Our 2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz Review

By Libby Foster
16-01-2023
Our 2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz Review
The Volkswagen ID Buzz is the most recent model to play the nostalgia card. Vintage vehicles done well can be a tremendous hit. With a two-tone paint job, it is especially clear that it evokes the endearing appearance of VW's Type 2 campers. Naturally, a great deal has changed since the original Type 2 first won over millions of hearts in the 1950s. The VW ID Buzz of today rides the wave of public enthusiasm for electric vehicles, and all models are powered by a sizeable battery pack that produces almost no noise.


Thinking Of Leasing a Volkswagen ID Buzz? 


Now we know that might annoy lovers of the original vintage camper because a significant part of the appeal of that vintage vehicle's air-cooled engine was its distinctive buzz. But if you give it some thought, making the ID Buzz electric-only makes perfect sense in today's day and age.


Most people associate classic campers with leisurely holiday drives filled with scenic stops and lunches. Nowadays, we typically dine at fast food outlets at rest stops, but you can still get a taste of it by using the ID Buzz's fold-out picnic tables, possibly when you're stopped up at a rest area with a motorway rapid charger to add more miles to the battery. So, let’s take a look at whether the VW ID Buzz should become a part of your family's memories in 2023.


Volkswagen ID Buzz Drive

The ID Buzz is propelled by the same 201bhp electric engine as earlier Volkswagen ID models and can reach 0-60 mph in 9.5 seconds. Which is quicker than a Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 TSI, but the comparably priced Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model Y are in a different league in terms of performance.


The Buzz feels the most snappy at town speeds when it can rocket away from traffic signals and onto roundabouts with remarkable vigour. Above 40mph, acceleration slows noticeably, but you'll still have no trouble driving in the outside lane of a motorway.


The Buzz's official range is up to 260 miles, thanks to the 77kWh (usable) battery pack under the floor (it varies slightly depending on trim level and wheel size). In reality, you won't get that far; anticipate travelling roughly 230 miles in the summer and 180 miles in the dead of winter.


Although it's difficult to tell from the images, the Buzz is a little bit shorter than an iX3 or Model Y. It is also surprisingly simple to manoeuvre in urban settings thanks to its 11.1-meter turning radius, which is less than a VW Tiguan's.


If you want an agile electric car, we advise looking at the iX3 or, even better, the lower-riding Tesla Model 3. It isn't even remotely sporty to drive. However, compared to the Volkswagen Multivan, the Buzz responds more quickly to steering inputs and maintains a relatively upright position through tight turns. 


Volkswagen ID Buzz Interior 

If you look in the ID Buzz, you might easily think you're operating a Land Rover. In the Style variant, the tiny adjustable armrests on either side of the seat only serve to accentuate this impression. Compared to similarly priced electric options like the Jaguar I-Pace and Tesla Model Y, you sit significantly further from the road in this vehicle.


Volkswagen ID Buzz 

If it weren't for VW's fixation with difficult touch-sensitive controls, Buzz's driving position would be almost ideal. They can be found on the dashboard for the heater, on the doors for the mirror adjustments, and even on the steering wheel.


With its enormous glass surfaces and vertical pillars, the ID Buzz offers a vision outside that a contemporary SUV could only hope to match. That means driving doesn't seem intimidating at all because you always know where the car's edges are.


Though you don't even need to do this when parking since all trims come with front and rear parking sensors as standard, coupled with a reversing camera to give you added peace of mind, it helps that there is only a little bonnet projection to judge.


Unfortunately, the operating system isn't a little bit more user-friendly, but the 10in touchscreen that comes as standard on all models of the ID Buzz isn't short on capabilities and comes with smartphone mirroring for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You may also be happy to learn that wireless phone charging comes as standard across all of the trims!


Volkswagen ID Buzz Space 

The Buzz currently only has five seats, but a longer model with seven seats will be added to the lineup in 2023.


Despite the lack of three separate back seats and the fact that only the outer two have Isofix mounting points, the Buzz's interior is so spacious that carrying three large adults, much alone three children, won't be a problem at all.


Along with a wonderfully bright and airy feeling due to the tall side windows, there is also far more leg and headroom than you will find in any electric SUV at this price point. The sliding back doors, however, are the most practical feature. If you're willing to spend more money, you can even have these electrified.


Although they cannot be completely removed like in the Volkswagen Multivan, the seatbacks can be folded down or reclined, and the 60/40 split rear bench can slide back and forth. It's also important to keep in mind that certain electric SUV competitors, like the BMW iX3, have flexible 40/20/40 split rear seats. The Buzz also features a boot that is absolutely enormous and far larger than any SUV, including a Range Rover.


Our Conclusion

The updated version of VW's iconic camper is beautiful, enjoyable to drive, and incredibly useful. If you want to lease one, it's also less expensive than you might expect. It’s a great substitute for high-end electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y, Jaguar I-Pace, and BMW iX3.


Considering moving to an electric vehicle? When it comes to selecting the right vehicle for you, we have plenty of electric car leasing deals available at MWVC to suit everyone's needs. Whether you are looking for a personal deal or a commercial vehicle to lease, our expert sales team can advise you on the best deal for you


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