{"id":1444,"date":"2025-03-13T09:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/sixties-vibes-revived-behind-the-wheel-of-the-long-wheelbase-vw-id-buzz\/"},"modified":"2025-03-13T09:45:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-13T09:45:00","slug":"sixties-vibes-revived-behind-the-wheel-of-the-long-wheelbase-vw-id-buzz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/sixties-vibes-revived-behind-the-wheel-of-the-long-wheelbase-vw-id-buzz\/","title":{"rendered":"Sixties Vibes Revived: Behind the Wheel of the Long-Wheelbase VW ID.Buzz"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n It\u2019s impossible to overlook the Volkswagen ID.Buzz; particularly due to its distinctive two-tone body design that echoes its famous predecessor from the 1950s and ’60s. However, this modern version operates in the 21st century as an electric vehicle.
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n Before the introduction of the LWB version, the ID.Buzz was offered exclusively with five seats for family use (in Europe). That wasn\u2019t sufficient. The launch of the ID.Buzz LWB addresses this issue. \u2018LWB\u2019 stands for \u2018long wheelbase,\u2019 which adds an extra 25 centimeters. Consequently, it now offers seven genuine seating positions along with additional luggage space and increased driving range. Therefore, the new model comes equipped with a battery capacity of 86 kWh usable energy (or 91 kWh as a total gross capacity)\u2014this represents an increase of 7 kWh over the regular ID.Buzz featuring identical motors. While the enhancement might seem modest, every bit helps. Let\u2019s delve deeper into these details later on. Now, let us get behind the steering wheel of this vehicle measuring 4.96 meters in length and embark on a highway journey towards the picturesque countryside around Kortrijk, Belgium.\n<\/p>\n

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\n Combi bus
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n Initiating the journey involves pressing down on the brake pedal and manually shifting the gear lever located behind the steering wheel. With this, we set off amid appreciative glances from those around us, impressed by the neo-retro aesthetic of our compact hauler. It\u2019s tempting to respond with a surfer-style salute just to flaunt it further. Given that tonight marks an adventure, we\u2019ll camp out using air-filled mattresses following a lively gathering where music plays a central role. Besides myself and my trio of companions who squeezed into the trunk area once I\u2019d stowed away the back seat rows, everything else\u2014bags, suitcases, inflatables, sleepwear, audio equipment including amplifiers, speakers, cable boxes, microphones, even a disco ball\u2014all found their place neatly within the vehicle. This was achieved effortlessly under the tailgate (which has electric options available). Storage spaces beneath kept essential items such as first-aid kits and emergency triangles organized yet accessible. However, setting up microphone stands required positioning them at the rear seating section since they couldn\u2019t fit elsewhere. Additionally, accessing the third-row seating via the optional power-sliding doors becomes straightforward thanks to folding mechanisms designed directly into these seats. Thus, loading up proves both simple and efficient.\n<\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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\n Holiday Atmosphere
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n Sitting in the driver\u2019s seat on the right side, you face an extensive dashboard that seems never-ending. This expanse offers little practical use. However, fortunately, there is a glove box located ahead of the front passenger above the actual glove compartment. Similar storage spaces can be found scattered around the interior of the vehicle. Additionally, close to the steering wheel, there is a slot designed specifically for smartphones, accompanied by two USB-C ports. Nonetheless, these elements become redundant if your smartphone supports wireless charging since the console includes an induction charger. Moreover, both the front-seat occupant and rear passengers have access to additional USB-C connections. Despite being predominantly made from plastic, connectivity within this welcoming space is comprehensive. To adjust lighting levels, the electrochromic panoramic sunroof allows you to change its transparency simply by swiping across a touch-sensitive zone on the ceiling\u2014it adds a playful element! Furthermore, although it comes at extra cost, the acoustic insulation provided by the laminated windows effectively muffles external noise\u2014imagine how quiet it feels inside! Interestingly enough, the car remains virtually silent under operation too.\n<\/p>\n

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\n Tchiki boum
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n Could you picture the stereotypical scene of individuals swaying to the rhythm of the music, strolling about in their emerald and ivory coach? This describes our experience during the trial (despite none of us being true aficionados). The ID.Buzz fosters an atmosphere conducive to relaxed discovery. On highways too, the road seems transformed. Dominating the flow of traffic and comfortably occupying the far-left lane becomes feasible thanks to the powerful 286 horsepower (210 kilowatts) engine mounted at the back of the van. With a remarkable torque outputting at 560 Nm, accelerating feels effortless; it achieves zero-to-100-kilometer-per-hour sprint within just 7.9 seconds when pushed properly. Top speed caps off at 160 kilometers per hour.
\n Nonetheless, maneuvering through curves and navigating roundabouts requires caution because of the substantial size of the vehicle. Despite having a lower center of gravity attributed partly to the hefty battery pack, it retains its bulky form factor akin to a carton of dairy products. Nevertheless, Volkswagen has optimized the airflow design enough to make extended drives viable, supported further by a fresh, fuel-efficient variant introduced into the VW ID lineup.\n<\/p>\n

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\n Traveller
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n In rural areas, one might achieve energy consumption under 19 kWh per 100 km. However, driving above 100 km\/h typically increases this to about 23 kWh per 100 km or higher on average. Fortunately, we experienced mild springlike temperatures during our journey, allowing us to aim for approximately 300 km on highways and potentially over 400 km overall. Regardless of the season, planning rest stops every two hours along highway routes is feasible; longer breaks up to 2.5 hours may be needed depending on favorable conditions like good weather. When seeking out recharge stations, aligning the rear-right side of your vehicle close to the electrical outlet is essential. Although the peak charging rate can reach 200 kW, both the charger\u2019s software and the automobile itself determine the effective output\u2014often settling around 125 kW. Consequently, expect to take at least half an hour off from travel time to regain roughly 200 kilometers worth of battery charge unless faced with harsh winter climates. Notably, during colder months, options include heated rear seating and a windshield de-icing function.\n<\/p>\n

\n

\n
\n Limited weight
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n Whether you’re setting up camp or visiting the recycling center, towing a trailer becomes feasible due to the electric tow hitch which supports up to 1000 kg. However, be cautious as adding passengers could push the overall weight beyond 3.5 tonnes, necessitating an appropriate driving license in such scenarios. There is also a minor detail worth noting: the vehicle has a maximum authorized gross weight of only 3340 kg. Consequently, fitting seven rugby players along with their equipment inside the limited space would exceed capacity limits. Even when converting the ID.Buzz into a makeshift cargo van by folding all seating options\u2014offering a max volume of 2469 liters\u2014it remains unsuitable for large-scale moves. Primarily designed as a family car rather than a moving truck, the interior emphasizes relaxation and daily convenience through features like comfortable seating and mood-enhancing ambient lighting. Additionally, the detachable display used for navigating and managing entertainment systems allows seamless connectivity. Lastly, although sizable, the compact steering radius combined with camera assistance significantly eases urban maneuvers; however, ensure there\u2019s enough clearance\u2014at minimum 5.5 meters\u2014to maneuver effectively within tight spaces.\n<\/p>\n

\n\n<\/p>\n

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\n The Painful Price
\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n

\n The extended-wheelbase ID.Buzz is fantastic. Its sleek design makes it an enjoyable sight both inside and out when driving around town. With its sizable 86kWh battery, this vehicle promises exciting adventures without many sacrifices. However, during colder months, you might have to adjust your expectations somewhat. Priced starting at \u20ac62,000 inclusive of VAT\u2014more than the shorter version which costs about \u20ac56,000\u2014the longer variant packs a punch with 286 horsepower.
\n Our test unit from Belgium came fully loaded in Pro trim: extras included an entertainment package priced at \u20ac1,657, comfort features worth \u20ac3,091, add-ons like tow hooks and power-operated doors totaling another \u20ac3,130, plus additional styling upgrades amounting to \u20ac4,114 along with safety tech costing \u20ac2,585. All these pushed our total up to an impressive \u20ac85,722!
\n In comparison, French customers will find themselves paying roughly \u20ac58,400 for their seven-seat ID.Buzz Pro models. Meanwhile, buyers over in Switzerland would be looking at approximately 71,000 CHF as a base figure for the same configuration. Canadians should brace themselves for nearly $81,000 CAD before they get behind the wheel! Quite steep indeed…\n<\/p>\n

\n (MH with Olivier Duquesne \u2013 Source: Volkswagen \u2013 Images: \u00a9 Olivier Duquesne & Volkswagen)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s impossible to overlook the Volkswagen ID.Buzz; particularly due to its distinctive two-tone body design that echoes its famous predecessor from the 1950s and ’60s. However, this modern version operates in the 21st century as an electric vehicle. Before the introduction of the LWB version, the ID.Buzz was offered exclusively with five seats for family […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1587,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[445,443,444,414,619],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1444","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-automotive-industry","category-autos","category-cars","category-driving","category-volkswagen"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/AA1APO2X-1.jpg","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1444","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1444"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1444\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1587"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanggraloka.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}