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Final Up to date on: 2nd Could 2025, 02:58 pm
By Nick Rericha
Not too long ago, my spouse and I set off on a highway journey from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, in our model new Volkswagen ID. Buzz First Version. Right here’s an in depth take a look at our expertise.
We had eagerly awaited the ID. Buzz since its announcement on the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Present. At the moment, our daughters had been fairly younger, and we had been driving a 2013 Mazda 5. The ID. Buzz appeared like the perfect minivan for our household. However as our youngsters grew, we discovered ourselves needing more room, main us to purchase a used Chrysler Pacifica PHEV for its ample room and 30-mile electrical vary.
When the ID. Buzz’s US launch date and pricing had been lastly unveiled, we weren’t fairly able to make a purchase order. We had simply completed paying off our 2018 Tesla Mannequin 3 in December 2024, and the Buzz’s value was a bit larger than we anticipated. We considered ready one other yr or two, till we noticed a Mahi-Inexperienced First Version at our native Volkswagen dealership.
After seeing it up shut, we had been smitten. We started understanding the funds, however the trade-in worth provided for our Pacifica was decrease than our remaining mortgage steadiness. Not wanting one other automobile cost, we lets issues accept a couple of weeks. As used Tesla values continued to drop, we determined to see what they’d supply for the Mannequin 3. The trade-in supply was affordable. We traded the Mannequin 3 for a leased ID. Buzz, affectionately nicknamed "Buzzy," on February 8, 2024.
One of many standout options of the Buzz is its retro-futuristic design. Volkswagen successfully combines nostalgia with trendy components. The resemblance to the basic VW Bus is unmistakable. Simply the opposite week, somebody in a Lowe’s car parking zone requested if it was again, to which I excitedly replied, “It’s again!”
The Buzz boasts a spacious inside, providing 145.5 cubic toes of cargo area when the third-row seats are eliminated and the second-row seats folded down. A flat shelf within the again might be flipped up when wanted. Our youngest daughter claims the third-row for herself, so we loaded all our baggage behind these seats. Remarkably, all three suitcases match neatly, together with my briefcase and climbing boots positioned beneath the shelf.
Our all-wheel-drive First Version contains a 91 kWh battery, with an estimated vary of 231 miles and an EPA mixed effectivity of 80 MPGe. Though some have expressed considerations concerning the vary, I discovered it akin to my earlier Tesla Mannequin 3, so I had no points. Charging from 10% to 80% takes round 26 minutes, a good timeframe.
We departed Cincinnati with a full cost. I used A Higher Route Planner with an OBD dongle that confirmed various state of cost knowledge. This led to some confusion till I reset the dongle at our first charging cease.
Throughout our journey from the Cincinnati/NKY foothills to the Smoky Mountains, we averaged 3.1 miles/kWh. We started our journey in 40°F climate and arrived to 74°F. I aimed for a 20% cost upon reaching our Gatlinburg lodge, which required two primary charging stops.
Our first cease was at a Richmond, Kentucky, Buc-ee’s with ChargePoint quick chargers. Initially puzzled by the chargers bearing a Mercedes-Benz emblem, I used to be relieved to see they labored completely for the Buzz. We charged for 23 minutes, growing from 38% to 80%, whereas paying $0.48 per kWh. Buc-ee’s itself is a vacation spot, bustling with guests.
The second charging cease lasted about 17 minutes at an Electrify America station in a Walmart car parking zone in Williamsburg, Kentucky. We gained 33.84 kWh there, transferring from 43% to 78% on the identical charge of $0.48 per kWh. Our last cease was on the Sevierville, Tennessee, Buc-ee’s, the place we charged for round 7 minutes, gaining 14.78 kWh from 44% to 60% at a charge of $0.49 per kWh.
Total, driving the Buzz was a pleasure on our journey to the Smoky Mountains. Not like my earlier Mannequin 3, the Buzz consists of options like adaptive cruise management and IQ. Drive’s semi-automatic driving modes, making for a considerably extra relaxed journey. Adjustable armrests and a again therapeutic massage characteristic additional enhanced consolation throughout our travels.
We grew to become one thing of native celebrities in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, attracting excited onlookers. Many expressed their admiration for the bus, with loads of thumbs up and optimistic feedback from fellow drivers. A pair even pulled off the freeway to be taught extra concerning the car, as they had been contemplating a purchase order.
In conclusion, I extremely suggest the ID. Buzz as an electrical minivan for highway journeys. We’re already wanting ahead to our subsequent journey!
Be aware: The house owners featured in our associated video evaluate of the ID. Buzz additionally discovered the car well-suited for lengthy journeys.
