Unlike most three-row SUVs, sitting in the back of the Buzz was a comfortable experience for my 6-foot-3 frame. We also piled four WIRED colleagues into the van for a long drive around the neighborhood, and everyone had plenty of room.
With all seats in use, cargo space behind the third row is 18.6 cubic feet. This is enough for a large transport of groceries or the luggage of several people. The third row of seats can be folded to form a flat surface in the rear, and VW offers an insert for the rear cargo area that comes with two handy drawers. If you need more space, the third row can be removed completely.
To help prevent items from sliding around, the Buzz is equipped with Velcro partitions that store into the walls of the cargo area. The center console is removable and mobile. You can move it from between the front seats to the second row in vehicles equipped with captain’s chairs. Or just take it out completely. Nice touch: The center console dividers double as a bottle opener and ice scraper.
VW, meanwhile, has opted for full USB-C. Each seat has at least one charging port. There are seven ports in total. There is also a 15-watt USB port near the rearview mirror to accommodate a dash cam. A 110-volt, 150-watt power outlet is available under the passenger seat.
All this before delving into the world of aftermarket accessories, where you’re sure to find plenty of options for Buzz. It’s all very clever and reminds you that the VW bus is a canvas for your lifestyle.
Finally, the problems that have been plaguing VW’s infotainment system for years have been resolved. The 12.9-inch screen was easy to use, navigate, and most importantly, had low latency. VW added ChatGPT integration for the voice assistant, but that requires a network connection and I wasn’t able to fully test it as most of the trip was in areas where cell service was spotty or absent. When I was able to test it, it returned a solid answer in a timely manner.
Curiously, though, as an adventure vehicle, the Buzz doesn’t ship with a dog or camping mode. When asked about this, Volkswagen said it was looking into it. More than a few journalists asked about these features, which are found on Rivians and Teslas and make a lot of sense to Buzz. So don’t be surprised if those modes appear in an OTA software update.
How much more?
Which brings us to ID Buzz’s second sticking point. The RWD Pro S model starts at $59,995, and this is because Volkswagen essentially offers a mid-level trim as a base model. For example, this initial configuration comes with 12-way adjustable heated and ventilated front seats and a massage function. Heated seats are also standard for the second row. It has three-zone climate controls.
All of those USB ports are standard, too. So is that 110V outlet. For those late-night raves, a 30-color ambient lighting feature is standard.
Volkswagen is building all of its ID Buzz in a single factory in Hannover, Germany. This means that American buyers cannot claim a tax credit for the purchase of electric vehicles, since the Inflation Reduction Act requires that vehicles be assembled in North America to qualify for the tax exemption. If the automaker offers a lease, then the truck will be eligible.
Volkswagen is aware that it is a niche vehicle. While the buzz around the Buzz has died down, it’s still likely to sell out in its first year. VW declined to comment on whether it will offer a cheaper trim option in the future or whether it plans to expand production to the United States.
However, even with the lack of a true base price and a range that, while unreported, is smaller than anticipated, the ID Buzz is exactly what it should be. It’s a fun-to-drive nostalgic machine with enough storage and utility to make it a solid weekend vehicle for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. And your five kids will be cozy in the back while you bore them to tears with your Summer of Love playlist.