Is This The Best Car Yet For Big Families?

The new s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a practical seven-seater with tons of space, say motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and sustainable textiles expert Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby.

Car Review: Volkswagen ID. Buzz

JT-P: What’s this – another retro-inspired family car with batteries?

JT: True, there has been a few of those lately! From the Renault 5 to the Fiat 500e, car-makers seem inclined to tempt us with EVs that hark back to famous former models.

And the latest ID Buzz is no exception. The fantastically cool design is distantly related to the VW Type 2 model – especially the 1960s version, best-remembered as a hippy happy camper van.

What a vehicle! Mine had a white roof and baby blue bodywork. A previous owner had slipped in a Porsche engine, so it went as good as it looked!

We’ve tested the ID. Buzz before, haven’t we?

Yes, but that was the five-seat model, which launched in 2023. Then VW brought out a commercial version and now we have the model we’ve all been waiting for – the long-wheelbase seven-seater.

Great for families and supermarket shopping, but why is this ID. Buzz better?

Mainly because the five-seater just didn’t have the space. This is the model that will eventually become the fully-fledged camper van, too. However, it’s not cheap at £63,000.

Anything else?

A larger, 86kWh battery is fitted as standard, compared to 79kWh for the other model. The wheelbase is extended by a substantial 25cm, although that extra weight means electric range is restricted to around 240 miles.

Inside the Volkswagen ID. Buzz: ‘The interior is pretty special.’

The interior is pretty special, particularly for mum and dad in the front seats. You sit high up with a commanding view, fold-down arm-rest and cubby boxes and storage spaces everywhere. It’s well thought-out for practical daily motoring.

The large storage chest between the front seats can also be removed. It’s a fantastically relaxing place to travel – only the infotainment screen leaves something to be desired. It’s best described as ‘quirky’

I see that in the back, the second and third rows of seats fold completely flat to create a raised floor – perfect for a makeshift camping bed, or to slide larger objects easily aboard. A load-divider also splits the boot vertically.

‘The five-seater Volkswagen ID. Buzz just didn’t have the space. This seven-seater is the model that will eventually become the fully-fledged camper van.’

And for those with deep pockets, opt for the £70,000 GTX version. This model has four-wheel drive, perfect for those Alpine skiing adventures this winter.

We should also point out that while is a very relaxing drive, don’t expect any driving thrills on the open road.

Well, the Buzz does have the aerodynamics of a loaf of bread! It’s a large vehicle to manoeuvre about town but boy, will you look cool on the school run!

Find out more about the Volkswagen ID. Buzz at volkswagen.co.uk

VW: Where It All Began

The history of VW began with the ‘Kafer’ project in 1934 – later known as the best-selling Beetle. Volkswagen was then set up as a company in 1938, with a new factory in Wolfsburg. However, the outbreak of war and the firm’s integration into the Nazi arms industry prevented mass car production – instead, military vehicles and other armaments were produced using forced labour.

After the war, Britain instructed VW to build its original, curvy Volkswagen saloon to help Germany industry bounce back. First came the best-selling Type 1 Beetle model, and then the iconic Type 2 Transporter, in 1950. VW did so well that it became a symbol of Germany’s post-war economic miracle.

Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.