Volkswagen ID.Buzz Review

​Motors & Performance

For anyone used to hearing about the brutal acceleration often offered in premium electric cars, the Buzz’s 10.2 second 0-62mph time makes it sound like something of a pudding. In reality, the acceleration from rest feels pretty lively and there’s a useful shove of torque if you need to make any overtaking manoeuvres – even if it can feel a bit strained if you ask for a swift burst of acceleration when you’re already doing 50mph or over. 

Regardless, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how rapid and agile the ID. Buzz feels, and we never really felt that it needed more power. VW disagrees, though, and is introducing a higher-powered, four-wheel drive variant with the long-wheelbase models.

Like other ID. models, the Buzz comes with a rather gentle brake regen’ system that only has two settings. It feels almost imperceptible in its standard mode, and even the heavier ‘B’ mode is fairly moderate. There’s nothing wrong with the Buzz’s regen’ but we reckon that it would benefit from a more powerful setting for when you’re around town.  

Drive & Handling

The ID. Buzz is smooth and refined, just as it should be. The ride quality - even on the biggest, optional 21-inch alloy wheels - is composed over small bumps and equally adept at smoothing out bigger undulations. It really does just seem to ease through the miles, and is a delight to spend time in with its airy, light cabin and cushy ride. 

The handling matches that laid-back attitude, with light but pleasantly-weighted steering that makes you feel confident whether you’re wheeling through town or on the motorway. And Volkswagen’s engineers need to be congratulated for giving the ID Buzz a turning circle of just 11.1 metres. Given its length and width, the fact that it can out manoeuvre much smaller cars in tight spaces is a real bonus. And for some more context, the Kia EV9 has a 12.3 metre turning circle.