been waiting forever for VW to put the Buzz on the road, and when they do it's got built-in problems that could've been solved in the design phase. At 2.5 tons, there's no reason NOT to use all that mass for regenerative braking. That's a huge opportunity to put energy back into those batteries, particularly when the battery pack is so small for the size of the vehicle. Heck, the thing has a flat roof, so cover it in solar panels and let the thing trickle-charge on sunlight to help. I'd pay for that option if it existed. Given the blistering heat and never-ending sunshine here in Florida, I might not ever need to plug the thing in. All in all, I'm really happy to see the Buzz finally hitting the road, but it's disappointing in enough ways to make me hesitate when thinking of buying one. Lackluster warranty, underpowered battery, weak acceleration and regen, buggy electronics...they really could've done better than this, especially for the over-priced price point they're shooting for.

[@ACPilot]

The longer version, that is the version you will get in the US, will have a larger battery. It is basicly the same car as the ID.4 on the skateboard side. I find the B regen mode is nice on mine, it fits my preference.

[@meadmaker4525]

@@ACPilot - I heard the U.S. would be getting a longer version, but wasn't sure a larger battery would come with it. Guess we'll have to wait and see what it's like when it gets here. And it's good to hear an opinion from someone who owns an ID.4. Maybe the B-regen isn't as bad as the video made it seem. Guess it's just not as strong as some other EVs they've tested.

[@eskemeldgaardkrogh4145]

The regen on our Cupra Born feels very smooth and natural to me. It would be nice if it came to a complete stop, but other than that, the regen is spot on in my book… all a matter of taste I guess.

[@Yanquetino]

I'm waiting for that "California" camper version. Hopefully by then the energy efficiency and charging speeds will improve…? Does it have battery pre-conditioning when navigating to a DCFC? One feature I like is the binnacle mounted on the steering column: makes it easy to see without resorting a friggin' yoke.

[@kennshearer526]

Hope you are rich 😁 At £60K for the current version I hate to think what the camper will cost - £100K+

[@Banyan314]

VW needs to move over to lighter LFP or LMFP batteries and more of them before £60K+ looks like a fair deal. Lighter car should mean better efficiency and more range. Just hand the IT over to Google or Apple or the Chinese to sort out. Creditable first try but too expensive especially with the Model Y price drop.

[@timogronroos4642]

@@Banyan314 You got it wrong, LFP is even more heavy

[@stevenlawrie7819]

My model 3 RWD is still getting 4 to 4.2 miles/kwh in the depths of winter. Had well over 5 in the summer and I don't drve like Miss Daisy lol

[@intothemultiverse1033]

Looks great. Another 50 miles of real world range and I’d be all over it, oh and some more 150+ charging stations

[@toyotaprius79]

If you want range you need a more efficient van. It could've been, but this is on the MEB platform which is designed best for Crossover overs and SUVs, but as an electric skateboard. Efficiency wasn't VW's priority, safe to say. If it were the caddy platform it would be cheaper, lighter, more efficient and offer longer range. It already comes with 7 seats...

[@MrGMawson2438]

The price will not let a lot of people buying it

[@mikadavies660]

On a positive... Yes its great looking, practical and looks wonderfully VW. Especially in two tone paint.... Even if everything is an "option" on the VW Web site.

[@gerrymac5865]

Would like a buzz but price and range are a big no no, After all this is not a town car you should be able to pack it full and head to the country.

[@ISuperTed]

Plus points - looks great, loads of space, heritage kudos. Minus points - terrible real world range, VW software, ridiculous price. Review over.

[@stevezodiac491]

It doesn't have plenty of space, based on the mb ( id3) platform, it maybe big for a car but it is a small van, which is what it is being marketed at.

[@ISuperTed]

@@stevezodiac491 Small van at £65K with 200 mile range? You tell me …………..

[@gap9992]

It's fantastic looking and I do like MPVs over SUVs. Shame it doesn't have the load practicality of the Multivan and to get one worth having it's £70k. Then there's having to rely on the hopeless public charging network in the UK if you use it in longer trips.

[@rv2167]

I have a 2021 Sienna and a 2019 Etron. I placed an order for 2 of these....I am pretty pumped to get a real comfortable AWD electric van

[@jamesengland7461]

I wonder if they let you have it for a whole month because nobody else was interested in using it.

[@grahamb701]

Quite a thorough review, thanks. I would have been interested in a view from the driver's eye level. One thing I would not be happy with is the light coloured dash - I dislike the reflection off the windscreen which reduces visibility.

[@cwheremonster8870]

I’m curious if the longer U.S. version will have a larger battery range. Otherwise, I just don’t see this selling in the states. I guess we will find out soon enough.

[@xxwookey]

The battery is only 5kWh bigger, so at most 15miles extra.

[@2nd3rd1st]

I'm scratching my head every time I hear someone describe the ID line of cars as "happy" or "friendly" looking. They are decidedly upset or angry looking with their slanted headlight eyes and screaming grill mouths. I'm definitely getting Phil Mitchell (EastEnders) vibes...

[@TheSilentStar]

Thank you for an excellent review, I am gobsmacked the VW could do something quite so ridiculous as give this such a ridiculously small battery capacity given the total size of the vehicle, they're not exactly hurting for room to fit a bigger battery are they.

[@sevensixtysteve8662]

To my eyes the best looking ID by some margin. The more angular styling gets rid of the blobby, frumpy styling of the other ID models. Also...interesting marketing strategy by VW - just when people have wrapped their minds around exactly how much this thing is going to cost them, squeeze just a little (well actually quite a lot more) out of them for comfort seats. Surely comfort should be a given at this price point ? Options priced to deprive your offspring of their inheritance aside, the sub 200 mile is a deal breaker for me. The irritation of being out-ranged (and out-charged) by much cheaper EVs would only be slightly reduced by the realisation I would never be able to drive it far enough or for long enough to wish I had paid for the comfort seats. It probably needs a 100KW battery to make it more useful but that's going to cost and weigh even more. The Buzz (really annoying name) is a cool design but it doesn't add up to a useful vehicle for me, and underneath that beguiling exterior, its actually quite a technically sub-par EV. Ioniq 5 is a much more successful combination of retro looks, decent range and functional tech. I've heard the Ioniq's standard seats are pretty comfy too :)

[@oliverstemp9132]

The £2000 covers the sustainable alcantara finish and the massage seats and electric adjustment. Although the standard seats in their coloured cloth are probably easier to keep clean than the pale material here. The massage feature is not really needed.

[@mangokraken]

Hopefully the U.S. version (longer chassis) can fit more batteries to increase its range. U.S. is HUGE 255 mile range won't even get me out of my home state California.

[@marclawyer2789]

VW are going to struggle if this is the best they can do...I owned a 1978 old shape transporter with a 2.0L injected motor and it was great: simple, durable and iconically stylish. The range of sub 200 miles and less than 3 miles per kWh means it's a middle class toy, not a means of transport. Our Zoe does 5 miles per kWh in summer and 4 in winter (245+ and 195) so it can be used on longer trips, even with a 50kwh charging rate, as the small battery (52kwh) doesn't take long to charge by 50%. Also, the Zoe was only £26k with the winter pack (TWO heated seats and steering wheel) and metallic paint. The Zoe also has a terrible infotainment system, but luckily has buttons for main functions. There are ZERO electric vehicles atm, that can be used as a primary, everyday vehicle due to the lack of destination chargers and very high prices for electricity (and vehicles). Once the middle class and company fleets have bought their fill, sales WILL drop as ordinary people can't afford them (insurance is ALSO too expensive).

[@wondrboy89]

Spot on!

[@robinandsuziemcconnell3299]

No idea what you mean about middle class but we’ve owned an e-Niro as our only family car for 2.5 years and have zero complaints 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@marclawyer2789]

@@robinandsuziemcconnell3299 We're happy with our Zoe, but that's not my point... electric cars are unaffordable for most people if they want a decent range. People who buy a Mini, or similar, aren't making a practical choice, which you have to when you're working class. Show me a secondhand electric car, with a 200+ mile range, for the price of a second hand diesel (which are cheaper to run!). If we had to pay to charge it would be the same as an SUV diesel in terms of cost per mile, let alone a diesel estate (70+ mpg)... The maths make electric vehicles a middle class choice...

[@linkedinroger]

Spot on Nikki…and I’ve just bought one! Took delivery late last year and I’m now out and about in it, in fact, it’s the Electric Vehicles Outlook Ltd mobile office! Went for a First Edition with a couple of options.

[@fdk7014]

150 miles in winter conditions is perfectly fine. The vast majority of people never drive that long and the few who do can use quick chargers the one or two times per year they do such a trip. That includes all the whiners in the comment section.

[@christianstewart6675]

It’s as if the Renault Espace never existed. Nearly 40 years ago, multiple rear seat/table options, great versatility… what happened? Flat floor electric platform and VW put in a fixed row rear seat. What a missed opportunity.

[@pauladams5673]

The regeneration on VW ID vehicles is not a fault, as this reviewer implies, it is more efficient to not have heavy regeneration because more deceleration means more acceleration is required. I find B mode is ideal for downhill, otherwise leave it in D.

[@JoriDiculous]

Too bad they didn't make it Split-Window. Still, they kind of brought the "bus" back, and its looking pretty ok :)

[@harrybartlett4020]

Love the look and practicality, shame about the price and poor efficiency.

[@S.E.C-R]

I absolutely love it and would buy one in a heart beat just as it is now, even with the quirks and range you’ve mentioned. That kind of range is fine for me. I just wish it was more “retro” and available in the US!

[@be.A.b]

That grill plate is ugly. I think switching it out for a clean one would make it looker better.

[@bruts82]

This would be unreal as a 2.0tdi 4motion

[@eudorian111]

I've driven one last week as well. I'm getting the same Wh/km as my Golf from 2015, around 200 Wh/km. So in that respect, it's somewhat more modern. In all other: Yes, it's practical. It's a bus. The turning radius is small. The boot is square without any bumps. Downsides for me which makes me not get one: Price. 80k will get you a nice Model X. The horrible and annoying software. Plastic finish on the interior. The seats are insta-dirty. The lane keeping is annoying. The cruise control picks up random speed limits. These is no sun roof? It only has 77kWh? The only thing on display is the SOC and range. No indication whatsoever what the battery is doing. The fast charging on the display forces you to go to them, even when on the other side of the highway. It's sluggish, not nippy. The sound system is meh. You can't change the AC charing speed, other than slow and normal, and it only charges at 1 phase. (I see the new one has 11kW... that's the minimum one would want.) In fact the infotainment, which is what I'm looking at 100% of the time after the newness wears off, is better in my e-Golf from 2015. It's even faster. It just feels like this would have been a nice EV when it came out around 2016 ish, for around 40k. This was indeed a break from the norm.

[@Mezman999]

This thing is wider than a standard Volkswagen Transport works van. Good luck in Asda car park avoiding dents and scratches.

[@Wannes_]

IT's 70.000 € in Belgium once you add paint to it VW had to put all the mandatory equipment in the Standard Fit list , up to the point of mentioning it has brakes , or the equipment list would be very, very short 70K and you're not even getting heated seats on the base version here !

[@towerdave4836]

Heated seats in an EV just reduces the range!

[@mev202]

For a second there, I thought I heard 2 year wait for one. I must need my ears cleaning. 2 years for a vehicle. No wonder the VW guy stepped down.

[@stevechilvers1322]

With the cost of living crisis going on, 40% of households struggling & wage settlements well below inflation, how on earth are most "normal" folk going to find £57,000? Then there's the next deal breakers of range & VW's seemingly ongoing problems with there infotainment systems/software. This has been ongoing for 2-3 years now, come on VW sort it out! Other manufactures, Kia, MG, Hyundai & BMW to name but a few, have you licked! It's such a shame, as it's a nice looking MPV inside & out, with some nice design touches.

[@chazu-land]

I love it. But that battery though!!! May have to hold out for 2nd gen to see how they improve it.

[@diluxe]

The fact there is no rear window openings is a no go for my kids

[@lerruplerrup4614]

you do know it has regen don't you but it works with the normal brakes so it comes in whenever you brake? This is true for all VW group cars.

[@KomarBrolan]

I’m seriously considering buying this if it has a 300+ miles of range. Otherwise it will not work in rural Minnesota where I live.

It still is faster than my C Max from 2012. If i had money i would gladly buy one

[@gordonmackenzie4512]

When you say driving all over the UK, my ears pricked up. I have my doubts that you would have gone to the far north of Scotland, which is nearly 400 miles from the England border. I have even more doubts that you covered the width of Northern Ireland.

[@eastbayrae]

You didn't mention the fact there is no ventilation in the rear seating area or the fact those side windows don't open. I wanted one of these, however the range is garbage, no ventilation in the back, and the seats are really horrid for that price.

[@gdholmfirth]

Very nice, even if pricey and impractical range. I wonder what it would be like with a 4-cylinder air-cooled engine in the rear?

[@briangriffiths1285]

Noisy and smelly!

[@gdholmfirth]

@@briangriffiths1285 I had a VW fastback once, with the engine under the rear floor of the cargo area. It was neither noisy nor smelly, so maybe there would be hope for a newgasoline-powered Beetle.

[@daveb1242]

All it needs is a petrol or diesel engine. Then it would be brilliant

[@patrickwwevans]

Holly crap! You know they put the steering wheel on the wrong side! Can't believe they missed that. Maybe it was assembled in Australia where everything is backwards?

[@stevemorgan-gurr7583]

No flat floor rules it out for those who need to load a wheelchair or mobility scooter. That and the poor range rule it out as an alternative MPV. Certainly not as versatile as the Sharan. There is still a gap in the market for large load carrier following the stampede for much less practical SUVs

[@mikegipson1224]

It will be a long time being delivered too! :)

[@amanasd26]

I think VW screwed up, not aesthetics wise, but everywhere else. How are people supposed to use this for camping or even harsher climates? Load this thing up with stuff and the range drops further. Also, the pricing is ludicrous, is this meant only for the most niche of buyers? Love the look of the Buzz, but this seems like far too many compromises for Ultra premium pricing.

[@Mark_my_words_YT]

Sadly this thing will never be used for serious camping for the reasons you give. But it will sit outside the school gates every week day.

[@robertsedgwick1629]

goppingly gormless looking!

[@leel9186]

Can't wait for the long wheel base, but they do need to sort out that range

[@shawing]

I have all that practicality already in something that cost me 4k. Lol. Pass. I might be interested in the ID cars when they're in the 3rd generation or so.

[@stevezodiac491]

Same here, my camper van has a range of over 600 miles lol.

[@shawing]

@@stevezodiac491 to be fair the range of it would do me fine for how I'd use it, not often I drive much more than that without some sort of stop somewhere. So far the e transit still looks the best bet for future used vehicle ev camper to me.

[@limeallens6160]

The realistic mileage kills it dead. Nope.

[@RWBHere]

Thanks for the balanced review. I'll not be buying one for several reasons, including: It's a VW. It's expensive for what you get. At that price, the comfort seats should be standard. It's inefficient. The range is too short for convenience. The very short warranty sets off 'don't buy' alarm bells. If that's an indication of the colours available, it's garish. It's not going to be easy to park in a busy city...

[@TassieEV]

So why didn't you get to also test it long duration than just a single staff member of your channel? Like you'd say to little kids, sharing is caring.

[@wakaka736channel]

Cantik VW ID masih kekalkan reka bentuk klasik tap sayangi tak dijual di Malaysia .

[@fdk7014]

It doesn't really matter what material they put in, there is always someone who will make a stink about it. I'm sure there is a group dedicated to protecting Silver birch trees that would loudly complain if it was real wood.

[@ArtFreeman]

I like this vehicle.

[@leftcoaster67]

Given this is version 1 of the ID Buzz. I bet things will improve on version 2. The question is, will the Buzz be a flash in the pan, or will it soldier on?

[@xxwookey]

The LWB has a heat pump and a (slightly) fatter battery. It remains to be seen if the efficiency is improved, but it should be at least a bit better.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

This is not some small /mid size sedan with low drag. Just like SUV's, it is pushing a lot of air and the range is never going to be great. Looks great though.

[@amanasd26]

it needed a 100kwh battery then like many trucks do. 77 kwh is what is used in smaller cars.

[@neverleftthe80s29]

@@amanasd26 I hear the longer version is coming with a 111kwh battery, 7 seats and a rear rail system like the T7 Multivan. So that one will be much more interesting that this initial version.

[@amanasd26]

@@neverleftthe80s29 yeah problem is that one will probably cost 100k

[@waynehobbs5175]

For the 198 countries that use metric and despite this channel refusing to put sub titles with international meaning 1.9 to 2.5 miles per kWh is 33kWh/100km to 25kWh/100km which is nearly twice the consumption of a Tesla Model 3! That is with an empty van almost, disgusting. In Australia that would cost 15c per km using a 50kW DC charger you would typically use on a trip vs 20c in diesel it costs me to run my 2t large 7 seat Pajero.

[@waynehobbs5175]

That is a respectable 15kWh/100km

[@TimeisReel]

It's Cool, but not ready... yet: -The Range -No Sunroof Option -VW Electronics -Rear Windows don't roll down -Weight and Power

[@Das-Radio]

ID/Buzz

[@stevenjones916]

The VW Caddy Maxi diesel does everything this thing can do, has a range of well over 600 miles (I have lead boots 😂), costs £30,000 less and you can fully "recharge" it in 5 minutes.

[@timrothwell33]

I wish they would make the 3 back seats all the same size

[@timmurphy5541]

Why would you be disappointed about a van being less efficient than a car? I don't really get it?

[@mikexr22]

Did a test drive in Greece , warm weather, max range 200km, top speed and acceletation are pathetic , feels like driving a 70ps van with a tow, last but not least the riddiculus price range. Yet the world is full of morrons so the waiting list for it is a year in Greece....

[@keithshayle7027]

Massively expensive, and massively plasticky. Throw in the absolutely awful efficiency, how can your friend say its great!?! Biased garbage!

[@roelvanes1711]

65k for a £40k max car, now not surprisingly available discounted from stock...

[@sim-sam]

Ahm, please let me interrupt you there: the seats on the second bench are to shallow/low, everything looks comical on the in- and outside and that at a staggering price... one must be desperate...

[@anonymouspdg6121]

Love the concept, hate the range and infotainment system! When are the motor industry going to realise WLTP range standard is not fit for purpose? It seems to be the same with every EV, WLTP range is one figure but in real life, range is nowhere near that figure! Even the USA EPA standard is more realistic. I know the industry has to have a standard that can be used for comparison but come on, lets get real!😀

[@waynehobbs5175]

WLTP x 0.8 = reality

[@thebeesleybunch157]

I have had a Kia Soul And now a Niro Same running gear. They say 273 miles on full charge we get 260 on 80 0/0 charge in summer and 210 on 80 0/0 in winter we do a 620 mile trip to Inverness in a day no probs 3 X 3/4 hour stops Best 9.5 hours driving. BUT dont ask about charging away from home? about £4 to get to Stafford about £42 on way home

[@williamcox1176]

I plugin, go shopping, wonder out at around 15 mins unplug and plug back in, and repeat till my partner has finished shopping.

[@ronrichardson3103]

It looks interesting but at £50k £60k or £70k im not interested it will have to come down to my price range which is around the £30k area

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Why do reviewers keep calling the ‘Buzz’ a car? It’s a minibus and the ‘Cargo’ is a van.

[@davidhayes4814]

It needs more range …. End of…..

[@Andrew-gg9sz]

and cheaper price.... current price is ridiculous!

[@SailingMOYA]

It just looks fancy. That's it. Move on

[@BobTheBlue]

EVs are a total marketing con, designed to separate the middle classes from their cash in the name of “doing my bit for the environment”. Total bollocks and until they offer a range of 1000 miles between top-ups, completely impractical. However, the ID Buzz looks amazing… as does the lady making the video!😜

[@davidlewis4399]

Any idea where I can get a job so that I could afford 56K or 678 a month with a 6K deposit for this thing ? Unfortunately dont own a business so dont earn a fortune or get tax perks.

[@foxylady1048]

Comparing the ID Buzz with a Tesla Model Y is like comparing a Mini Cooper with a Rolls Royce. Who thought that one up, ? Please!!!!!!!

[@alexnewton1936]

1.9 is good for a van but you should have tested it with weight in it