Volkswagen Australia has officially unveiled its inaugural electric vehicle (EV), the battery-powered ID. Buzz, designed as both a people mover and commercial van—essentially a rejuvenated Kombi for today’s discerning consumer.

Following a series of delays that have hampered the local introductions of the ID.4 and ID.5 mid-size electric SUVs, the ID. Buzz makes its debut just in time for the festive season. First customer deliveries are expected to begin by year’s end and extend into early next year.

With its striking retro aesthetic reminiscent of the classic Kombi, the ID. Buzz is the largest model to date built on Volkswagen Group’s dedicated electric MEB platform, which also serves the ID.4, ID.5, ID.7, and several models from Skoda and Audi, among others.

Initially, the ID. Buzz will be available in two Pro variants for people moving as well as a distinct Cargo delivery model, with a high-performance GTX variant scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2025.

This review will concentrate on the ID. Buzz Pro people mover, available in both short-wheelbase (SWB) five-seat and long-wheelbase (LWB) seven-seat configurations. An embargo covers our first local review of the ID. Buzz Cargo until 5:00 PM AEDT on Thursday, December 19.

So, how does the ID. Buzz Pro perform, and has the anticipation been justified? Read on to find out.

How does the Volkswagen ID.Buzz compare?

For a comprehensive comparison between the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and other competitors in the same segment, explore our detailed breakdown below.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pricing:

The ID. Buzz starts at a price point of $88,000, excluding on-road costs. Notably, both Pro variants narrowly avoid the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold, which means a novated lease purchase could exempt buyers from Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT).

Model Pricing Before On-Road Costs:

  • 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro SWB BEV560 RWD: $87,990
  • 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB BEV560 RWD: $91,290
  • 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX LWB BEV 4Motion AWD: $109,990

For a head-to-head analysis of how the Volkswagen ID. Buzz stacks up against its competitors, utilize our comparison tool.

What’s the Interior Like?

Embracing its role as a modern reincarnation of the electric Kombi, the ID. Buzz offers a forward-thinking and spacious interior, larger than any predecessor.

With generously wide-opening doors and an elevated ride height, entering this electric van is straightforward, albeit the absence of a grab handle on the A-pillar is noted.

While the standard seat upholstery is rather monotonous in black, Volkswagen does offer lighter upholstery options through additional packages, albeit at a steep cost.

The front seats, which come standard with manual adjustments, provide a comfortable driving position for a variety of body types. An armrest on each front seat enhances comfort further. However, opting for interior packages adds electric seat adjustments, additional side armrests, heated seats, and a massage function that is impressively effective.

In front of the driver lies a finely crafted leather-wrapped steering wheel that provides ample tilt and reach adjustments for comfort. Yet, it features the company’s touch-sensitive buttons, which, while an improvement from previous iterations in other models, continue to pose minor usability challenges given their tendency for accidental presses.

The small digital instrument cluster, consistent with other Volkswagen ID vehicles, succinctly conveys critical driving information and offers limited customization for personal preferences.

The centerpiece of the cabin features a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that dazzles with high-resolution and intuitive menu navigation. Although certain climate control functions necessitate touchscreen use, strategically placed shortcut buttons enhance usability. Additionally, a physical touch slider allows for easy temperature adjustments.

The IDA voice assistant serves as another interactive option, capable of controlling climate settings and even delivering jokes.

At launch, only wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with a wireless update planned for early 2025. Nevertheless, the wired connection proved to be stable and reliable.

Reflecting its commercial vehicle heritage, the ID. Buzz features numerous hard plastics, balanced by some soft-touch surfaces around high-contact areas. Despite a somewhat utilitarian aesthetic, optional cosmetic upgrades can deliver a more refined feel with faux wood accents and ambient lighting that can be customized in a multitude of colors. An optional panoramic sunroof with smart glass functionality brings an additional layer of versatility to the cabin, albeit its absence of a physical blind raises concerns about optimal light control.

Exceptional storage options are plentiful throughout the cabin, highlighted by the innovative ID. Buzz Box—a removable center console with adjustable cupholder configurations and storage compartments.

In the second row, the electrically powered sliding side doors with hands-free opening capabilities make accessing the seating area effortless, particularly when hands are full. Once settled in, the expansive space comfortably accommodates three passengers, with reclining and sliding seat features for added comfort.

Although the space feels functional, the utilitarian vibe persists, lacking abundant soft-touch materials, yet the carpeted, flat floor enhances accessibility. Rear amenities include independent climate control with roof-mounted vents, multiple USB-C ports, and tray tables on the front seatbacks.

The transition to the third-row seating in the LWB is intuitive, with a lever to fold the middle seatback for exceptional access. Upon entering, occupants find ample space—albeit the lack of soft surfaces is again noted. However, practical features such as roof-mounted vents and USB-C ports make up for the minimalistic touches.

With a power tailgate that opens wide, the rear cargo space is extensive in SWB configurations, but remains functional in LWB models, especially when the third-row seats are folded down.

The optional multi-flex board enhances cargo versatility, providing a flat floor with stowed seats and additional storage boxes beneath.

Specifications

  • SWB Dimensions: 4712mm length / 1985mm width / 1927mm height.
  • LWB Dimensions: 4962mm length / 1985mm width / 1927mm height.
  • SWB Cargo Capacity: 1121L (5 seats), 2232L (2 seats).
  • LWB Cargo Capacity: 306L (7 seats), 1340L (5 seats), 2469L (2 seats).

What Lies Beneath the Surface?

Both ID. Buzz Pro configurations are propelled by a singular rear-mounted electric motor—equipped with a 79kWh battery in the SWB and an upgraded 86kWh unit in the LWB.

Performance Specifications

  • Power: 210kW
  • Torque: 550Nm
  • Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.6 seconds (SWB), 7.9 seconds (LWB)
  • Claimed Range: 422km (SWB), 452km (LWB)

How Does It Drive?

As typical with Volkswagen Group’s electric vehicles, activating the ID. Buzz is effortless; simply enter, buckle up, and depress the brake pedal. From there, a twist of the column-mounted gear selector gets you on the move.

The ID. Buzz exhibits impressive low-speed agility, delivering a robust 550Nm of torque from a standstill—genuinely exhilarating for such a large vehicle. It handles urban driving with remarkable sprightliness, virtually redefining expectations for a vehicle of this size and weight.

Driving dynamics reveal a characterful charm inherent in its rear-wheel configuration, with two driving modes available: ‘D’ mimics standard combustion vehicles, while ‘B’ engages stronger regenerative braking to facilitate a semi-one-pedal experience.

Equipped with rear drum brakes—reasonable for an EV prioritizing regenerative braking—the transition to conventional brakes might occasionally disrupt driving smoothness.

Handling and steering offer an approachable weight, suitable for various driving conditions while ensuring driver confidence. At lower speeds, the ID. Buzz glides quietly and comfortably, its suspension adeptly managing rough terrain, which remains stable even with the optional larger alloy wheels.

Though the size poses challenges at parking facilities, comprehensive sensor systems assist in maneuverability, supplemented by a surround-view camera for enhanced situational awareness.

Long-distance travel proves efficient, with the ID. Buzz maintaining speed effortlessly. However, certain road conditions—especially windy or uneven surfaces—reveal some limitations in ride comfort, particularly for backseat passengers. Across smoother terrains, its efficiency shines, delivering an average of around 20kWh/100km.

On the safety front, features such as adaptive cruise control perform admirably, although the undertaking prevention system may feel excessive in certain driving environments. The Travel Assist function excels in reducing driver fatigue on extended journeys, effectively combining adaptive cruise control with lane management capabilities.

The ID. Buzz comes standard with advanced LED headlights that prove invaluable on dimly lit roads through intelligent beam adjustments.

What’s Included in the Package?

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro offers configurations in both short-wheelbase (5-seater) and long-wheelbase (7-seater) variants.

ID. Buzz Pro SWB Features

  • Matrix LED headlights
  • 19-inch diamond-turned alloy wheels
  • Power tailgate
  • Rain-sensing wipers
  • Tri-zone climate control
  • 12.9-inch touchscreen system
  • Voice assistant
  • Wireless phone charger

Pro LWB Variants Add: Third-row seating and enhanced rear brake options.

Various optional packages are available to enhance your ID. Buzz experience, from advanced infotainment systems to upgraded interior styling packages.

Is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz a Safe Choice?

Currently holding a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, although not yet rated by ANCAP in Australia, the ID. Buzz incorporates a comprehensive suite of safety features. Highlights include:

  • Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Lane-keeping assistance
  • Surround-view camera

All ID. Buzz buyers benefit from a five-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, alongside an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty—an assurance of confidence in your EV investment.

In conclusion, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a modern tribute to the storied Kombi lineage. Its stunning exterior is matched by impressive electric performance and spacious interiors, although the pricing reflects its premium standing in the market. Nevertheless, for those attracted to a blend of nostalgia, efficiency, and charm on the road, the ID. Buzz offers an unparalleled experience that few can rival.

For those interested in acquiring a Volkswagen ID. Buzz, connect with one of CarExpert’s reputable dealers today.

Explore our image gallery for additional visual insights of the ID. Buzz.

More on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz can be found here.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au