car tests

25 centimeters added

The ID. Buzz long wheelbase – we’ll call it ID from here on out. Buzz LWB – measures 4.96 meters. That’s about 25 centimeters more than the regular version. That extra length is entirely in the wheelbase. The result: more legroom in the second row of seats, room for a third row of seats ánd a trunk that’s worthy of the name. The longer wheelbase also changes something about its appearance. It remains that roguish, friendly van, but looks better balanced. It is not an excessively long bus – don’t be put off by the term “long wheelbase” – but it has a size that is just right.

Up to seven seats

The ID. Buzz LWB has three rows of seats: two front seats, a bench or two separate seats in the second row and two seats in the third row. So you can drive it as a seven-seater, or choose a more luxurious six-seat layout (2-2-2), as our test car has. In either case, even the third row of seats offers a surprising amount of legroom. So those rear seats are suitable not only for children, but also for adults. The long ID. Buzz is thus ideal for large families who go out regularly: everyone sits amply. However, with all the seats occupied, only 306 liters of luggage space remain – not enough for everyone’s suitcase. If you fold everything flat, you have 2,469 liters of cargo space. That’s moving van worthy.

286 hp

The tall ID. Buzz gets Volkswagen’s latest electric powertrain, which we also know from the ID.7. A 210 kW (286 hp) strong electric motor drives the rear wheels. That makes it surprisingly smooth for a bus of nearly five meters. It is obviously not a sports car, but those who let their right foot do the talking will easily leave most gasoline cars behind at the stoplight. It must be a special sight for those behind: such a retro bus that suddenly shoots away.

500 kilometer range

In the bottom lies the largest battery pack currently offered by Volkswagen: 86 kWh, good for 487 kilometers of range on paper. During our week of testing in March – with pleasant temperatures – we ended up with about 420 kilometers. More than enough, because after 400 kilometers with seven people in a bus, everyone needs a short break. Moreover, charging is fast: the ID. Buzz LWB can quick charge up to 200 kW. In 25 minutes, the battery is back at 80 percent. Via the on-board computer, you can pre-heat the battery on cold days. So you always charge at maximum speed.

Infotainment finally really good

The ID. Buzz LWB is equipped with Volkswagen Group’s latest-generation software. The infotainment system works quickly, intuitively and without frustration. The large central touchscreen is responsive and now offers the option for shortcuts, making it easy to find a number of things. The climate controls are where you expect them to be and work as you hope, unfortunately only still without physical buttons. Apple CarPlay works flawlessly (Android Auto is also there) and there is even support for ChatGPT.

Driving behaviour

Driving the ID. Buzz LWB is soothing. Yes, it is smooth, but this is obviously not a car that invites sporty driving. It calls for calm cruising, with your elbow on the armrest and your favorite playlist playing in the background. All-round visibility is excellent – it doesn’t really get any better – and comfort is high. The suspension is smooth, the steering pleasant and the noise level surprisingly low – despite the ID’s large frontal area. Buzz. Even on the highway, it remains pleasantly quiet on board.

Special

Then there’s another thing you can’t measure: you’re really driving something special. The ID. Buzz remains a standout even a few years after its introduction. As mentioned, the long-wheelbase version is better proportioned. The design comes off better. The many thumbs up and admiring glances we get actually confirm that the IB. Buzz is not a dull sight. The color scheme of the test car helps with that: the classic Candy White/Bayleaf Green color scheme fits perfectly.

Deliciously retro

That color scheme is also reflected in the interior. It makes for an extra spacious and sunny feeling. Like driving through Miami or along the California coast – even though you’re just on the A2. Even after a week, the retro design does not bore you for a second. The optional panoramic roof enhances the sunny feeling and lets in lots of light. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, with an attractive – though stain-prone – finish.  

Is this the ultimate family electric car?

It depends on your needs. If you are looking for an electric car with room for seven people as well as luggage, there are few alternatives. The Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9 also offer plenty of space and also have a distinct design. The Volvo EX90 is no match for the Buzz in terms of space and offers hardly any seating space at all in the rear. No, in terms of space and appearance, the ID. Buzz LWB is unique in its class, until Kia introduces the PV5 Passenger.

Conclusion Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB

At AutoRAI.nl, we get excited about everything on four wheels, but rarely does a car consistently bring us a smile for a week. The extended ID. Buzz does. Only at the price tag does that smile disappear for a moment. Our test car costs a whopping 80,000 euros. Ai! That said: you can also drive it a lot cheaper, because the charming test car is equipped with practically every conceivable option. The two-tone paint alone costs an extra 2,388 euros. But the base version with seven seats starts at 54,990 euros. That, by the way, is 5,000 euros more than the “short” ID. Buzz.