Here comes Tarmac Life’s resident van guy — back behind the wheel of something that’s equal parts workhorse and show pony. The ID. Buzz Cargo capitalises on all the talk that the “regular” ID. Buzz managed to created since its unveiling, all while offering a work van package that will make for the most stylish billboard on wheels out there for your business. And one I was super keen to try out!
Out of the whole team, this time more than ever, I might be the one best wired for this review. The T2 Transporter was a monumental success in my home country of Brazil, where it was called the Kombi and was responsible for moving goods for decades. My father worked for a fleet management company that had literal hundreds of these, so my childhood was full of adventures in these things, almost always in this Cargo guise.
There, the Kombi was in production for a long time, even after the air-cooled engine had to be replaced with a water cooled 4 cylinder. So, I’m not a stranger to seeing the Kombi going through the transformations – and what eventually sealed its fate was an airbag mandate, leading to the country having to find other ways of getting their goods delivered. But the love and appreciation for these still lives strong.
As for its exterior design, the ID. Buzz isn’t shy about its roots. VW took the spirit of the original Bus, stripped away the air-cooled nostalgia, and rebuilt it on their modern MEB electric platform. The result is something that feels both familiar and completely new — a van that looks like it’s stepped out of a concept drawing but is ready for the road today. In a market where most EVs lean towards aerodynamic sameness, the Buzz goes in the opposite direction, leaning hard into its personality and legacy.
Many of the decisions that worked back in the Kombi days are also reused here, such as the short overhangs and big, clean surfaces make it look almost toy-like, yet in a way that says “fun” rather than “cheap.” The squared-off roofline isn’t just for style either — it means big gains in interior space and headroom, both of which will matter when we talk cargo. Wheels are pushed right to the corners, and the sliding side doors make for easy access, whether you’re loading people or gear.
Step inside and you immediately see where the ID. Buzz really makes sense. There’s a light, airy feel thanks to large windows and open floor space. Materials are sustainable and feel durable, including rubberised carpeting, hinting that this isn’t a van afraid of being used for proper work. The long, deep dashboard is clean and modern, and the biggest change is how far forward it pushes the windscreen. The seating is tall enough that I can have my long legs resting at 90 degrees, very upright but comfortable, with great visibility. In this cargo variant, you of course lose the rear seats but gain a vast, separated flat load area that’ll appeal to tradies, couriers, and various other businesses.
The tech department benefits from the same treatment other cars of the brand have recently received, and I like it even more here. The big screen doesn’t look out of place in this big, wide interior, and all the tech VW has loaded to this suite feels well sorted and purposeful. Driver assistance is comprehensive and very assertive, with adaptive cruise, lane keep, front and rear parking sensors and a good reverse camera (no 360 camera in this trim). The wireless connection to CarPlay worked flawlessly and the induction phone charger pocket is a stroke of genius, keeping the phone topped up and secure without getting hot. Important to note that if your work requires wearing gloves, however, this might all fall apart as literally everything is either on a screen or touch sensitive commands, including the steering wheel.
Storage is okay, not impressive – while the two-tiered door pockets and the cubbies atop the dashboard are welcome, the centre seat eats any potential centre solutions, and the dashboard and roof are underused. There are plenty of USB-C ports, including one by the mirror for a drive recorder. The obstructed rear side windows usually lead to poor visibility in cargo vans, but at least RCTA and BSM help mitigate that. What isn’t mitigated, however, is the fixed centre head rest that rendered the rear view mirror almost useless. I would have loved the ability to remove it, or maybe have a camera mirror, which would also help when the van was fully loaded.
VW has consistently been making vans that drive great, and the Buzz takes it up a notch due to the electrification. The version I’ve been driving is rear wheel drive only, and provides a super smooth, silent delivery of torque that makes stop-start traffic painless and motorway cruising calm. The driver seat occupancy sensor does a lot of work here, being responsible for turning the van on and off, which is a small thing but makes this repetitive task during errand runs a thing of the past.
Power is also more than adequate at 210kW and 560Nm, leading to unladen sprints that would give a Golf a run for its petrol money. The turning circle is surprisingly tight, making urban driving far less stressful than in most vans this size. The real magic is the refinement — there’s none of the diesel clatter you associate with work vans, just a quiet hum and instant response.
The dynamics are another highlight, with reasonably weighted steering, predictable inputs and a firm and well dampened suspension calibration. Parking lot speed barriers will always remind you of the van-like rear suspension architecture you’re lugging around, but other than that, it drives in a smooth, relaxed and competent manner that just makes your work vehicle disappear around you.
The low load floor is designed to take two European sized pallets, with a payload of 750kg. I moved some cargo with it – as you do – and while it barely scratched the surface on what this van can do, it seemed unfazed by the work required. In this trim, it is rated for 382km of range, but even considering the efficiency figures of around 17.5kW/100km (hurt by the aerodynamics, or lack thereof), I was still on track to beat it. When it’s time to charge it, DC figures will get close to 200kW, which is on par with what you will find around NZ for a quick top up.
If you’re coming from a diesel van, the Buzz will feel like stepping into a new era. The silence, the instant torque, and the smooth ride make every trip less fatiguing. It’s not trying to be sporty, and that’s fine — the focus is on comfort and composure. Even loaded, the suspension remains compliant. The throttle calibration is masterful, which more than for driving feel, is important to ensure smooth acceleration when mindful of what you are carrying – ask me how I know. All those traits together make for a van that is an absolute champion around the city.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz isn’t just another EV; it’s a statement piece on wheels. It’s playful yet practical, nostalgic yet forward-thinking, and as relevant to a design-conscious family as it is to a small business owner who wants something unique. Even in Cargo guise, the Buzz keeps its charm when it’s asked to do the heavy lifting. It approaches things with refreshing simplicity: it’s easy to live with and set up, easy to load and unload, easy to drive.
In day-to-day work use, it’ll prove both functional and image-boosting — something very few vans can claim. And this beautiful form didn’t come at the expense of its capability, but of course, that has a price: NZD $115,000 as tested. It’s a big ask, and yes, there are other electric work vans out there, but not a single one of them will offer this level of refinement, driving dynamics, technology and capability, all while also being a lovely trip down memory lane. Thanks, VW, for the experience, and thank you for reading this far! See you next time!
