Few vans are more distinctively eye-catching than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. With retro styling clearly harking back to the classic T1 van, it is the first ground-up electric vehicle from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, although it is actually based on the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform the brand has used with a number of electric models in its car range, such as the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.6.
Fresh from being crowned as the International Van of the Year, the ID. Buzz Cargo has now arrived in the UK.
In terms of its size, the Buzz Cargo occupies a space somewhere between the compact and medium van sectors.
This is important because it differentiates the model from its larger sibling, the medium-sized Transporter.
Under the product-sharing deal between Ford and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the blue oval brand is set to take the lead in medium vans, meaning the Transporter, although a highly successful product in its own right, will end up piggybacking the platform producing the Ford Transit Custom. The Buzz Cargo, however, will not and VW is hailing it as the successor of the future to its legendary Bulli camper van.
Despite being smaller than the Transporter, the ID. Buzz Cargo and the passenger-carrying ID. Buzz are the largest vehicles the manufacturer has built on its MEB platform.
The Buzz Cargo is 4,712mm long and has a wheelbase of 2,988mm, which is slightly shorter than the short-wheelbase (SWB) Transporter T6.1. It is 1,985mm wide, excluding the exterior mirrors.
Short bodywork overhangs make it nimble to manoeuvre in urban settings and large wheel arches contribute to a tight turning circle of 11.1m.
Volkswagen says the MPV ID. Buzz will, in future, be offered with an extended wheelbase but there are no plans, as yet, to carry this over to the Buzz Cargo, which is surprising because load-carrying capacity is modest. It has a load volume of 3.9m3 and a payload of up to 650kg and can tow 1,000kg. This compares to 5.8m3 and 913kg and 2,200kg in the SWB T6.1.
When it comes to performance, ride quality and agility, the rear-wheel drive Buzz Cargo is outstanding. It is equipped with a 77kWh battery and a 204hp motor, which makes its 310Nm of torque available immediately. As well as being quick off the mark the van can also more than hold its own in the fast lane of the motorway. The battery is integrated within the vehicle floor, creating a low centre of gravity that reduces body roll when cornering.
An aerodynamic body keeps wind noise to a minimum and contributes to a range of up to 258 miles on the WLTP cycle, as does the ‘B’ mode, which the driver can select instead of the standard ‘D’ mode to enhance regenerative braking and reduce the need to use the foot brake. Gear selection is via a switch on the steering column and also includes ‘N’ (neutral) and ‘R’ (reverse).
Crisp steering enhances excellent handling but if a less hands-on driving experience is what you’re after then the Buzz Cargo’s driver assist systems push it towards autonomous motoring, especially the assisted lane-changing on motorways, which, once activated, requires only the lightest touch of the driver’s fingers on the steering wheel to take control. Travel Assist operates like an advance adaptive cruise control system, monitoring traffic all around the vehicle, rather than just in front.
In the UK, the ID. Buzz Cargo comes in two trim levels; Commerce and Commerce Plus. Standard equipment with Commerce includes LED headlights, a heated driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, a 10in infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity, and multiple USB-C ports.
Further equipment with Commerce Plus includes adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, Park Assist Plus with memory function, a reversing camera, a heated windscreen, satnav, and driver assistance systems including Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist, and Emergency Assist. The ID. Buzz Cargo is an outstandingly accomplished and refined electric van that opens a window onto the future of LCVs.
Highly Commended: Maxus eDeliver 9
Maxus is a pioneer of electric vans and the eDeliver 9 large van is leading the way. The eDeliver 9 comes with a 203hp electric motor, and a choice of three battery sizes – 51.5kWh, 72kWh, and 88.55kWh. A range anxiety-beating electric driving range of up to 219 miles on a single charge is possible. An 80% battery takes 45 minutes using DC charging, while a full battery charge on an AC connection takes five hours. Two vehicle lengths are available – a medium-wheelbase with a cargo volume of 9.7m3, and a long-wheelbase version offering 11m3. Payloads are up to 1.7t. Available variants include crew-cab, chassis- and minibus models, and Maxus says a network of specialist converters can create bespoke vans to cater for requirements such as mobility and refrigeration.
