Test drive – VW ID.Buzz LWB : more space, more sense

After a week behind the wheel of the long-wheelbase Volkswagen ID.Buzz, we get a much clearer sense of where Volkswagen wants to take it. The idea is no longer just to offer a retro-inspired electric van that turns heads, but to turn it into a true family vehicle, one that feels more credible in real life. With an extra 25 cm, up to 6 or 7 seats, a larger battery and a revised motor, the ID.Buzz gains real substance.

Dimensions and exterior design : a larger format without losing the style

At first glance, the ID.Buzz is still instantly recognizable. Its silhouette keeps that very successful mix of a nod to the historic Combi and a much more contemporary interpretation. The surfaces are simple, the lines remain easy to read, and the whole thing keeps that warm, friendly character that makes up such a big part of its appeal.

The extra 25 cm do not throw the vehicle off balance, which was far from guaranteed. At 4.96 meters long, with a wheelbase stretched to 3.24 meters, this long version actually looks more complete visually. It gains presence and a bit more road stature, while keeping that sense of lightness that avoids a heavy utility-vehicle feel.

The sliding side doors, also lengthened, reinforce the impression of a vehicle that has been better thought through for family use. In profile, the Buzz looks more serious, more mature, but it does not lose that little dose of charm that makes it stand out so much in traffic.

Interior design and ergonomics: more space, the same open atmosphere

Inside, the ID.Buzz keeps the airy atmosphere that immediately sets it apart. The cabin is bright, spacious, and almost feels more like stepping into a small living space than into a conventional car. The presentation is modern and fairly clean, with an environment that aims more for friendliness than for showmanship.

The driving position is pleasant, high without feeling too upright, with a commanding view of the road. We quickly feel at ease, in a posture that sits somewhere between an SUV and a van. The large 12.9-inch central touchscreen modernizes the whole setup, even if some controls and some ergonomic logic still take a little getting used to.

The real change here, of course, comes from the space on board. Thanks to this long version, Volkswagen can finally offer a more convincing 6- or 7-seat layout. Access to the rear seats is made easier by the longer sliding doors, and the second and third rows offer enough room for genuine use, not just occasional trips.

Even with every seat in place, the boot remains usable with 306 liters. Fold down the third row and that rises to 1,340 liters, which completely changes the model’s versatility. That is where the ID.Buzz becomes more convincing; it is no longer just attractive, it also becomes much more logical.

Different powertrains : a range that is becoming more coherent

This evolution of the Buzz is not only about size. Volkswagen is also using the update to improve the technical package, with a more powerful rear-mounted electric motor. It now produces 210 kW, or 286 hp, along with 560 Nm of torque. In a vehicle of this size, that extra strength is far from insignificant.

In practice, it gives the ID.Buzz more flexibility and stronger responses, especially when fully loaded. The vehicle remains focused on comfort and family use, but it feels less short of resources than before. Here, that powertrain is paired with an 86 kWh battery, which allows a WLTP range of up to 485 km.

Driving experience : the smoothness of a modern van, with more ease than before

On the road, the ID.Buzz is still surprising for how easy it is to drive. Despite its length of nearly five meters, it never really feels cumbersome. The driving position, overall visibility and the motor’s smooth response quickly create a real sense of confidence, even in the city.

What we appreciate most is the very calm character of the whole thing. The ID.Buzz never tries to fake a sporty personality. It prefers a smooth, flowing, quiet driving experience, which fits its philosophy perfectly. In that spirit, the coasting mode works especially well and encourages a more anticipative way of driving.

The new motor does bring a genuine improvement in ease of use. The 286 hp and 560 Nm make acceleration and in-gear response feel more natural, even with passengers on board or at higher speeds. The Buzz remains a heavy vehicle, obviously, but it hides that mass quite well in normal use.

Conclusion : the pros and cons of the long-wheelbase Volkswagen ID.Buzz

After a week, what stands out most is an ID.Buzz that finally feels more coherent. It keeps its strong design, its distinctive atmosphere and that sense of softness that makes it immediately likable. But above all, it adds what it needed to feel more credible in daily life; space, modularity, and improved range.

This long-wheelbase version does not reinvent the spirit of the model, but it does make it feel more complete. It turns a very appealing vehicle into something more rounded, more family-friendly, and ultimately easier to recommend for reasons beyond simple visual charm.

Pros

Strong design that is still instantly recognizable
A visually successful long-wheelbase version that keeps the model’s spirit intact
A more pleasant new motor and better-suited range

Cons

Ergonomics still somewhat imperfect in certain areas
Limited boot space in 7-seat configuration
A size that still feels imposing in tighter spaces