Volkswagen ID review. Buzz Panel Van (2022) Electric
Volkswagen’s stylish Buzz Panel Van delivers comfort and technology from passenger cars to the commercial market, but payload and pricing are less appealing.
The Cargo is Volkswagen’s adorable, vintage ID in a commercial setting. Whereas most of its rivals are battery-powered variations of standard diesel trucks, this is Great for promoting your company. Still, more ardent commercial users might find the high purchase price unsuitable given those vehicles like the Nissan Townstar EV, Vauxhall Combo-e, and Renault Kangoo E-Tech, which appear to be smaller (and much cheaper) alternatives, can carry a more significant load.
It’s true that ID. Buzz outperforms these and many larger electric vans in range, but diesel still dominates long-distance deliveries. For the kind of work Buzz is best suited for, many users will likely accept a smaller battery, a lower purchase price, and improved load capacity.
Shipping and practicality
identity at first glimpse. Buzz Cargo appears to be the same size as the well-known haulier. However, compared to strictly truck-derived cars, carrying capacity is reduced because it shares underpinnings with ID.3 and ID.4. To put numbers to it, the loadspace is 300 mm shorter and 131 mm lower. The tailgate (and hence the loading hatch) is substantially smaller even though the wheelbase is almost identical to the Transporter 6.1 and can carry two Euro plates.
While the disappointing 695kg payload is less than many smaller competitors, the 3.9 square meter interior is also significantly smaller than the Transporter. In actuality, longer variations of more compact alternatives, including the Nissan Townstar EV, Renault Kangoo E-Tech, and Vauxhall Combo-e, are capable of carrying a lot of cargo and dubious id.
Car interior design
The ID. While the black plastics and fabrics of the Buzz Cargo replace the two-toned pastel colours and sleeker trim of the passenger car version, they nevertheless feel considerably better made than those of most van competitors, and the digital instruments and appropriately sized central screen seem high-tech. It’s also highly functional, with lots of storage above the dash and an excellent “buzz box” middle compartment if you choose the two-seater option. Suppose there’s one area besides appearances where ID. Buzz believes paying more than its rivals is worthwhile; it’s right here in the cab.
Operating costs
A little over 250 miles would be pretty appealing if your work schedule prohibits stopping to charge all the time, especially given the efficiency we obtained with our (unloaded) ID. That would be equivalent to all-electric variants of the upcoming Transit Custom and at least 50 miles between charging stations for competitors like the Town car EV listed above.
Additionally, it means that most of your charging can be done overnight, minimizing downtime. If you’re savvy, you can also use significantly lower off-peak electricity. Owners of operators who bring their trucks home every night and can charge for their driveway would find this to be highly appealing.
However, government assistance for passenger vehicles has been discontinued, and given the current state of transport, they might do the same for pickups. It is unclear whether this will be enough to offset the high beginning price at the time of writing. On the other hand, for the appropriate buyer, the marketing advantages of Buzz’s hip appearance, exemption from the London Congestion Charge, and other benefits can result in a return on investment.
Volkswagen Buzz Panel Van reliability
while id. Buzz is a brand-new car that shares its underpinnings with several Volkswagen, Audi, Cupra, and Skoda passenger vehicles. We lack specific identity data. Although there are some issues with the touchscreen technology that controls everything from navigation to heating and ventilation, Buzz’s personal experience with these cars suggests that the electric powertrain is dependable. VW has implemented an over-the-air update system that may theoretically correct faults that go haywire in the workshop, but we’ll have to wait and see how that works.
Volkswagen Buzz Panel Van performance
Under it is the electric platform. Due to Buzz’s modular design, Volkswagen can alter the range of battery sizes and power outputs it offers. Although different batteries and power levels might eventually be offered, all vehicles first come standard with a 204-horsepower rear-mounted motor and a 77-kWh battery.
This completely exceeds the likes of Vivaro-e, Proace, e-Dispatch, and e-Expert and rivals the potent BiTDi diesel engine in top-spec gearboxes. Although it can’t match a diesel’s torque output, it operates brilliantly, with quick throttle response and an electric truck’s continuous smooth power delivery.
The ride and handling of the Volkswagen Buzz Panel Van
The Buzz comes with 18-inch steel wheels as standard, but you can choose 19- or even 20-inch premium alloy wheels. This isn’t as absurd as it seems in VW circles because many carriers run giant rims, but the wheel-to-rubber ratio feels like it would affect ride quality.
Thankfully, it doesn’t, and the Buzz is far more comfortable and refined overall than most commercial competitors. In contrast, many trucks’ typical fenders isolate you from the boom and make it echo. The highly polished, silent electric motor’s immediate response aids in keeping you calm and stress-free while driving. Thanks to improved passenger cars, long days behind the wheel won’t be fun. while
Volkswagen Buzz Panel Van Safety
Another advantage of being built on the foundation of passenger cars is the superior driver-aid technology, ID. Buzz includes autonomous emergency braking, pedestrian and cyclist detection, driver fatigue alert, switchable cruise control, and a speed limiter. There are side, act, and curtain airbags along with front and rear parking sensors. You’ll receive extra if you upgrade to the Commerce Plus trim level.
At the end of a hard day at work, you can return to your driveway hands-free thanks to features like automated distance sensing for cruise control, a rearview camera, lane-keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and even a system to “record” challenging parking manoeuvres!
Volkswagen Buzz Panel Van equipment
ID. Buzz is a high-tech vehicle, and the centre 10-inch touchscreen—which is fantastic for a little car—is where you’ll interact most with it. DAB to keep you engaged, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, and set up for subscribing to WeConnect support services are also included.
Two sliding cargo doors, power-adjustable mirrors, a layer-padded floor in the back, a heated, height-adjustable driver’s seat, phone, entertainment, and cruise control steering wheel controls are just a few of the standard features. Commerce Plus has factory navigation, body-coloured bumpers, and alloy wheels, but you must spend £1,500 plus VAT to acquire the Buzz’s distinctive two-tone paint.
Why buy a Volkswagen Buzz Panel Van?
Everywhere you drive, your truck will attract attention. For many businesses, a car is as much a moving billboard as a piece of machinery for transporting goods or equipment. Expect it to come up in conversations with clients, and businesses looking to project an image of social responsibility will find it quite appealing. Your priorities will determine whether this justifies the increased price and relatively small payload; if you only need something to do the job, there are cheaper options. Id. Buzz, though, is in a league of its own if you want to make a statement about going electric.
