In contrast to in most three-row SUVs, sitting in the back of the Buzz was a snug expertise for my 6-foot-3 physique. We additionally piled 4 WIRED colleagues into the van for a protracted loop across the neighborhood, and everybody had loads of room.
With all of the seats in use, the cargo area behind the third row is eighteen.6 cubic toes. That’s sufficient for a big grocery haul or a number of peoples’ baggage. The third row of seats will be folded all the way down to make a flat floor within the again, and VW presents an insert for the rear cargo space that comes with two helpful drawers. When you want more room, the third row will be eliminated solely.
To assist maintain gadgets from sliding round, the Buzz is provided with velcro partitions which might be saved within the partitions of the cargo space. The middle console is detachable and moveable. You possibly can transfer it from between the entrance seats to the second row in automobiles geared up with captain’s chairs. Or simply pull it out solely. One good contact: The dividers within the middle console double as a bottle opener and an ice scraper.
In the meantime, VW has gone full USB-C. Each seat will get no less than one charging port. There are seven ports in whole. There’s additionally one 15-watt USB port close to the rearview mirror to accommodate a splash cam. A 110-volt, 150-watt energy outlet is out there underneath the passenger seat.
This all earlier than you get into the world of aftermarket add-ons, the place you’re certain to discover a plethora of choices for the Buzz. It is all very intelligent, and a reminder that the VW bus is a canvas in your way of life.
Lastly, the problems which have famously been plaguing VW’s infotainment system for years have been solved. The 12.9-inch show was straightforward to make use of, navigate, and extra importantly, had little in the best way of latency. VW has added ChatGPT integration for the voice assistant, however that requires a community connection, and I wasn’t in a position to absolutely check it, since many of the drive was in areas the place cell service was spotty or absent. Once I was in a position to check it, it returned a strong reply in a well timed style.
Weirdly although, as an journey car, the Buzz doesn’t ship with a canine or tenting mode. When requested about this, Volkswagen mentioned it was wanting into it. Various journalists inquired about these options, that are present in Rivians and Teslas and make all kinds of sense for the Buzz. So don’t be shocked if these modes present up in an OTA software program replace.
How A lot Once more?
Which brings us to the second sticking level of the ID Buzz. The RWD Professional S mannequin begins at $59,995, and it is because Volkswagen primarily presents a mid-level trim because the entry-level mannequin. For instance, this beginning configuration ships with 12-way adjustable heated and vented entrance seats with a therapeutic massage function. Heated seats are additionally normal for the second row. It has three-zone local weather controls.
All these USB ports are additionally normal. So is that 110V outlet. For these late evening raves, a 30-color ambient lighting function is normal.
Volkswagen is constructing all its ID Buzzes at a single manufacturing facility in Hanover, Germany. This implies US patrons can’t declare an EV buy tax credit score, for the reason that Inflation Discount Act requires automobiles to be assembled in North America to qualify for the tax break. If the automaker presents a lease, then the van does grow to be eligible.
Volkswagen is conscious it is a area of interest car. Whereas the thrill across the Buzz has died down, it would nonetheless seemingly promote out in its first yr. VW wouldn’t touch upon whether or not it would supply a less expensive trim choice sooner or later or whether or not it plans to broaden its manufacturing to the US.
But even with its lack of a real entry-level value and a variety that, whereas underreported, is lower than anticipated, the ID Buzz is precisely what it ought to be. It’s a fun-to-drive nostalgia machine with sufficient storage and utility to make it a strong weekend hauler for households who take pleasure in an lively way of life. And your 5 kids will probably be fairly comfy within the again as you bore them to tears together with your Summer season of Love playlist.
