It’s not Buzz Lightyear, it’s the ID. buzz. Why “Buzz”why this name when the new Volkswagens of the genre are called ID.3, ID.4 or ID.5?
Because it looks like the word “bus”, and because this name, introduced on the initial concept presented in 2017, would have immediately won over the public and contributed to the “buzz” created by the van.
It is probably also for the noise that this van emits while driving: it is 100% electric. Arrival in France scheduled for autumn 2022.
With such a volume to move and this original cubic aspect, the worst is to be feared about autonomy, not yet official. But this ID. Buzz produced in Hanover, alongside the Multivan, has a “useful” 77 kWh battery.
With a minimum consumption of 19.4 kWh/100 km during our test route, combining winding roads and suburban journeys, this should make it possible to flirting with the 400 km between two recharges… with appropriate driving.
The van, which Volkswagen presents as heir to the iconic Combi, shares certain aesthetic aspects and some technical details with its ancestor, including rear-wheel drive.
The batteries, distributed over the entire length of the chassis and fitted witha two-way load (for example to supply a house in electricity), drive a motor located at the rear and developing 150 kW.
It is possible, even likely, that Volkswagen will decline the ID. Buzz in 4×4 version, with two motors and therefore more Wattbut also with battery capacities exceeding 100 kWh…
In our test versions, prototypes whose colorful camouflage turns heads, this propulsion offers the front wheels the advantage of performing only one task: steering the boat.
The turning circle, announced at only 11 metersindeed contributes to remarkable maneuverability for a vehicle of this size.
This mechanical architecture, based on the MEB platform of the latest battery-powered VWsalso serves road services, with great driving pleasure despite its sheer weight: around 2.4 tonnes… empty!
The accelerations are enough, with an instantaneous response and frank pick-ups, but the maximum speed is limited to 145 km/h to avoid draining the battery in a few kilometers.
The ease of handling, partly due to the small front and rear overhangs, as well as the quietness of operation and the smoothness of the ride, are all qualities.
Most no miracle in terms of comfort : damping, calibrated to accept heavy loads or the weight of an entire family, remains too firm at low speed.
On board, “our” IDs. Buzz pre-series were partially camouflaged: the dashboard only revealed digital instrumentation, close to that of an ID.3, as well as a multimedia system on a 12-inch screen.
The on-board technology will be able to take advantage of smartphone charging by induction, updates” over-the-air » (remotely) and up to 7 USB ports distributed throughout the passenger compartment.
The steering wheel, adjustable in all planes, generates a comfortable driving positionbut the materials of the storm doors remain hard to the touch, a bit unremarkable.
Even if this could change between now and marketing, we recognize the utilitarian vocation of this novelty, which will also be entitled to a California version, with storage, kitchenette, sink, bed and tricks of all kinds, as well as family variations, counting up to seven seats (2+3+2).
In these, the 2/3-1/3 bench seat in the second row folds down and slides, to adapt to the needs of the moment.
The version intended for private individuals and the transport of people, limited to 1.94 meters in height to access the majority of underground car parks, will benefit from two sliding side doorswhen utility models can be content with just one.
Another difference: the huge tailgate, not always practical when you’re in town or in a garage, can only be replaced by hinged doors on the van versioncalled Buzz Cargo.
This one, capable of transporting three people in the front, can carry two euro-pallets in its rear box of more than 3.9 m3 (Lxwxh: 2.2×1.7*x1.25 m), and whether or not to have side rear windows.
Like any other utility, in short, but this one is original and, in the world of electric vehicles, no other of this size offers such autonomy. What to go to infinity and beyond, Buzz?
* 1.23 m between wheel arches
Volkswagen ID test drive. Buzz – our opinion:
With its appearance and its dynamic qualities, the “Buzz” has something to appeal to certain professionals and many Combi enthusiasts. But it will be necessary to adapt its use to its electrical technology.
WE love
- Maneuverability and pleasure
- Exterior presentation
- Autonomy correct
- Security equipment
We love less
- Firm comfort
- Price probably salty
- Very high weight
Specs (Volkswagen ID. Buzz)
- Motor: rear, electric
- Batterie : Lithium-Ion, 82 kWh (77 kWh utiles)
- Transmission: RWD, automatic, 1 speed
- Power (kW/): 150/204
- Couple (Nm) : 310
- Empty weight (kg): approx. 2,400
- Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,71×1,99×1,94
- Wheelbase (m): 2.99
- Turning circle (m): 11
- Max speed (km/h): 145
- Tires tested: 235/50 R 20 – Goodyear Ultragrip
- Cons. during the test (kWh/100 km): 19.4
- CO2 (g/km): 0
- Chest of 5 (l): 1,121
- Country of manufacture: Germany
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