New Volkswagen ID Buzz vs Volkswagen Multivan: verdict
Everyone’s buying big SUVs these days, so why not stand out from the crowd? These two versatile Volkswagens will carry a growing family in style, whether you prefer hybrid or electric power...
These VWs may have similar silhouettes, but they’re very different cars aimed at very different buyers. Picking a winner here is a bit like deciding if a kettle is better than a toaster: it depends what you’re trying to do.
Nevertheless, we reckon the Buzz has much broader appeal than the Multivan. For anyone who’s weighing up such models as the BMW iX3, Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model Y but wishes those electric SUVs were a bit bigger and more family-friendly, the Buzz is a brilliant alternative – and a slightly cheaper one at that.
The fact that you’ll be the envy of every parent at the school gates and get to finally scratch that ‘camper’ itch only sweetens the deal.
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1st – Volkswagen ID Buzz
For Hugely spacious and practical; brilliant driving position; comfy ride; superb visibility; great Euro NCAP safety rating
Against Fiddly touch-sensitive controls; no seven-seat option (yet); can’t match the best electric SUVs for range
Recommended options Two-tone paint (£2790), 230V socket (£410)
What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5
2nd – Volkswagen Multivan
For Can carry seven adults with ease; fantastic seating flexibility; loads of optional extras available
Against Slightly agricultural to drive; disappointing real-world electric range; feels its size in urban environments
Recommended options None
What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5
Specifications: Volkswagen ID Buzz Style
Engine Electric motor
Peak power 201bhp
Peak torque 229lb ft
0-60mph 9.5sec
30-70mph 9.2sec
Top speed 90mph
30-0mph 8.4m
70-0mph 45.3m
Noise at 30mph 59.9dB
Noise at 70mph 66.8dB
Battery capacity (official) 77kWh
Rapid charging type CCS
Peak charging rate 170kW
7kW home wallbox charging time (0-100%) 12hr 15min
Rapid charger, peak rate charging time (10-80%) 30min
Real-world winter range (est) 185 miles
Official range 255 miles
Efficiency on test 2.5 miles/kWh
Gearbox 1-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2505kg
Tyres (std) 235/50 R20 (f), 265/40 R20 (r)
CO2 emissions 0g/km
Specifications: Volkswagen Multivan 1.4 eHybrid Style
Engine 4cyl, 1396cc, petrol, plus electric motor
Peak power 215bhp (combined)
Peak torque 258lb ft (combined)
0-60mph 8.4sec
30-70mph 7.4sec
Top speed 119mph
30-0mph 9.3m
70-0mph 46.8m
Noise at 30mph 63.1dB
Noise at 70mph 68.4dB
Battery capacity (official) 10.4kWh
Rapid charging type na
Peak charging rate 3.7kW
Real-world winter range 16 miles
7kW home wallbox charging time (0-100%) 3hr 40min
Rapid charger, peak rate charging time (10-80%) na
Official range 29 miles
Efficiency on test 1.5 miles/kWh
Gearbox 6-spd automatic
Kerb weight 2243kg
Tyres (std) 235/55 R17
CO2 emissions 41g/km
Test weather conditions Dry
Cars pictured
Volkswagen ID Buzz Style with two-tone Candy White and Starlight Blue metallic paint (£2790), Comfort Seat Package (£3360), Infotainment Package Plus (£1560), 21in alloy wheels (£515) and retractable tow bar (£980)
Volkswagen Multivan 1.4 TSI eHybrid Style with two-tone Monos Silver and Energetic Orange paint (£2790), Comfort Seats (£1500), panoramic glass roof (£1050) and Discover Pro infotainment system (£294)
