2023 Volkswagen ID.Buzz new car review

The giant German car maker has revived an old classic and given it a thorough modern makeover. See what it’s all about.

Volkswagen is adding some flower power to its local range with the ID.Buzz, an electric reincarnation of the iconic Kombi van.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a modern interpretation of the Kombi van.

It will arrive here late next year in both passenger and commercial van layouts.

A five-seat version will arrive first, with a longer wheelbase seven-seat version likely to land in showrooms soon after.

The ID.Buzz will be available in five and seven seat layouts.

In the metal, the ID.Buzz is a striking looking vehicle that’s easy to like from any angle.

In standard guise, it rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels but our test vehicle wore optional 21-inch aerodynamic alloy wheels that add some flair.

It’s a big, heavy unit; shorter than a Toyota LandCruiser but about the same height and width. The wheels are pushed out to the extremes of the body, which liberates plenty of space in the cavernous cabin.

Forward vision is excellent and it has acres of space inside.

Passengers will appreciate the generous head, leg and shoulder room in both rows, as well as the multitude of storage spaces. The boot can swallow almost double the amount of cargo as Volkswagen’s Tiguan SUV. Fold the second-row seats down and the cargo space almost doubles again

A top-hinged tailgate reveals a massive opening that makes loading large bulky items a cinch.

Front passengers sit in heated captain’s chairs with folding armrests on the inside. The interior is animal-product free and recycled materials are used throughout.

The ID.Buzz. has lots of recycled materials inside.

The faux-leather wrapped steering wheel is heated and other desirable items include 10-colour ambient lighting, a digital driver’s display and a 10-inch central touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

A wireless charger is located next to the steering wheel and there are three USB-C charging ports in the front and four in the rear.

Vision is excellent thanks to the high seating position and expansive windscreen. A large rear window also provides a wide view of what’s happening behind you.

Rear-seat passengers gain access via power sliding doors on each side and, once inside, they are treated to good vision out of the windows, which will help prevent little ones becoming car sick.

Big windows let in plenty of light and give excellent vision.

The ID.Buzz shares much of its hardware – including the battery and motor – with other Volkswagen electric cars including the small ID.3 hatchback.

Power comes from a single rear-mounted electric motor that makes 150kW and 310Nm, fed by a 77kWh battery delivering a claimed driving range of up to 416km.

It can accept 170kW of juice via a DC fast charger, allowing it to replenish the battery from 5 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. An 11kW home charger can recharge the battery completely in 7.5 hours.

We sampled the ID.Buzz on German Autobahns and Austrian mountain roads, environments that quickly sap range in an electric vehicle. High-speed runs and hill climbs are kryptonite for EVs because they create more drag and don’t offer the opportunity to replenish the battery via regenerative braking.

It has a driving range of up to 416km.

The ID.Buzz isn’t speedy but it’s a comfortable, refined cruiser.

It takes a fairly pedestrian 10.2 seconds to reach 100km/h and there isn’t much shove when you put your foot down to overtake, although we were travelling at speeds that are higher than legal limits on Australian roads.

Firm suspension created a rocking sensation as the springs pulled the Buzz’s ample heft back into line.

It delivers a quiet ride for the most part, although wind noise becomes an issue at higher highway speeds.

Volkswagen chose the picturesque Grossglockner high alpine road in Austria for the launch. It’s a billiard table-smooth streak of twisting tarmac with 36 tight switchbacks and the Buzz held its own on the winding road, proving surprisingly agile despite its large proportions.

After reaching the peak at close to 4000m above sea level, it looked as if range might become an issue until we started on our way down the mountains.

With the braking system feeding charge back into the battery, we saw our range climb as quickly as we were descending, alleviating any anxiety.

The ID. Buzz delivers great vibes, as long as your plan your charging pit stops on the road to freedom.

Originally published as 2023 Volkswagen ID.Buzz new car review