We use cookies and other technologies to understand and improve your browsing experience. By using our site, you agree to us collecting this information and to our Privacy Charter.
You’ll be sent the latest news, exclusive offers and competitions to your inbox.
Review
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro review
Andrea Matthews
January 24, 2025
Is Volkswagen’s first electric car to arrive in Australia an instant classic? The new VW ID. Buzz certainly looks the part. It’s the physical and spiritual reincarnation of the legendary T1 Kombi, but with many creature comforts that were unimagined in the 1960s.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz range is made up of two short wheelbase vehicles, the Cargo van (think electric Volkswagen Caddy) and a five-seater Pro minivan, and two 7-seater long wheelbase models, the Pro and an upcoming range-topper, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX.
While the claimed 452km (WLTP) electric driving range from the 91kWh battery isn’t much to write home about, the ID. Buzz Pro 7-seater on test here is a competent people carrier – and its outstanding exterior design appeal will no doubt make this a desirable vehicle for drivers looking for a way to stand out from the current assemblage of same-same SUVs.
There are also lots of great options available to allow buyers to personalise their ID. Buzz, and to be honest, you're likely to select a few to get the most from this head-turning car.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz first look: what you need to know
How much does a Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro cost?
The 7-seat Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro tested here retails for $91,290 plus on-road costs. That price puts it under the luxury car tax, and more affordable compared to other seven seat electric vehicles including the battery electric Kia EV9.
Should you plump for the iconic two-tone paint job, you’ll add $4090 to the ID.Buzz's price. Add one of the much more attractive and desirable interior packages that include heated and massaging front seats, front seat armrests, heated steering wheel and ambient lighting, and you'll add $3790. Opt for a stylish ArtVelours microfleece trim and the upgrade price is $4290.
Other options for the ID.Buzz include a larger 12-inch wheel and tyre package for $1900. Opt for the panoramic sunroof with smart glass and you’ll add $3290, while an infotainment package with a head-up display and Harman Kardon sound system is $2200.
All the options ladder up to a much pricier proposition, not that Volkswagen’s expecting most buyers to pay cash upfront for their ID. Buzz. They believe buyers will be more likely to access more attractive leasing arrangements, that VW says can effectively reduce the price of a standard ID. Buzz to the equivalent weekly cost of a smaller ICE vehicle once current buying incentives are factored in.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has a 24-month/30,000 km service schedule with dealership pricing set at $670 per service. Volkswagen also offers Care Plans for 6, 8, and 10 years, which can be purchased at the time of buying the vehicle and offer savings on the service cost.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro is backed by a 5 year/ unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year/ 160,000 kilometre warranty on the battery, which guarantees it will retain 70 per cent of its capacity in that time.
The exterior of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is classic Kombi and just as iconic as the original. It’s highlighted by the oversized VW logo on the bonnet and large ID. Buzz logo on the rear.
The head-turning ability of this people carrier was witnessed at the official launch of the ID. Buzz on the beach at Newcastle, where cars sought to draw level with the vans, kids on the street pointed and smiled and passers-by couldn’t wait to get a close up look at the car, and a good look inside.
The ID. Buzz Pro is available to order in 13 colours including 6 two-tone paint jobs. Every colour is a winner, with the palette paying homage to classic colours from the VW archives. The ID. Buzz comes standard in white, with metallic and two-tone paint available as costed options. The ID. Buzz Pro comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels which can be optioned up to a 21-inch.
Other exterior highlights include LED Matrix headlights including “eye-wink” animation, a powered tailgate and easy open powered side doors including power sliding windows.
The VW ID. Buzz offers a truly flexible load carrying space
What is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro like inside?
Whether you are a couple looking to make regular road trips or a family looking for a flexible seven seater, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has all the carrying capacity you’ll need. However, unlike some three row SUVs where the rear seat is strictly for kids, the ID. Buzz is a full 7-seater with grown up seats in the third row for adults.
All three seats in the second row have top-tether child seat anchor points and there are ISOFIX points for the two outboard seats.
As the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is based on a van that can carry two Euro pallets, it has impressive luggage swallowing capability, and the second and third rows can be folded to maximise space up to 2469-litres compared to 2318 in the Kia EV9.
Clever storage ideas include an optional load carrying board with two storage boxes for the rear and the Buzz Box – a removable box in the centre console that can carry drinks or other items from the car to the beach or campsite. There's also plenty of cubbies and door pockets to stash family gear, water bottles, coffee cups and similar items.
Volkswagen has also carried over a Multivan favourite, foldaway tray tables set into the back of the two front seats to add to the usefulness of the space for second row passengers.
In terms of which upholstery to choose, the standard option will help to keep the price under that looming luxury car tax, but it’s a bit plain compared to the optional interiors - the pizazz comes when adding the up-spec upholstery with heated seats and eye-catching light colourways.
All three seats in the second row have top-tether child seat anchor points and there are ISOFIX points for the two outboard seats.
The technology offering in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is decent with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. However there’s no embedded satellite navigation and the connected car technology present uses a VW-approved third party app with little remote functionality, so there's no opportunity to pre-heat the car or prime the battery for charging as there is in the latest Kia and Hyundai apps.
1 of 3
Is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro good to drive?
Acceleration in the rear-wheel drive VW ID. Buzz is sprightly given its weight. Gone is the lumbering feel of your traditional van or people mover; progress from lights and while overtaking is brisk and enjoyable.
While the ID. Buzz has a long bonnet, it's easy to place on the road and vision around the vehicle is pretty good, although the A-pillar does create some obstruction.
Driving dynamics have never been a key factor for VW Kombi owners and while the new ID. Buzz is more van than SUV when it comes to on-road feel, steering is light and precise which means piloting the ID. Buzz is easy, requiring minimum effort around town.
One noticeable aspect of the drive that shows the ID. Buzz’s van characteristics is when riding in the second row and third rows. There’s a fair amount of road noise which comes up through the cabin, so it's not a refined ride for passengers like you’d get in the rear of the Kia EV9. It’s not to say its intrusive, but one aspect where you become aware that the ID. Buzz is a van-cum-people mover.
Range and performance from the 91kWh battery is comparable with other electric vehicles. A balanced drive around Newcastle in Australia combining open roads and city driving, saw consumption around 19kWh/100km, offering up a potential driving range of approximately 400km.
That range means ID. Buzz drivers will need to plan camping trips around sites with charging facilities, instead of the traditional Kombi plan of hit the road and head for the hills, but the VW ID. Buzz should hold enough charge to get you from RACV Cobram Resort to the updated chargers at the RACV Torquay Resort with no recharging stops.
There's no doubting the road presence of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz
What safety features does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro have?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is not yet rated by ANCAP but Volkswagen expects it to meet testing requirements as it already holds a five star Euro NCAP award.
The ID. Buzz is equipped with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems and safety features, including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop & Go, Park Distance Control, Driver Alert System, Multi-Collision Brake and Tyre Pressure Monitoring.
The vehicle also features IQ. Light technology with LED Matrix headlights, Dynamic Light Assist and auto headlight control.
There’s no emergency call or automatic collision notification available on the ID. Buzz at launch, but it is expected to be updated at a later date.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will appeal to lovers of the original Kombi
How does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro compare?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is currently unrivalled in the Australian market place as an electric people mover. However, it will soon be challenged by new cars from China's emerging car manufacturers like Xpeng who have announce plans to introduce luxury features on their minivans when they launch here in coming years.
Right now, for its price and proposition, the VW ID.Buzz is most closely comparable with the Kia EV9 - an award winning large SUV, but while the EV9 is a consummate all-rounder, the ID. Buzz bests it in icon status and its adult carrying capacity.
Should I buy a Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro?
The VW ID. Buzz Pro 7-seater LWB is an interesting proposition which should have broad appeal. With the added options, the price does creep up but leasing will make it more attractive for buyers able to take advantage of the latest incentives.
While styling is always subjective, it's hard to imagine how the ID. Buzz wouldn't make your grin every morning and in a world where EVs are becoming more homogenous, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz does a great job of standing out from the pack.
Add Volkswagen's competitive warranty and large service network and the ID. Buzz might just keep that smile on your face.
Recently purchased a new car?
With RACV Insurance, you're protected by Victoria's most trusted insurance.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
