New Volkswagen ID Buzz range due in September, but supply will be tight

Published on 23 February, 2022

Overview

Volkswagen’s electric ID Buzz range will start from around €50,000 for the Cargo (3-seater van) version and €60,000 for the 5-seater passenger vehicle when they arrive in September.

Supply will be tight with just 300 expected (80pc cargo) but there are hopes for more as the semiconductor crisis eases.

The cars will be world premiered on March 9.

Based on the VW group’s MEB platform, power comes from a 82kWh lithium-ion battery which feeds a 150kW electric motor that drives the rear axle.

Official EV range figures are not yet available.

The car has a turning circle of slightly more than 11m, and access is eased with sliding rear doors.

There will be a major addition to the range over the next 12 months when a longer wheelbase, 7-seater, larger battery model arrives. It has a reported range of 500km.

The standard wheelbase (2,988mm) launching this year is 4,712mm long. It is only 2mm different than the VW T6.1 Transporter.

The ID Buzz has similar internal length, but is able to use smaller parking spaces. The vehicle is 1,937mm tall.

Both Buzz versions are 1,985mm wide – a substantial 81mm up on the T6.1. The five-seater can take 1,121 litres of luggage even with all seats occupied. That’s a lot of space.

The maximum load capacity of the Cargo, fitted with a partition behind the front seats, is more than 3.9 cubic metres.

A less expensive 55kWh version is planned for later.

There will be a Plug & Charge function which lets the car authenticate itself at many providers’ (DC) quick-charging stations.

In the future, bidirectional charging will allow you to store excess power from your home in the ID Buzz and feed it back into the house in the evening.

And, of course, software updates will be downloaded over the air. These include latest infotainment systems and charging or driver assist functions.

The driver assist systems include the new Trained Parking function (automatic manoeuvring into and out of parking spaces) and Car2X (warnings and hazard alerts in the local vicinity).

The Mercedes four-door coupé-like CLS has just arrived. There are several exterior changes and cabin upgrades include two new walnut and wood trim finishes and additional leather seat coverings.

There are two petrol and three diesels with most attention on the CLS 220d AMG design line (from €83,090).

Petrol models include: 450 4MATIC, Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ while diesels include 220d, 300d 4MATIC and a CLS 400d 4MATIC.

AA Ireland has launched a new Podcast – The AA Ireland Podcast – hosted by Anna Cullen and Paddy Comyn. The new show will cover everything from EVs to eScooters.

You can find it on Apple Podcast, Spotify and anywhere you get your podcasts.

Ford has revealed its new Ranger Raptor pick-up (picture inset).

Its twin-turbo three-litre EcoBoost V6 pumps 288 PS and develops 491 Nm of torque which should give it fairly decent off-road ability.

There are seven selectable drive modes as well as a re-engineered suspension.

The new full-time 4WD system includes electronically‑controlled on‑demand 2spd transfer case.

Deliveries start in late summer.