Volkswagen ID. Buzz 2024 review
Photo: Alexander Migl, via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the electric heir to the classic Type 2 Bus — and the most characterful electric family car on sale in the UK. Built on VW's MEB platform, the short-wheelbase five-seater pairs a 204PS rear motor with a 77kWh usable battery for up to 258 miles of WLTP range, wrapped in retro styling that turns heads everywhere it goes.
Inside it is all van-derived cleverness: twin sliding side doors, a removable 'Buzz box' centre console, up to eight USB ports and a vast 1,121-litre boot with the seats up. A long-wheelbase seven-seater joined the range in June 2024 with an 86kWh battery and up to 291 miles of range, alongside a 335bhp GTX performance version — although the core short-wheelbase car remains the sweet spot.
UK prices started at £58,044 for the SWB Life, which is steep — and every version attracts the UK's luxury VED surcharge. Real-world range falls short of the WLTP figure (around 200–230 miles in summer, nearer 180 in winter), and the 170kW maximum charging speed trails 800-volt rivals. The touch-slider controls frustrate too.
But the Buzz counters with a five-star Euro NCAP rating, car-like refinement despite its van roots, a tight 11.1-metre turning circle and predicted residual values among the strongest of any EV. For families who want an electric car with soul, nothing else comes close.
Related reviews: VW Id3 2024 review · Volkswagen Golf 2024 review · Ford Focus 2024 review
UK price from: £58,044
Specifications
| Motor | Rear-mounted electric motor |
| Power | 204 PS (201 bhp) |
| Torque | 310 Nm |
| 0-62 mph | 10.2 seconds |
| Battery | 77 kWh (usable) |
| WLTP range | 258 miles |
| Max DC charging | 170 kW (10-80% in around 30 min) |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Boot space | 1,121 litres |
| Kerb weight | 2,459–2,502 kg |
| Insurance group | 31 |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles |
Features
- 204PS rear-mounted electric motor with 310Nm of torque
- 77kWh usable battery; up to 258 miles of WLTP range
- Twin sliding side doors with powered tailgate (Style)
- Discover Pro navigation with 10-inch touchscreen
- Heated windscreen, heated front seats and heated steering wheel
- Travel Assist with adaptive cruise control
- IQ.Light LED matrix headlights (Style)
- Up to eight USB ports including rapid-charging USB-C
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pads (set) | £119.99 | EV — low wear but still a service item |
| Cabin pollen filter | £34.99 | |
| Front wiper blades (pair) | £29.99 | |
| 12V auxiliary battery | £149.99 | Estimate; fitted |
| Tyre 235/50 R20 (each, fitted) | £219.99 | Continental EcoContact equivalent |
| Heated windscreen | £749.99 | Including camera and ADAS recalibration |
Pros
- Hugely characterful retro design — nothing else looks like it
- Cavernous, flexible interior with a 1,121-litre boot
- Five-star Euro NCAP rating with strong child protection
- Refined and quiet to drive, with a tight 11.1-metre turning circle
- Strong predicted residual values offset the high list price
Cons
- Starts near £58,000 with the luxury VED surcharge on every version
- Frustrating touch-slider infotainment controls
- Real-world range well below the WLTP figure
- 170kW maximum charging — slower than 800-volt rivals
Frequently asked questions
What is the real-world range of the ID. Buzz?
Can the ID. Buzz tow?
How many seats does the ID. Buzz have?
How long does the ID. Buzz take to charge?
Is the ID. Buzz battery covered by a warranty?
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