2023_11_Sustainable Truck&Van

SMART TEST
Bulli lovers.
The heir of the Bulli
with an electric
motor was the
subject of a great
virtual embrace,
extraordinary
attention and true
curiosity from
young and old
people during our
test drive in Milan.
As we had never
seen before during
our test drives.
Highlights
Model type Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Est. range
425 km (WLTP)
Battery type
lithium-ion
Battery capacity
77 kWh
Est. charging time (AC) 7,5 hours (11 kW)
Est. charging time (DC) 30 min (5-80%)
E-motor power
150 kW (204 hp)
E-motor torque
309 Nm
summarized in 0.29 CX (which even drops to
0.28 on the passenger version).
Then, there is the attention to every detail
of the German van from the Wolfsburg-based
manufacturer (which builds it at its Hanover
site). One above all, the shape and design of
the light clusters (full LED as standard): small
masterpieces that go into a truly superlative ensemble.
Of course, the ID. Buzz could certainly
not lack the stylistic reference to its legendary
progenitor, namely the Bulli. This is recalled,
for example, by the design and line of the
front end, another highly successful exercise
in style, dominated by the ‘V’-shaped hood. At
its center, as well as on the back of the vehicle,
stands out the ‘W’ of the Volkswagen logo, in
this case larger in size than the one featured
on the brand’s other models. Volkswagen ID.
Buzz Cargo is a characterful vehicle with great
personality and visual impact.
Surprisingly maneuverable and agile,
A unique van that does not go unnoticed, and
we had proof of this during the days of our city
test which was pleasantly interrupted several
times by the questions and curiosity of those
who flanked the vehicle. What stands out, more
than the 4,712 millimeters in length and the
2,989 millimeters in wheelbase, are the very
short overhangs (820 millimeters at the front
only, 903 millimeters at the rear), which, together
with the 11,090 millimeters steering
diameter, make the Bulli’s heir surprisingly
maneuverable and agile, even considering the
2,352-kilogram tare weight. This is particularly
appreciable in city use, where maneuvering
space is often sacrificed.
With one eye to the past and a forward-looking
gaze to the future, however, the ID. Buzz
WELCOME TO THE FUTURE
Once you are in the driver’s seat, the ‘diversity’ of ID.
Buzz jumps out at you. The first native van of the electric
era has an extremely clean digital dashboard. This
immediately hints at how much the ID. Buzz wants to
be, and indeed is, innovative. In style and design, but in
a sense also in approach, breaking away from the triedand-true
approach of the classic electrified van.
Welcome to the future. From a glance to a simpler
feeling: an on-board space that, although limited (as it
is for all vans), feels larger than the category standard,
as well as cozy and well-organized. And this is no small
thing. In short, even before setting off, the ID. Buzz
shows an extra edge that makes it a truly unique model.
Buckled up, you set off with a click, simply by moving
the shift lever located on the right side, behind the
steering wheel, to ‘D’ (the turn signal is on the opposite
side). Here begins the most comfortable of journeys.
Yes, because the ID. Buzz glides silently, and far from
unnoticed, showing itself ready and responsive to the
controls, stable in changes of direction, safe under
braking. As well as being naturally fast, by virtue of the
204 horsepower and immediately available robust torque
supplied, which ensures a truly unsuspected boost.
does not forget its mission. It fulfills it by offering
a 3.9-cubic-meter cargo area (and 648 kilograms
of payload capacity), which is accessed
from the rear double door (load threshold at
623 mm) and sideways from the wide sliding
door (756 mm wide and 1,092 mm high).
At the heart of the van is a 12-module 77-
kWh lithium-ion battery arranged in the floor,
which sends power to the electric motor integrated
in the rear axle. This ‘fires’ an impressive
204 horsepower. These numbers guarantee
unparalleled driving enjoyability, which is
matched by the marathon-like driving range
(Volkswagen claims up to 425 kilometers,
WLTP cycle). And it’s not a mirage.
In fact, with the ID. Buzz charged to twothirds
of its useful range, we covered the 173
kilometers of our test by consuming 27.31
kWh, ending the test with still 65 percent energy
in the battery. As if to say we could have
doubled the distance without getting too close
to the 20 per cent ‘reserve’.
It’s all true.
The range test we
carried out on the
VW ID. Buzz has
fully confirmed the
range declared by
Volkswagen. Under
certain conditions,
the van seems to
be capable to run
more or less 400
km without need
for charging on a
mixed route, most
of which is urban.
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