7 Seat ID Buzz - where are they?
Discussion
Last winter we took a test drive in the LWB Buzz. These things are seriously impressive if you have a family and big kids. My son is 15 and 6'4" and can fit in the third row comfortably. Plus all the stuff you could do with it.
Of course new they are eye wateringly expensive, especially with the kit you want, like Travel Assist etc. The battery isn't big enough either, in an EV9 you get a 100kwh pack and it is 86kwh in the Buzz. EV9 is 800v and charges better too. I still want a Buzz instead because it is cool and EV9s are just massive without van-based practicality.
On Autotrader there are 8 available, all new. Given VW's almost existential crisis, and that this vehicle should be a smash hit, where are they? Why aren't they churning them out? Another bizarre decision, they are only availble from VW Commercial dealers, do you have to go to a place full of panel vans to even see one. It's like they want to be beaten by the Chinese. Discuss.
Of course new they are eye wateringly expensive, especially with the kit you want, like Travel Assist etc. The battery isn't big enough either, in an EV9 you get a 100kwh pack and it is 86kwh in the Buzz. EV9 is 800v and charges better too. I still want a Buzz instead because it is cool and EV9s are just massive without van-based practicality.
On Autotrader there are 8 available, all new. Given VW's almost existential crisis, and that this vehicle should be a smash hit, where are they? Why aren't they churning them out? Another bizarre decision, they are only availble from VW Commercial dealers, do you have to go to a place full of panel vans to even see one. It's like they want to be beaten by the Chinese. Discuss.
Edited by LayZ on Monday 21st July 10:06
“ Volkswagen has struggled to scale ID. Buzz production, especially the LWB version. The Hanover plant has been:
Prioritising left-hand drive vans first (North America, EU);
Plagued by software, battery, and supply chain issues;
Hit by a reshuffle in strategy as VW shifted focus back toward hybrids and away from aggressive BEV expansion”
Prioritising left-hand drive vans first (North America, EU);
Plagued by software, battery, and supply chain issues;
Hit by a reshuffle in strategy as VW shifted focus back toward hybrids and away from aggressive BEV expansion”
I see them semi-regularly now.
They're still bloody expensive even via SS. I'm seriously considering one as my next car but there's always that balance between the £18k or so I'd pay over 3 years with nothing at the end Vs the Caravelle or Multi van I could buy for a similar price.
They do look desirable to me though, which can't be said for anything else new and with a VW badge on at the moment.
They're still bloody expensive even via SS. I'm seriously considering one as my next car but there's always that balance between the £18k or so I'd pay over 3 years with nothing at the end Vs the Caravelle or Multi van I could buy for a similar price.
They do look desirable to me though, which can't be said for anything else new and with a VW badge on at the moment.
RotorRambler said:
Volkswagen has struggled to scale ID. Buzz production, especially the LWB version. The Hanover plant has been:
Prioritising left-hand drive vans first (North America, EU);
Plagued by software, battery, and supply chain issues;
Hit by a reshuffle in strategy as VW shifted focus back toward hybrids and away from aggressive BEV expansion
This is very depressing. And they have stopped sale on the T6 transporter and the new one is a rebadged Transit with a wet belt. National embarrassment for Germany. Prioritising left-hand drive vans first (North America, EU);
Plagued by software, battery, and supply chain issues;
Hit by a reshuffle in strategy as VW shifted focus back toward hybrids and away from aggressive BEV expansion
LayZ said:
Another bizarre decision, they are only availble from VW Commercial dealers, do you have to go to a place full of panel vans to even see one.
Our LWB was delivered a couple of months back and yes it was very strange having to go via the commercial side of the dealership. I think they quite enjoyed dealing with excited new "owners" (it's a lease) rather than the usual white van business sales. Edited by LayZ on Monday 21st July 10:06
It's a big old beast, but enjoying the space it provides for the kids. Shame it doesn't have air suspension as it's quite tall, so doesn't fit into some of the lower multi story car parks (or is close enough that I wouldn't want to risk it).
The battery size is fine for our needs, but it's crazy they didn't manage to fit something larger into such a massive and expensive vehicle. Charging speeds are just about adequate, but already a way off the latest tech. I'm also not convinced by the ride quality at lower speeds over less than perfect roads - it feels a little choppy for want of a better word. I haven't driven many long vehicles though, so perhaps that's a common trait.
It is quite a cool thing though!
Edited by IntegraTypeR on Tuesday 22 July 05:46
I think people just want SUV s now. Simple as.
Almost all the van based people carriers I see in London have a TFL mini cab sticker on them. Hardly see any privately run ones. On the other hand, huge SUV s are a dime a dozen.
Doubt a ID Buzz 7 seater would be cost effective as a taxi.
Almost all the van based people carriers I see in London have a TFL mini cab sticker on them. Hardly see any privately run ones. On the other hand, huge SUV s are a dime a dozen.
Doubt a ID Buzz 7 seater would be cost effective as a taxi.
Edited by wyson on Tuesday 22 July 06:57
While I love the idea of the buzz and it looks, you really have to understand the market. The buzz is too small for commercial operators and expensive. Ideal for a campers maybe but that’s a limited market. It makes a great marketing tool but really it’s a symbol rather than a mass production van.
So it’s not going to save VW, just raise it’s profits.
So it’s not going to save VW, just raise it’s profits.
dapprman said:
Doesn't the weight also mean it is actually classified as a commercial vehicle ? Seem to remember a discussion on that else where with the resultant costs with tolls, ferries, etc. Perhaps one of the owners here can confirm or refute this.
It's ~2.7 tonnes, which is comfortably below the newly increased car weight limit for EVs of 4250kg.ChocolateFrog said:
I actually think MPVs will make a comeback at some point, I hope so anyway.
I bet the Chinese could knock out one that beats the ID BUZZ on paper for half the price.
I'd take a very serious look at a BYD MPV, bonus points if they put the 500hp Seal architecture underneath it.
The Kia PV5 is on its way. Still more of a van than an MPV though.I bet the Chinese could knock out one that beats the ID BUZZ on paper for half the price.
I'd take a very serious look at a BYD MPV, bonus points if they put the 500hp Seal architecture underneath it.
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