VW ID Buzz review: what the car critics say
The new ID Buzz electric van is a modern successor to Volkswagen’s beloved Type 2

A modern successor to the beloved VW Type 2, the ID Buzz is a five-seater, full-size electric MPV – and “the new face of sustainable family mobility”, according to VW. Like the Type 2, it has rear-wheel drive, said Autocar. There are currently two versions available – a Cargo commercial van with up to three seats, or the passenger five-seater with three trim levels – but the range is likely to expand next year.
The ID Buzz is powered by the same 201bhp electric motor as other ID models, said What Car?. It’s nippy in town, but acceleration tails off above 40mph. The 77kWh battery gives an official range of up to 260 miles, (more like 180-230 miles depending on the season). 0-62mph takes 10.2secs, and top speed is 90mph. A comfortable ride, it has sophisticated damping, plenty of grip and a tight turning circle.
A full charge with a 7kW home wallbox will take 12 hours and the ID Buzz also has bidirectional charging, so you can charge it on cheap electricity overnight and feed that back into your home at peak times, said Top Gear Magazine. Inside, the front is “stunning”, with its widescreen front view; the only glitch is the patchiness of the infotainment system. The boot is “massive” and the fun rear-sliding doors are practical. Price: from about £58,000.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In pictures: VW ID Buzz
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Book review: 'Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus' and 'When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines'
Feature The college dropout who ruled the magazine era and the mysteries surrounding Jesus Christ
By The Week US
-
Not invincible: Tech burned by tariff war
Feature Tariffs on Asian countries are shaking up Silicon Valley, driving up prices and deepening global tensions
By The Week US
-
Fake AI job seekers are flooding U.S. companies
In the Spotlight It's getting harder for hiring managers to screen out bogus AI-generated applicants
By Theara Coleman, The Week US
-
Book reviews: 'Miracles and Wonder: The Historical Mystery of Jesus' and 'When the Going Was Good: An Editor's Adventures During the Last Golden Age of Magazines'
Feature The college dropout who ruled the magazine era and the mysteries surrounding Jesus Christ
By The Week US
-
The Canadian: taking a sleeper train across Canada
The Week Recommends Unique and unforgettable way to see this 'vast and varied' landscape
By The Week UK
-
Adjapsandali: Georgian-style ratatouille recipe
The Week Recommends Twist on the authentic recipe offers bursts of garlic and spices
By The Week UK
-
Mr Burton: an 'affecting' but flawed biopic
Talking Point Toby Jones is pitch-perfect as Richard Burton's mentor – but 'cautious' film 'never really comes to life'
By The Week UK
-
6 display-ready homes for art collectors
Feature Featuring hand-painted floors in Louisiana and 13-foot beamed ceilings in New York City
By The Week US
-
Your Friends and Neighbours: Jon Hamm stars in 'frothily fun' black comedy
The Week Recommends Crime caper about a hedge fund manager who resorts to burgling his 'obnoxious' neighbours after losing his job
By The Week UK
-
Last Swim: a 'lush, beguiling' coming-of-age adventure
The Week Recommends Exam results day drama follows a group of school leavers, one of whom has a devastating secret
By The Week UK
-
The Sleep Room: a 'gripping exposé' of a 'troubled' psychiatrist
The Week Recommends Jon Stock's absorbing book about William Sargant's sinister practices makes for a 'chilling' read
By The Week UK