Volkswagen has revealed how much the new ID. Buzz Cargo will cost when it goes on sale this year. Well, sort of. VW says £38,125 will secure an entry-level model, but this is excluding VAT so we expect it to cost at least £45,750 for private buyers.
Volkswagen's recent history of electric vans is patchy at best, but the VW ID. Buzz Cargo aims to change that. It's the first commercial vehicle to be based on the brand's MEB electric vehicle platform, and it features bespoke running gear.
That running gear helps the Cargo achieve up to 256 miles of range, says VW. It’s powered by a 77kWh battery on a dedicated electric platform, meaning it comfortably beats the Stellantis group's range of electric vans (Citroen e-Dispatch, Vauxhall Vivaro-e), which all manage around 205 miles on a charge.
In terms of size, the ID. Buzz Cargo slots into VW's commercial vehicle range between the Caddy Cargo and T6 Transporter. It's 4,712mm long, 1,985mm wide and 1,938mm tall, and there's 3.9 cubic metres of space in the cargo area. That's nearly a cubic metre more than in a Caddy Cargo, and VW says is big enough for two Euro pallets to fit inside.
The load area is accessed via either a top-hinged tailgate or barn-style doors at the rear, or there are single or twin sliding side doors. The tailgate has a window, and the bulkhead can be had with a window, as well as the option of through loading under the passenger seats. There's a maximum payload weight of 650kg and the load sill is 632mm high, while VW will offer a longer wheelbase ID. Buzz Cargo at a later date.
There are two trim levels from launch, entry-level Commerce and top-spec Commerce Plus. Commerce offers LED headlights, three front seats with heated driver’s seat, front and rear parking sensors, a 5.4-inch digital display, 10” touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a few USB-C ports scattered around the cabin. Interior storage includes an optional 'Buzz Box' with a five-litre storage drawer and a top cubby featuring an ice scraper and bottle opener. This locks into place between the front seats on two-seat models, and can be removed when necessary.
Commerce Plus starts from £42,375 (+VAT) and features adaptive cruise control, keyless entry, park assist, a rear view camera, a multi-function steering wheel, heated windscreen, VW’s Discover Pro navigation system on the same 10” touchscreen, plus some driver assistance systems such as Travel Assist, Lane Assist, Side Assist and Emergency Assist.
Power for the ID. Buzz Cargo comes from a 201bhp electric motor that drives the rear wheels. There's also 310Nm of torque from a standstill, so acceleration should be swift, and since the front wheels are free to steer, VW has created a tight turning circle of 11.1 metres for the newcomer.
It's the van's exterior styling that is one of the big talking points, though. The smooth shape is inspired by VW's Type 2 or 'Bulli' as it's known, and the smooth front end and slender headlights are a styling touch that's similar to other ID models. The van's aerodynamics have been honed to boost efficiency, with a figure of 0.29Cd quoted by VW.
The van revealed at launch features a two-tone white-over-blue colour scheme, which will be offered as an option on the ID. Buzz Cargo, with yellow, orange and green also being offered.
At the IAA Transport show in Hannover, Volkswagen showcased a larger, boxier version of the ID. Buzz Cargo. With a much larger load bay, the 'Ladevolumen' is designed with commercial use in mind with roller-shutters on one side, storage boxes, rear doors and even a side access door. The graphic on the side suggests the capacity is six cubic metres.
Click here for our prototype review of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz MPV...
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