2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pro Review: Head-turning love for the born-again Kombi

Volkswagen boasts a wealthy historical past, with the Kombi turning into an emblem of cool within the automotive world. Now, the legacy of the Kombi is rekindled with the introduction of the ID.Buzz, the centerpiece of Volkswagen’s increasing ID electrical automobile line-up. This all-electric tackle the beloved Kombi has garnered important consideration and has formally arrived in Australia.

Volkswagen goals to draw patrons away from conventional SUVs with the ID.Buzz, hoping to reintroduce a number of the Kombi’s pleasure within the period of electrical autos.

Concerning pricing, the ID.Buzz comes with the next price ticket than its iconic predecessor, interesting primarily to professionals and people with deeper pockets. The 2-seater ID.Buzz Cargo van begins at $79,990, whereas the five-door ID.Buzz Professional begins at $87,990, plus on-road prices. There’s additionally an extended wheelbase, seven-seat mannequin obtainable for $91,290, making it clear that these autos will not be cheap.

Normal options embrace dual-zone local weather management, ambient lighting, electrical sliding rear doorways, a powered tailgate, and 19-inch wheels. The ID.Buzz additionally boasts spectacular matrix LED headlights that regulate to reduce glare for different drivers.

Regardless of its many options, some choices are offered individually, equivalent to a sunroof, head-up show with a premium sound system, leather-based, power-adjustable entrance seats, and heated seats, which will be bundled at an extra price. Furthermore, the ID.Buzz lacks over-the-air software program updates, a typical characteristic in lots of modern electrical autos.

Geared up with an 84kWh battery, the ID.Buzz affords a WLTP vary of 422 km, whereas the seven-seater model contains a bigger 91kWh battery for a variety of 451 km.

By way of design, the ID.Buzz manages to mix retro attraction with fashionable practicality, paying homage to older Kombis whereas avoiding an excessively nostalgic aesthetic. The excessive seating place gives a superb view, though it’s considerably obstructed by the big entrance pillars. The cabin affords ample headroom and respectable legroom within the rear, particularly with the versatile split-folding seats.

Nevertheless, the design components can generally really feel much less premium than anticipated. The onerous plastics used within the inside do not ship the luxurious feeling one would possibly hope for in a automobile of this worth. Moreover, the storage choices between the entrance seats are restricted, and sure ergonomics—just like the seatbelt buckle’s placement and the distinctive option to management rear home windows—will be irritating.

The ID.Buzz incorporates a 12.9-inch touchscreen and affords a complete of seven USB ports for connectivity. To begin the automobile, drivers merely want to take a seat down and twist the gear shifter to drive or reverse, activating the spectacular single electrical motor that produces 210 kW and an equal of 560 Nm of torque to the rear wheels.

With a claimed acceleration time of 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds, the ID.Buzz delivers spirited efficiency and a enjoyable driving expertise. Although the real-world driving vary is round 380 km, which is respectable however not extraordinary for long-distance journey, the ID.Buzz handles corners admirably due to its low middle of gravity.

In abstract, the ID.Buzz is a head-turner that gives a refreshing tackle the family-friendly van, interesting to these on the lookout for each type and house. Whereas the driving enjoyment and spaciousness are notable positives, the excessive price ticket might pose a barrier for a lot of potential patrons.

Total Rating: 3.5 out of 5.

2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Specs: