Volkswagen ID. Buzz MPV - Electric motor, drive & performance

The majority of van-based MPVs seem to struggle to shake their commercial origins out on the road but ID. Buzz was always designed as a passenger car on state-of-the-art electric underpinnings. As a result, it feels much more ‘car-like’ to drive than you might expect.

The low centre of gravity created by the low battery placement means there is very little body roll through high speed bends, while the rear-wheel-drive layout almost makes the practical ID. Buzz feel somewhat sporty. 

2022 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: electric motors

From launch, Volkswagen is only offering the ID. Buzz with a single electric motor setup: a 201bhp unit mounted on the rear axle. On paper, this may seem like an impressive number for such a car – the Citroen e-Berlingo makes do with just 138bhp – however, this still doesn’t appear to be enough and just like the Citroen, a lack of power makes the larger ID. Buzz relatively sluggish off the line.

Electric cars are well-known for their blistering acceleration figures, yet the ID. Buzz can only manage the 0-62mph sprint in 10.6 seconds – only marginally faster than the hybrid version of the Volkswagen Multivan. This does feel slightly brisker than the figures suggest thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors, but don’t expect the ID. Buzz to be sailing past supercars at the lights like a Tesla Model Y can.

What’s more concerning is that this figure does not account for the car being full to the brim with passengers and luggage; most ID. Buzz owners will use their car as a load-lugging workhorse, so we expect the retro EV to be even slower when carrying more than just a single journalist and his notebook.