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 an extended 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 could 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 useful drawers. When you want more room, the third row could be eliminated completely.
To assist preserve objects from sliding round, the Buzz is provided with velcro partitions which are 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 autos geared up with captain’s chairs. Or simply pull it out completely. 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 a minimum of one charging port. There are seven ports in complete. There’s additionally one 15-watt USB port close to the rearview mirror to accommodate a touch cam. A 110-volt, 150-watt energy outlet is offered underneath the passenger seat.
This all earlier than you get into the world of aftermarket add-ons, the place you’re positive to discover a plethora of choices for the Buzz. It is all very intelligent, and a reminder that the VW bus is a canvas on 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 capable of absolutely check it, since a lot of the drive was in areas the place cell service was spotty or absent. Once I was capable of check it, it returned a strong reply in a well timed vogue.
Weirdly although, as an journey car, the Buzz doesn’t ship with a canine or tenting mode. When requested about this, Volkswagen stated it was trying into it. Quite a lot of journalists inquired about these options, that are present in Rivians and Teslas and make all types 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’s because Volkswagen basically 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 customary for the second row. It has three-zone local weather controls.
All these USB ports are additionally customary. So is that 110V outlet. For these late night time raves, a 30-color ambient lighting function is customary.
Volkswagen is constructing all its ID Buzzes at a single manufacturing unit in Hanover, Germany. This implies US consumers can not declare an EV buy tax credit score, for the reason that Inflation Discount Act requires autos 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 this can be a area of interest car. Whereas the excitement 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 increase 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 strictly what it must be. It’s a fun-to-drive nostalgia machine with sufficient storage and utility to make it a strong weekend hauler for households who get pleasure from an energetic way of life. And your 5 youngsters might be fairly snug within the again as you bore them to tears together with your Summer time of Love playlist.
