Volkswagen ID.Buzz Review
Retro Looks, Electric Heart
Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG
I'll be honest — when I first saw the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, I grinned. It's funky, it's retro, and it just screams good vibes. But beyond the eye-catching looks, I was really curious: how does it actually drive? After spending some time with it during a recent media drive, I've got a better picture of what this electric icon is all about.
If you've ever dreamed of the classic Volkswagen Microbus being reborn for the modern era, your wish has been granted — and then some. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz isn't just a nostalgic throwback; it's a thoughtfully designed, fully electric people-mover with surprising practicality and charm.
Unveiling the Ride
The exterior styling of the ID. Buzz is, without a doubt, one of its biggest selling points. With its bold two-tone paintwork, short overhangs, and friendly rounded features, it instantly commands attention and spreads good vibes wherever it goes. It manages to look both futuristic and retro at the same time — a rare feat in today's often too-serious automotive landscape.
It's a car that doesn't try to blend in, and that's exactly the point.
Interior Impressions:
Step inside, and the fun continues. The interior is airy, spacious, and filled with playful design touches — yet it feels grown-up where it needs to be. What's more impressive is Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability. Many of the interior materials are made from recycled sources, such as Seaqual® yarn derived from marine plastic waste. It's soft to the touch and gives a premium finish, while staying true to the vehicle's eco-conscious roots.
The two-tone interior palette echoes the exterior, creating a consistent visual identity that adds to the car's personality. It's not just fun for the sake of fun — it's clever, considered, and very livable.
One standout feature is the panoramic smart glass sunroof, which can be electronically tinted to shield passengers from harsh sunlight. It's a simple touch that elevates comfort without sacrificing brightness. The removable centre console — affectionately called the "Buzz Box" — comes with practical compartments, including a built-in wine bottle opener. Whether you're headed to a beach picnic or just need to stow your daily essentials, the ID. Buzz has clearly been designed with lifestyle in mind.
The 12.9" infotainment screen is clear, responsive, and user-friendly. Everything you need — navigation, climate, audio — is within reach without being buried in menus. I never experienced any lag, and even on bumpy roads, the interface stayed sharp and easy to use.
There's this clever removable centre Buzz Box, which even has functional slabs, including a wine opener. I thought it was a gimmick at first — but during the drive, I started to see how useful it could be. It's little details like that which make the Buzz more than just another people mover.
One thing I appreciated was the high seating position. You do need to climb in a bit — it's not quite like getting into a sedan — but the visibility is excellent. You get a commanding view of the road, and thanks to the massive windows, the cabin feels very open. There's a small blind spot mirror to help out too, but overall, I never felt like I was guessing what was around me.
Space-wise, the ID. Buzz really delivers. There's loads of legroom and headroom across the cabin, and if you're someone who travels heavy or just loves a good Costco run, you'll love the boot capacity — 1,121 litres with the rear seats up. That's genuinely impressive, and with the seats folded down, it opens up even more room for bulkier gear or larger items. Perfect for road trips, camping, or just everyday utility.
Each row of seats comes with USB-C charging ports, and storage compartments are everywhere — under the seats, in the doors, around the centre console. It's been thoughtfully designed for passengers, not just the driver.
On Road Performance:
Driving the ID. Buzz is a unique experience. It's not fast and sharp like some EVs I've tried, but it doesn't pretend to be. The ride is smooth, and noise insulation is really well done — even on expressways, cabin noise is minimal. That was a pleasant surprise.
That said, the handling isn't its strongest suit. It feels a bit stiff, especially on bumps, and the steering is on the lighter side. I would've liked more responsiveness, especially when going through tighter corners or lane changes. It's not bad — just a bit vague at times.
The turning radius is big, and I definitely noticed it when navigating tighter streets or U-turns. Parking might need a bit of patience in smaller car parks. But once you get used to it, it becomes a pretty comfortable cruiser.
During the drive, I started with an 81% battery, and that gave me roughly 320 km of mixed city and expressway driving. Honestly, that's pretty solid. You won't need to worry about charging constantly, especially if your driving is mostly urban.
When I did try charging, it went from 12% to 80% in about 46 minutes using DC fast charging. Enough time for a coffee or lunch stop — totally manageable for daily use or weekend getaways.
The Bottom Line:
The ID. Buzz is a great funky ride! The handling could be tighter, and yes, the turning radius might catch you out at first. But after a full day with it, I found myself genuinely enjoying the drive — not just because it's different, but because it feels like a van built with purpose and personality.
This isn't a silent, soulless EV. It's a cheerful, spacious, well-thought-out ride that's as much about the journey as it is the destination. The ride is available in variants of 5/6/7 seaters! Whether you're ferrying the family, heading out with friends, or just want to drive something that makes you smile — the ID. Buzz makes a strong case.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Specifications
Battery Capacity : 79 kWH (5 Seater) , 86kWH (6/7 Seater)
Charging Time : 10–80% in 26 minutes (DC 180 kW Charging)
Power : 282 BHP
Torque : 560 Nm
Century Sprint : 7.6 secs (5 seater) / 7.9 secs (6/7 seater)
Range : Up to 487KM
Boot Capacity : 306L ~ 2205L or 2469L for 6/7 seater variant
Road Tax : $2147 Annually
Official Website : Volkswagen Singapore
Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!