2022 Volkswagen ID Buzz review: Naughty but niche

It has, I am afraid, been a while. After the overwhelmingly adequate ID.3, 4 and 5, Volkswagen has finally done what it set out to do from the start and created a truly desirable pure electric car. A pity, then, that the fact it’s so expensive and the size and shape of a small van means this ID Buzz is and will likely remain a niche item.

Nor is it particularly clever. Forget the absurd flexibility of the original Microbus and its many descendants, you can’t even remove the rear seats from the Buzz. It’s slow, has a range many will find limiting and, of course, VW’s unfit-for-purpose infotainment system.

And yet so too is it brilliant. If you care about such matters, I’ve driven Lamborghinis that have attracted less attention and even if you don’t few would object to having something so smartly styled parked outside. It is also uncommonly quiet and comfortable for a car of this kind and, through its accurate steering and faithful responses, fun to drive. The cabin space is airy and even with the rear seats merely folded, there’s an enormous amount of room for your clobber back there.

It should be said too that far more versatile versions are on the way, including a replacement for the much-loved California camper. I suspect Buzz, with more flexible cabins and less infuriating control systems, are in the pipeline. But if you felt unable to resist taking the plunge now, I might not agree with you, but I’d certainly understand. AF

Volkswagen ID Buzz Style

• Price £61,915
• Engine Rear electric motor, 76.6kWh battery
• Power 201bhp
• Torque 229lb ft
• Weight 2502kg
• Power to weight 80bhp per tonne
• Transmission Single speed, front-wheel drive
• 0-60mph 10.2sec
• Top speed 90mph
• Range 258 miles (WLTP)
• CO2 0g/km
• Verdict At last, a desirable ID EV.