As good as Volkswagen’s ID electric car range is, so far, the company has not been able to replicate the ‘want’ factor of its ICE models, such as the iconic Golf. 

Well, that’s all changed with the launch of the biggest model in the range – the ID. Buzz. A long time coming, this MPV was first shown as a concept at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show. Following positive feedback and strong interest for the ID. Buzz Concept, that was also shown at Detroit, Volkswagen announced it was putting it into production. 

One of the main reasons for all the positive feedback and strong interest that the ID. Buzz Concept received was down to the distinctive exterior styling. Distinctive, because the ID. Buzz is loosely supposed to be a modern interpretation of Volkswagen’s iconic Type 2/Microbus. 

The link between the Type 2/Microbus and the ID. Buzz is most obvious at the front, with the V-shaped hood and large  logo – with the more angular headlights and light bar looking to the electrified ID. Future. Other styling links paying homage to the original are the fact that the rear and sides are separated into upper and lower zones which becomes even more obvious if choosing the optional duo-tone paint, as we had on our test car. 

Finally, there are the wheels (optional 21in ‘Bromberg’ bi-colour wheels here), that Volkswagen tells us are important in the design language, but also for the efficiency and range. 

Built on the longest wheelbase version of the MEB platform, it’s a bit disappointing that Volkswagen didn’t squeeze an extra pair of seats inside the ID. Buzz. For the £61,915 base price of our Style trim model, we can’t help feeling a bit short-changed, although we understand a bigger version is incoming by the end of this year. Still, space in the front and back is generally good and all the seats, fitted with the optional Comfort Seat Package here, are impressively comfortable. 

The 1,121-litre boot is big enough and practically shaped to fit a full drum kit and electric guitar (I know, I tried!) – although the tailgate is big and on the heavy side. It can be extended by moving the sliding rear seat and because we’ve got the range-topping Style grade, it also benefits from a clever, practical multi-level floor.

With the large windscreen, quarterlights and horizontally designed dashboard with instruments and sat-nav perched on top, the driving experience is not like anything else we’ve driven recently. The high driving position is comfortable, and overall visibility is generally good. 

It’s not all good inside though, as you still must deal with the below-par Volkswagen infotainment system, that should have really been improved by now – especially considering the price here! Also, the gear selector moves from the side of the instrument cluster to a column stalk which I found fiddlier to operate. 

The ID. Buzz might be sold by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, but the fact it’s built on the same MEB platform as the cars, equals no dynamic issues to worry about on the road. Given its height and width, the ID. Buzz handles confidently, with plenty of grip – although it’s not at all sporty. It even rides competently despite the large, optional 21in alloy wheels.

Underneath, the ID. Buzz doesn’t surprise with its familiar 77kWh battery and 204hp motor. We’d describe the performance as adequate, with this Volkswagen feeling notably slower at out-of-town speeds – acceleration to 62mph takes 9.5 seconds. The official range is 255 miles, but in real life we think you’d be lucky to realise 230 miles in the summer, whereas we were struggling to get 180 miles during the cold snap when we had this MPV. 

The ID. Buzz is the best ID. model yet in our opinion. It looks great, with a ‘want’ factor that perhaps hasn’t been there for EV models in the past. It drives well, and despite only offering five seats for its £60k-plus P11D value, the interior is impressively stylish and practical. All of this is sure to keep residuals high enough to overlook the lofty list prices.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style 77kWh Pro 

P11D: £63,660

Residual value: 57.40%

Depreciation: £27,116

Fuel: £6,160

Service, maintenance and repair: £1,820

Cost per mile: 59.37p

Range: 255 miles

CO2 (BIK %): 0g/km (2%) 

BIK 20/40% a month: £21/£42

Luggage capacity: 1,121 litres

Engine size/power: 77kWh/204hp