Month 5 with the ID.Buzz: we're not keen on the touchscreens

Updated: 24 July 2024

 The family EV with a sense of fun
 We’re not fans of Buzz’s haptic buttons
 Read month 4 here

We’re approaching the end of our time with the ID. Buzz and I’ve grown fond of it. There’s a frisson of fun at the heart of VW’s first electric bus that raises a smile every time I climb onboard. This is largely a friendly car – from the cutesy Volkswagens-of-yore design to the breezy interior peppered with fizzy details, like the stop/start symbols on the pedals, lime yellow trim and smiley icons. It’s design for emotion’s sake. 

Sadly, the switchgear and minor controls are at odds with this. I’m still flummoxed how the unlit volume and heating controls, rendering them invisible at night, were approved. Or the clunky capacitive buttons on the steering wheel. Please fix at the facelift, VW. 

Logbook: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Style SWB 77kWh Pro (month 5)

Price £61,915 (£69,265 as tested) 
Performance 77kWh battery, e-motor, 201bhp, 10.2sec 0-62mph, 90mph
Efficiency 2.9 miles per kWh (official), 2.4 miles per kWh (tested), 0g/km CO2 
Range 255 miles (official), 185 miles (tested) 
Energy cost £109.47
Miles this month 918 
Total miles 9355

By Tim Pollard

Group digital editorial director, car news magnet, crafter of words

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