Deliveries should look great with this van nostalgic in its lines but ultra-modern with its “zero emissions” design. We were able to board this Cargo version of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, ready to go into action in the fall.
Alongside the Transporter 6.1 ABTe and the e-Crafter, the ID. Buzz Cargo completes a fledgling utility electric range at Volkswagen with a proposal dedicated to 100% electric that is much more efficient, particularly in terms of autonomy. Thereby heir to the long line of Volkswagen Combis of the 1950s he wins, in parallel with the Transporter Van 6.1 which continues its career, a zero emission version designed for last mile deliveries, long rounds and even interventions over greater distances. Close to the ID concept. Buzz presented at the 2017 Detroit Motor Show, the production version retains the same character, playing the nostalgia card to the fullest in a very contemporary style.
TO READ. Volkswagen ID. Buzz (2022). On board the new 100% electric Combi
charm tool
How not to fall for our version photographed here, with its beautiful two-tone midnight blue and white livery on which we can already imagine the logo of the company that will have chosen? Like a big toy, the ID. Buzz combines a cubic silhouette and a V-line in contrasting color which forms a front end reminiscent of the first generations of Combi. The Wolfsburg brand naturally summons a certain nostalgia. For example, for the author of the article, it will be the memory of the orange T1 of the local grocer who made his delivery rounds while humming in the streets of Paris, side door open… The very vertical advanced windscreen , the big VW logo, the rounded mirrors, the spotlights giving a strong look: every detail contributes to the personality of this van apart. But behind this retro side he does not forget modernity, far from it. Thus the Cargo is aerodynamic (for this type of bodywork), a crucial point to safeguard its autonomy, with a Cd of 0.29.
The relatively compact dimensions of the ID. Buzz Cargo allow it to remain at ease in urban environments, helped by its short turning circle of 11.10 m. If it measures only 4.71 m in length, its width of 1.98 m excluding mirrors will require special attention in narrow passages. In height, the van peaks at 1.94 m. He will therefore be able to slip under the templates of the outdoor car parks but will not be able to access most of the underground car parks.
nearly 4m3 useful volume
With a template optimized to the maximum, with front passengers in a very forward position and a long wheelbase of 2.99 m, the Cargo offers a useful volume of precisely 3.9 m3 in its rear space with very regular shapes. Two Euro-pallets can be placed there without any problem. The GVW of the Cargo amounts to 3 tons, with a payload of 650 kg.
An opening under the front passenger seat (in the 2-seater version) can accommodate very long objects, up to 2.65 m thanks to the 45 cm added depth. The loading space therefore offers a basic length of 2.20 m, for a width of 1.79 m (1.23 m between the wheel arches) and a height of 1.25 m. Different floor coverings are available for the load surface, while lashing rails with anchor points on the side wall or on the bulkhead can be ordered. The partition, precisely, is naturally delivered as standard, but you can add a window.
Rear access is via hinged doors or an optional power tailgate. The loading sill culminating at only 63.2 cm facilitates operations. A sliding side door is fitted as standard, the second is extra.
High-tech cabin
Compared to the glazed version of the ID. Buzz, change of atmosphere here for the pro version. Logically, the very messy white interior is not taken over, with robust black materials chosen for maximum resistance to abuse. The architecture of the dashboard is the same with the pretty steering wheel incorporating touch controls, the Digital Cockpit 5.3-inch screen for basic driving information and a handsome 10-inch central infotainment screen that benefits from the latest version 3.0 of Volkswagen’s on-board operating system, upgradable with over-the-air updates .
There is storage on all sides and, in addition, a removable console called BuzzBox that can be installed between the front seats as long as you have taken the individual seats option instead of the three-seater bench as standard. This console features a laptop stand and 1.4L closed storage. The more observant will also note the appearance of cup holders in the uprights and the disappearance of the aerator running over the entire dashboard of the version dedicated to individuals (VP). On the ground, a solid washable plastic coating is applied, while the seats are entitled to reinforced fabrics. No doubt, we are on board a utility, but of a different kind with its very automotive driving position and its high-tech screens.
Express deliveries
If the suspensions of the Cargo version are different from those of the glazed model to withstand the loads transported, the motor and battery part is identical. In other words, top of the range! Thus the ID. Buzz receives a synchronous electric motor with rear permanent magnets which makes it a propulsion, like the Combi of the beginnings. It develops the tidy power of 150 kW (204 hp) and, above all, a generous torque of 310 Nm which should ensure good raises, even at full load. As for the VP version, the top speed is limited to 145 km/h. Under the floor, the battery has a capacity of 82 kWh gross (or 77 kWh useful) for an estimated range of 400 km on a mixed circuit, and therefore less on the highway. The WLTP certification value is not yet published. This is enough to offer a good daily radius of action to this van, especially since with a DC fast charge at 170 kW the Cargo can go from 5 to 80% charge in 30 minutes.
It will also benefit from the Plug and Charge function of WeCharge to connect to an Ionity fast terminal, for example, without a charging card, the car being automatically recognized, as at Tesla. For charging at home or in the workplace, the on-board charger is rated at 11 kW. Note that with a specific Wallbox it will be possible to transform your Cargo into an energy supplier thanks to its bidirectional charging function. Like its family counterpart, the VW utility can receive a plethora of driving aids. This is the case, for example, of the Car2X functionalities, which allow dialogue with surrounding vehicles to warn of danger, or the latest generation Travel Assist with lane change assistance.
The van launched in the fall of 2022
If the launch is scheduled for fall 2022, pre-bookings will be open from May. No official price has yet been published, but we know that this vehicle will be able to benefit from the ecological bonus of €4,000 dedicated to LCVs from 1er July for this vehicle produced in Germany in a process displayed as CO neutral2.
Volkswagen ID data sheet. Buzz Cargo
Dimensions Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Length: 4.71m
Width: 1.98m
Height: 1.94m
Wheelbase: 2.99m
Turning circle: 11.10 m
Useful volume: 3.9 m3 GVW: 3,000 kg
Payload: 650 kg
Tyres: 235/60 R18 (front) and 255/55 R18 (rear)
Technical
Motor: permanent magnet synchronous
Power: 150 kW (204 hp)
Torque: 310Nm
Transmission: to the rear wheels
Battery capacity: 82 kWh (77 kWh net)
AC charging power: 11 kW
DC charging power: 170 kW
Performance
Maximum speed: 145 km/h
Volkswagen ID equipment. Buzz Cargo
Standard (provisional list):
• Heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors
• Exterior mirror housings in black and door handles in body color
• Rear window
• Leaf doors
• Closing the tailgate without unlocking function from the inside
• LED spotlights
• Sliding door on the right
• Steel rims
• Body color bumpers
• Athermic glass (green)
• Robust flooring in the cabin
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat and two-seater bench seat on the passenger side
• Wooden floor in the cargo area
• Partition
• Car2X
• Front and rear parking radars
• Intermittent rear wiper
• Emergency braking assistance (Front Assist) with detection of pedestrians and cyclists
• CCS charging cable and 3 modes type 2, 16 A
• Digital radio reception (DAB+) and 2 loudspeakers
• Mobile phone interface
• Climatronic air conditioning with active combined filter and stationary air conditioning
• Multifunction steering wheel with touch controls
• eCall emergency call system
• Tire control indicator
• 2 USB-C interfaces in the dashboard and 2 side USB-C charging sockets in the front
• Central locking with keyless start system
ID options. Buzz Cargo (provisional list):
• Heated exterior mirrors, electrically folding, automatic lowering of the passenger mirror
• Dynamic Light Assist
• IQ.Light Matrix LED projectors
• Electric tailgate plus Easy Close
• Keyless Advanced
• 19 and 20 inch light alloy rims
• Automatic/dynamic headlight range adjustment with cornering lights
• Partition with fixed window and hatch
• Lashing rails
• Folding coupling device
• BuzzBox
• Discover Pro navigation system
• Voice command
• App-Connect including App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Inductive charging
• ACC (follow to stop) automatic distance control and speed limiter
• Reversing camera system
• Travel Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist
• Lane change assistant (Side Assist)
