Unlike most three-row SUVs, sitting in the back of the Buzz was comfortable for my 6-foot-3 frame. We also piled four WIRED colleagues into the van for a long time on site, and everyone had plenty of room.
With all seats in use, cargo space behind the third row is 18.6 cubic feet. That’s enough to buy a large grocery or a few people’s luggage. The third row of seats can be folded flat to create a flat back, and VW offers a rear cargo compartment with two handy drawers. If you need more space, the third row can be removed completely.
To help keep things from slipping, the Buzz is equipped with velcro sections that are secured to the walls of the cargo area. The center console is removable and movable. You can move it between the front seats to the second row in cars with captain’s seats. Or just remove it altogether. One nice touch: The dividers in the center console double as a bottle opener and ice scraper.
Meanwhile, VW has released full USB-C. Each seat gets at least one charging port. There are seven ports in total. There’s also a single 15-watt USB port near the rearview mirror for a dash cam. A 110-volt, 150-watt power outlet is available under the passenger seat.
All of this before you venture into the world of aftermarket add-ons, where you’re sure to find plenty of options for the Buzz. It’s all very clever, and a reminder that a VW bus is the sail of your life.
The problems that have plagued VW’s infotainment system for years have finally been resolved. The 12.9-inch display was easy to use, navigate, and most importantly, had little to no lag. VW has 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 driving was in areas where cell service was spotty or non-existent. When I was able to test it, it returned a solid response in a timely manner.
Oddly though, as a touring car, the Buzz doesn’t go in doggy or camping mode. When asked about this, Volkswagen said it was looking into it. More than a few journalists have asked about these features, which are found in Rivians and Teslas and create all kinds of buzz. So don’t be surprised if those modes appear in an OTA software update.
How much more?
Which brings us to the second sticking point for the ID Buzz. The RWD Pro S model starts at $59,995, and this is because Volkswagen actually offers the mid-level trim as the entry-level model. For example, this first configuration comes with 12-way heated and ventilated front seats with massage function. Heated seats are also standard in the second row. It has three climate control zones.
All those USB ports are also standard. So is that 110V outlet. For those late-night raves, a 30-color ambient lighting feature is standard.
Volkswagen builds all of its ID Buzzes at a single factory in Hanover, Germany. This means that US buyers cannot claim an EV purchase tax credit, as the Inflation Act requires vehicles to be assembled in North America to qualify for the tax break. If the automaker offers a lease, then the van is eligible.
Volkswagen knows this is a small car. Although the buzz about the Buzz has died down, it’s likely that it will still sell in its first year. VW would not comment on whether it will release a cheaper trim in the future or if it plans to expand its production in the US.
Yet even with its lack of true entry-level value and a grade that, although underreported, falls short of expectations, ID Buzz is exactly what it should be. It’s a fun-to-drive nostalgia machine with enough storage and utility to make it a solid weekend cruiser for families who enjoy an active lifestyle. And your five kids will be quite comfortable in the background as you whine about your Summer of Love playlist.
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