In contrast to in most three-row SUVs, sitting behind 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 may be folded right down to make a flat floor within the again, and VW provides an insert for the rear cargo space that comes with two useful drawers. In the event you want extra space, the third row may be eliminated solely.
To assist maintain objects from sliding round, the Buzz is provided with velcro partitions which can 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 outfitted with captain’s chairs. Or simply pull it out solely. One good contact: The dividers within the heart console double as a bottle opener and an ice scraper.
In the meantime, VW has gone full USB-C. Each seat will get at the least 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 accessible below the passenger seat.
This all earlier than you get into the world of aftermarket add-ons, the place you might be 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 simple 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 many 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 trend.
Weirdly although, as an journey automobile, the Buzz doesn’t ship with a canine or tenting mode. When requested about this, Volkswagen stated it was trying into it. Various 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 provides 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 characteristic. 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 evening raves, a 30-color ambient lighting characteristic is customary.
Volkswagen is constructing all its ID Buzzes at a single manufacturing facility in Hanover, Germany. This implies US consumers 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 provides a lease, then the van does grow to be eligible.
Volkswagen is conscious this can be a area of interest automobile. Whereas the excitement across the Buzz has died down, it is going to nonetheless seemingly promote out in its first 12 months. VW wouldn’t touch upon whether or not it is going to 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 worth and a variety that, whereas underreported, is lower than anticipated, the ID Buzz is strictly what it needs 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 energetic way of life. And your 5 youngsters will probably be fairly comfy within the again as you bore them to tears along with your Summer season of Love playlist.
