Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB review: Electric van with cult factor?

With the ID.Buzz, Volkswagen has brought the legendary Bulli into the electric age – now the long-wheelbase version (LWB) is the next upgrade. More space, more range, more versatility – but is that enough to reinvent the classic? We tested the ID. Buzz LWB extensively.

tl;dr: Really an icon?

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB extends the well-known electric Bulli by 25 cm to a total length of 4,96 m and offers up to seven seats. Thanks to the new 86 kWh battery, the range increases to over 450 km (WLTP). VW ID.7 The familiar 286 hp rear-mounted engine delivers superior performance, while all-wheel drive (GTX) with 340 hp is available as an option. Despite the iconic design and spacious interior, the high price remains a hurdle. Anyone looking for a stylish, practical, and everyday-suitable electric van will find the ID. Buzz LWB an exciting alternative—but is it really the best e-van?

Video report:

https://youtu.be/1Vx9JYPAsWg

Design: Retro meets modern

The design of the ID.Buzz LWB remains unmistakable, as was the case with the first model. Classic Bulli elements such as the two-tone paintwork and the wide "face" remain, but the longer body of the LWB model gives the vehicle an even more elegant and balanced presence. The additional space particularly benefits the second row of seats, which now appears significantly more spacious. However, the enlarged body is well integrated into the design, ensuring that the Buzz retains its compact appearance – a feat Volkswagen has achieved here. Particularly striking are the modern LED light strips, which give the vehicle a striking appearance both day and night.

The two-tone paint scheme, painted in Lime Yellow with a white roof on our test vehicle, remains the model's hallmark and, combined with the large windshield and beefy proportions, makes for a visual eye-catcher. Another highlight is the smart panoramic glass roof, which is available as an option and can be opened like the ID.7.

Interior: More space, less flexibility

The interior of the ID.Buzz LWB is the biggest advantage of this variant. The longer wheelbase provides the Buzz with significantly more legroom in the second row. A particularly useful feature is the optional third row of seatsthat makes the ID. Buzz the seven-seater This makes the bus suitable for larger families or groups who need space without having to forego the charm of the classic Bulli.

VW relies on sustainable materials and a clean, modern look in the interior. The central seating elements are comfortable and offer pleasant upholstery. The driving position is good thanks to the raised seating position, and the visible materials such as the touchscreen display and the digital instruments are uncluttered and intuitive to use. Numerous USB-C ports with 45 watts and 230 volt socket make the ID. Buzz interesting for practical use as a work vehicle, but perhaps more so in the cargo version. Unfortunately, the interior doesn't seem as flexible as that of the Multivan, as only the third-row seats can be easily removed. Unfortunately, the front seats also can't be rotated. The trunk offers ample storage space even when the car is fully occupied, and the large panoramic roof makes the interior feel even more airy. At least the center console can be positioned variably at the front or rear, like a large interlocking brick.

Infotainment & Technology: Finally up to date

A significant plus in the ID.Buzz LWB is the revised infotainment system, which is now taken from the ID.7. The system is faster, clearer, and, above all, more user-friendly than in the first ID. models. The 13-inch touchscreen display is the central control unit for navigation, audio, and vehicle functions. The user interface is now significantly more intuitive, and the Voice control with ChatGPT works reliably. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, which significantly simplifies smartphone integration. Another highlight is the new Smart Glass panoramic roof, which can be dimmed via touch or voice command. This technological gimmick not only offers practical advantages but also creates a real wow factor for passengers.

The manual and automatic battery heating is also very good, so that fast charging with up to 200 kW Works well even in winter. Our test vehicle was equipped with ID.Software 5.0. We don't know at this stage whether newer ID.Software versions will be available on the vehicles via over-the-air (OTA) updates. But at least you no longer feel the urge to pull out your tablet, as you did before, when inputs were executed with extreme delays.

Driving behavior: Comfortable and dynamic

The driving characteristics of the ID.Buzz LWB are a blend of comfort and dynamics. With an output of up to 210 kW (286 PS) The ID.Buzz LWB is not a sports car, but it still offers a decent portion dynamicsEspecially in the city and on country roads, the Buzz feels surprisingly agile Thanks to the rear-wheel drive, the vehicle rides stably, and the precise steering ensures effortless handling. At first glance, you might think you're driving an ID.3 based on its maneuverability.

On the highway, the ID.Buzz LWB offers a smooth ride. The chassis ensures that bumps are well absorbed, and the interior remains comfortable even at higher speeds. quiet. The quick acceleration and the smooth ride make the LWB a relaxed long-distance vehicleThe larger battery, combined with the optimized Reach This ensures that longer journeys are possible without frequent charging breaks. A sporty driving experience isn't to be expected, but those who value comfort and smooth dynamics will be well served. Especially for families who want to maximize the space in the Buzz, the LWB is, in our opinion, a genuine all-electric alternative in the minibus segment.

Travel Assist and Co.

As is the case with modern cars, the Bulli shouldn't be lacking in smart assistants either. We get virtually all the features that an ID.7 with the full assistance package also has. The only thing we don't have on board, since the ID.Buzz is still a commercial vehicle at its core, is partially automated lane changing on the highway. This means that Travel Assist with automatic speed limit adoption is included in the Buzz (for an additional charge).

Battery, range & charging: Better for long distances

The larger battery in the ID.Buzz LWB is one of the most important innovations. With a Gross capacity of 91 kWh and round 86 kWh net usable The LWB offers significantly more range. This means that the Buzz can realistically travel about 400–450km in everyday life, depending on driving style and conditions. On the motorway at 130 km/h, 350 km is quite realistic. Consumption beyond the 24 kWh / 100 km was realistic in this case, in the inner city one creates around the 19 kWh / 100 km. Which is admittedly quite impressive given its shape.

With a maximum DC fast charging of up to 200 kW, short charging breaks make rapid progress. around 30 minutes the battery can be 10 to 80% With AC charging, the charging power is 11 kW, which is fast enough for most household chargers. Bidirectional charging, the possibility of feeding energy from the car into the home, is also being prepared, but is not yet being used. This is partly due to a lack of regulations in Germany.

My own opinion: Great bus, but too expensive for the masses?

The ID. Buzz LWB is what many expected from the first model: a true electric van that's also suitable for everyday use and long distances. With more space, a new third row of seats, and an improved range, it finally meets the demands of a modern family vehicle. Add to that the iconic design, which preserves the charm of the classic van while addressing the needs of the future.

The starting price of around €60.892,30 (including 19 percent VAT) The price is high, but anyone who wants to use the Buzz as a practical family companion or as a shuttle vehicle in the commercial sector will get a well-thought-out, modern, and highly flexible electric vehicle. The technical upgrades, improved range, and comfortable handling make the ID. Buzz LWB one of the most exciting electric vehicles on the market. As a side note, a comparable Multivan is even more expensive than the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz and offers only a limited amount of extra.

Our test vehicle broke through the 80.000 Euro price barrier and was approximately 82.000 euros (including 19 percent VAT) For that, you got a Harman Kardon sound system, fully electric seats with massage functions (although not as good as in the ID.7), a smart panoramic glass roof, and all sorts of assistance systems. If you want everything, you'll have to invest a lot of money in the Bulli. But that's how it's always been.

Thanks to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles for providing the ID.Buzz LWB for this test. Our opinion remains neutral and unbiased.

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