Don't be a buzz-kill if you've never tried the all-electric VW ID.BUZZ, because it is the definitive party people mover
If you're comparing the ID.Buzz against the likes of the recently launched Denza, Zeekr or Mifa electric MPVs, it probably isn't the one for you.
As far as we're concerned, VW's larger-than-life, all-electric spiritual successor to the original Type 2 Campervan has no substitutes, simply because it's one of the rare EVs that actually has a personality.
Don't get all huffy now, because 'Der Bus' of this generation tugs at the heart, as opposed to the brain.
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For those who are easily impressed by an extensive spec-list, hardware can always be upgraded, but the emotional feels offered by the ID.Buzz are much harder to replicate.
This means if you're the sort to consider other electric MPVs at the three-row ID.Buzz Pro LWB 7 Seater's S$343,900 on-the-road price point, you're better off looking elsewhere.
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For what it's worth, the passenger range starts with the ID.Buzz Pro NWB 5 Seater, which starts at S$318,900, and a S$348,900 6 Seater, the most expensive variant of the ID.Buzz – there's also an ID.Buzz Cargo for commercial registration, which starts around the S$160k region.
Needless to say, such effortless cool doesn't come cheap and as with all things automotive-related in Singapore, one must be prepared to pay to play.
There aren't many of such automotive archetypes, but every once in a while, a gem like the ID.Buzz emerges to provide a gratifying vibe-check.
Such evocative rarities are promptly elevated to a lofty emotional status that transcends its rivals to let them effectively operate in a niche of just one.
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This author has been eagerly waiting to get his hands on the ID. Buzz since it was previewed at the 2023 Singapore Motor Show, but it wasn't till late 2024 that the range was properly launched here.
It's hard to imagine getting excited over any EV, but the ID.Buzz is proving to be an exception.
A funky-fun-bus like the personable ID.Buzz is a real mood. With this charismatic caravan, it's never just about the drive, but more for us to soak-in and spread its eclectic electric vibes, which we did by packing our pals in and ferrying them around.
Like the OG T1 Campervan / Kombi, it's all about cultivating memories, camaraderie, fellowship and goodwill between like-minded pals as it spreads its blend of sunshine.
Moreover, regardless of who you're picking up, it always starts-off on a good note because it never fails to put a huge smile on their faces when they see Der Bus heading their way.
Frowns are turned upside-down and phones are whipped out to snap the bodacious Buzz, which never seems to have a bad angle.
The best seats in the house are in the second- and third-rows, but because we're doing the driving, we'll talk about the front-of-house first.
In terms of its (3239mm) wheelbase and (4962mm) overall length, the LWB is 250mm longer than the standard 5-seater, but this added length doesn't make itself felt, even when manoeuvring in tight confines.
With 210kW from its 91kWh (gross) battery, it drives like any other EV – smooth and silent. More importantly, the power delivery can be tempered so it doesn't accelerate too quickly. It's not a sportscar, so I don't see the point in being jostled around every time the driver puts his foot down.
The quoted WLTP range from a full charge for the 7 Seat states "up to 487km", and we managed at least 400+km in a real-world kombi-nation of manic and mundane driving, just to see how it would fare.
The design of the cabin draws inspiration from its classic forebears, with a linear dashboard that features stacked elements for easy readability.
The tasteful bi-colour tones of the interior trim endows the warmly-appointed cabin with a chic, cheerful ambience.
Thanks to the use of zesty colours and glass-house architecture, it feels plenty airy and spacious in the cabin, even for those in the back.
At the same time, the panoramic "Smart Glass" electrochromic roof, which can morph from opaque to transparent with one touch, can let in even more light.
In a nod to the current eco-conscious movement, the ID.Buzz uses sustainable substitutes for leather and other materials of animal origin. The hard-wearing, kitschy-cool seat covers are made from 'Seaqual' yarn, with threads consisting of 10% marine plastic and 90% recycled PET bottles.
However, it's not just a flower-powered pretty face, because there is ample function to go with the funky fun joy-ride.
The 'Buzz Box' centre console that is deployed between the front-row seats can be fully-removed to create a clear thoroughfare within the cabin. It can also see service in the 6-seater variant, and be mounted between the individual second-row seats.
The third-row seats can either be tumbled flat, or completely removed depending on utility needs. In maximum load-lugging mode (with just the front two seats up), the LWB will see up to 2469-litres of carrying capacity.
Furthermore, a multiflexboard (pictured above) sits in the tail-end of the LWB, which helps create a full-flat load floor (complete with shelving space underneath) without removing the third-row seats.
For greater versatility, removing this and the third-row seats will give you even more storage depth.
Powered sliding doors – a staple on big MPVs – make for easy ingress/egress.
Moreover, there are plenty of storage nooks and crannies throughout to stow your assortment of knick-knacks.
Like the other cars in our "2024: Year in Cars" supplement, the ID.Buzz is a real character that is far more than its individual parts.
It isn't “just another EV MPV”, but is targeted at folks looking to make a statement, as well as those yearning to recapture some of that whimsical nostalgia in an increasingly homogenous, electrified landscape.
Volkswagen ID. BUZZ Pro LWB 7 Seater
Battery 91kWh (Gross), 400V
Power 281hp
Maximum torque 560Nm
0–100km/h 7.9secs
Top Speed est. 160km/h
WLTP range (combined) 487km
Kerbweight est. 2.6-tonnes
