Read Caroline’s Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo review for everything you need to know about buying Volkswagen’s electric van in Ireland.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo made waves in Ireland alongside the ID Buzz passenger version when it arrived in late 2022.
With its quirky looks and electric powertrain, it was an ambitious vehicle for the German car brand. But the combination of charisma and cargo space was enough to quickly secure it both the title of Irish Car of the Year and Irish Van of the Year 2023. Iconic!
Now in 2024, the ID Buzz Cargo gets a price cut so there’s never been a better time to take a closer look at VW’s van reworking of the classic T1.
Design
The ID Buzz Cargo is easily the most charming van on sale. Just like the passenger version, its friendly styling attracts lots of attention. Even finished in Deep Black like my test vehicle. There are even more eye-catching shades available like Pomelo Yellow, Bay Leaf Green and Energetic Orange. Candy White is the standard colour.
The Buzz Cargo’s large headlamps look ever so inviting and iconic. Matrix LEDs are available on the higher trim levels, connected by a thin LED light strip. In the centre, a very large VW badge.
There are a range of trim levels available including Comfort, Business, Executive and Tech – with varying levels of bling. But the 20-inch alloy wheels fitted to the top of the range Max version on test make the Buzz Cargo the coolest van in town.
Dimensions
The ID Buzz van’s dimensions give it a cool, compact stance just like the original T1. It has an overall length of 4,712 mm, width of 1,985 mm (excluding mirrors), height of 1,899 mm and a wheelbase of 2,988 mm.
Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo Interior
Inside the Buzz Cargo has a more tamed down cab than the Volkswagen ID Buzz passenger version. There are no wild colour schemes just a van-standard grey interior that won’t distract from the work that needs to be done.
Otherwise, it’s the same minimalist design that makes it surprisingly relaxing to drive and spend time in. There’s a slim digital driver display, touchscreen and very few buttons, which can make adjusting the ventilation for instance a bit more fiddly. But the cab is well-made and doesn’t look cheap. The seats are comfortable and finished in fabric. A double passenger seat comes as standard though there is the option of a single seat.
Wired Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto come as standard and there are a number of USB-C ports dotted around the cab. There’s also loads of clever storage spaces and cupholders. As you go up the trim levels, there are more features added like dual zone climate control, heated steering wheel, heated driver’s seat, reversing camera and adaptive cruise control.
Power tools can be charged by a 230-volt socket in the frame of the front passenger seat.
How much cargo space does the ID Buzz have?
A fixed partition separates you from the 3.9 m3 cargo space. It’s optionally available with a window and hatch through which items can be loaded.
The gross vehicle weight of the ID. Buzz Cargo is 3,000 kg and the maximum load is 650 kg, while it can tow up to 1 tonne. Two euro pallets can fit in the back but overall the cargo space is modest for the van world, with quite a high floor too. Loads can be secured via lashing rings in the floor and lashing rails on the side walls.
The ID Buzz Cargo is fitted with twin sliding doors and rear wing doors that can open to 180-degrees for reversing into load bays. The Max version on test comes with twin powered sliding doors for extra convenience.
It’s worth noting Volkswagen’s new Transporter van trumps the Buzz Cargo for cargo space, payload and towing capacity.
What is the range of the ID Buzz van?
All versions use a 77kWh lithium-ion battery (net capacity) that is good for an official range of up to 400-420 kilometres (WLTP) depending on model. The battery warranty is eight years or 160,000 kilometres.
Charging the ID Buzz Cargo
AC charging is up to 11kW, while DC fast charging is up to 135kW for a 5-80% in about 30 minutes. It will take 12 hours to charge the battery from a standard 7.4kW wallbox.
There’s a handy underfloor storage compartment for the charging cables, which you can access from the side doors.
Driving the ID Buzz Cargo Max
Built in Hannover, Germany, the ID Buzz Cargo uses Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, which also underpins the passenger version and even the brand’s passenger cars and SUVs like the ID 3 and ID 4. This gives the Buzz a layer of comfort, ease and refinement that makes it a very relaxed daily driver.
The drive mode selection is done from the stalk on the right hand side of the steering wheel, just like in other ID models. It’s smooth and comfy on the motorway with just some road noise, while it’s agile enough for rural roads or town and city driving. Parking is not too tricky either thanks to its square shape and short bonnet. Some versions also get a handy reversing camera.
A 204hp motor sends power to the rear wheels with 0-100kmh in 10.2 seconds. There’s nothing slow about the Buzz Cargo and it’s surprisingly nippy, whether that’s taking off from traffic lights or joining a motorway. Altogether, an entirely pleasant driving experience.
Pricing
The Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo is available from €52,295 after grants and from €43,713 excluding VAT. The ID Buzz Cargo version on test is available from €58,245 after grants and from €48,687 excluding VAT.
Verdict
While diesel remains king of the commercials in Ireland, the Volkswagen ID Buzz offers a quirky and characterful alternative for buyers looking for an electric van. The EV powertrain makes it wonderfully quiet and refined to drive, so it is a relaxing partner for a day’s work. The amount of cargo space and payload is modest for a medium-sized van like this but for the right business, the Buzz is a cheerful option with a great image.
____________________________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo Review | Charisma and cargo space appeared first on Changing Lanes.