Not like in most three-row SUVs, sitting behind the Buzz was a cushty 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 house 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 affords an insert for the rear cargo space that comes with two useful drawers. When you want more room, the third row could be eliminated solely.
To assist maintain gadgets 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’ll be able to transfer it from between the entrance seats to the second row in autos geared up 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 a minimum of 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 touch cam. A 110-volt, 150-watt energy outlet is obtainable underneath 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 to your life-style.
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 way in which of latency. VW has added ChatGPT integration for the voice assistant, however that requires a community connection, and I wasn’t capable of totally 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 stable reply in a well timed vogue.
Weirdly although, as an journey automobile, 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 stunned 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 affords 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 commonplace for the second row. It has three-zone local weather controls.
All these USB ports are additionally commonplace. So is that 110V outlet. For these late evening raves, a 30-color ambient lighting characteristic is commonplace.
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 autos to be assembled in North America to qualify for the tax break. If the automaker affords a lease, then the van does turn out to be eligible.
Volkswagen is conscious it is a area of interest automobile. Whereas the thrill across the Buzz has died down, it should nonetheless seemingly promote out in its first yr. VW wouldn’t touch upon whether or not it should supply a less expensive trim possibility sooner or later or whether or not it plans to develop its manufacturing to the US.
But even with its lack of a real entry-level worth and a spread 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 stable weekend hauler for households who get pleasure from an lively life-style. 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.
