2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo Review

Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Cargo is a nostalgic nod to the past while looking firmly to the future. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Kombi van, it merges retro charm with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, making it a standout in the commercial van market. As part of Volkswagen’s ID. lineup, it aims to cater to businesses seeking practicality, efficiency, and sustainability in one compelling package.

However, with an $80,000 price tag before on-road costs and a suite of optional extras that quickly add up, the ID. Buzz Cargo finds itself in premium territory. Is its blend of design, performance, and features enough to justify the investment? And how well does it adapt to the real-world demands of commercial operators? Let’s dive into the details.

How much does the VW ID. Buzz Cargo cost?

The ID. Buzz Cargo starts at $79,990 before on-road costs, positioning it as a premium option in the commercial van segment. Optional extras include metallic or pearl effect paint ($1,890), power-operated sliding doors ($1,610), and a tailgate with LED matrix headlights ($2,100). These can push the price closer to $100,000 when fully equipped.

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pricing:

• ID. Buzz Cargo: $79,990

Note: Prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s the exterior like of the VW ID. Buzz Cargo?

The ID. Buzz Cargo’s exterior combines futuristic elements with retro touches, delivering a design that turns heads while being functional for commercial use. Standard paint is Candy White, but Volkswagen offers six additional color options, including vibrant choices like Pomelo Yellow Metallic and Bay Leaf Green Metallic. Unfortunately, the Cargo trim misses out on the iconic two-tone paint option available on the Pro variant, which might be a letdown for fans of the classic Kombi aesthetic.

At the front, the ID. Buzz Cargo features a bold grille design consistent with the ID family, flanked by adaptive LED headlights that are standard across the range. Opting for the IQ Light package adds advanced matrix lighting for enhanced nighttime visibility. The prominent Volkswagen badge takes center stage, paying homage to the vehicle's retro inspiration. Down below, the bumper can be optioned in durable black cladding for more rough-and-tumble applications. The side profile showcases clean, aerodynamic lines, with a large sliding door for easy cargo access. Buyers can add power-operated sliding doors ($1,610) for extra convenience or rear wing doors with fixed panels ($390) for a more utility-focused setup.

At the rear, the design remains simple and utilitarian, featuring clean plastic cladding and a large powered tailgate option ($890). While the Cargo model lacks the Pro’s full-width LED light bar, it retains the signature ID design language. The standard 18-inch steel wheels provide a rugged look, but for those seeking a more refined appearance, 19-inch alloy wheels ($3,500) are available. Overall, the exterior balances retro-inspired aesthetics with modern practicality, making the ID. Buzz Cargo stand out in the commercial vehicle segment.

What’s the interior like of the VW ID. Buzz Cargo?

Inside, the ID. Buzz Cargo offers a utilitarian yet modern cabin designed to balance durability and practicality with cutting-edge technology. Hard-wearing materials dominate the interior, ensuring resilience for commercial use. The cabin’s aesthetic is clean and uncluttered, highlighted by thoughtful touches that emphasize Volkswagen’s attention to detail. The driver-focused layout makes it straightforward to use, even during long shifts behind the wheel.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is a large 12.9-inch infotainment screen, which comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The screen’s interface is intuitive, responsive, and well-lit, making it easy to navigate even in bright daylight. Climate control settings are integrated into the screen and are accessible with a few simple swipes. A small driver display provides essential information like speed, range, and battery status in a clear, easily readable format.

Storage in the front cabin is exceptionally well-thought-out. Large door bins provide ample space for water bottles, notepads, or other essentials. Above the glovebox, an additional parcel shelf offers a non-slip surface, ideal for keeping smaller items secure. The dashboard is equipped with multiple cubbies, cupholders, and a dedicated slot for a takeaway coffee cup. USB-C ports are conveniently placed for both driver and passenger access, ensuring devices can stay charged during long days.

Seating is functional, with firm yet supportive fabric seats that are designed for durability. While lumbar support is not adjustable, the upright driving position provides good visibility and comfort for extended periods of use. The three-seat bench layout in the front is a nod to the van’s commercial intent, making it practical for carrying additional passengers or crew when needed. Noise insulation is another strong point, with acoustic glass helping to keep the cabin quiet, even on highways.

Overall, the interior of the ID. Buzz Cargo is a good blend of functionality, durability, and modern tech, catering to the needs of businesses without compromising too much on comfort.

What’s the cargo area like in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo?

The ID. Buzz Cargo excels in cargo capacity, offering 3.9 cubic meters of space—enough to accommodate two Euro pallets. It features a maximum load length of 2,208 mm, a load width of 1,732 mm, and a load height of 1,257 mm, making it highly versatile for commercial use. Payload capacity is rated at 774 kg, while the optional underload function adds 450 mm of additional length for longer items. For added convenience, a powered tailgate is available for $890, and fixed rear wing doors can be specified for $390, catering to different business needs. Tie-down points are strategically placed throughout the cargo area, ensuring secure transportation of goods.

What’s under the bonnet of the 2025 VW ID. Buzz Cargo?

‍The ID. Buzz Cargo features a rear-wheel drive electric motor delivering 210 kW and 550 Nm of torque. Paired with a 77 kWh battery, it offers a WLTP range of 431 km. Charging options include 11 kW AC charging and up to 185 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 5% to 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

How does the VW ID. Buzz Cargo Drive?

On the road, the ID. Buzz Cargo offers a driving experience that is both engaging and surprisingly dynamic for a commercial van. The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with a low center of gravity thanks to its battery placement, ensures exceptional stability, even when loaded. This design choice provides the van with a planted and confident feel, whether navigating tight urban streets or tackling winding rural roads. Acceleration is brisk for its class, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of just 7.03 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle designed primarily for practicality.

Around town, the light and precise steering make the ID. Buzz Cargo a joy to maneuver, despite its boxy shape. Parking and navigating through narrow streets is effortless, aided by the van’s compact overhangs and responsive controls. Volkswagen’s attention to ergonomics ensures that the driver feels in control at all times, with the vehicle’s compact dimensions further enhancing urban usability.

On highways, the ID. Buzz Cargo shines with its suite of advanced driver assistance features. Adaptive cruise control works seamlessly, and the lane-keeping assist is particularly well-calibrated. This makes long-distance driving far less taxing, highlighting its potential as a comfortable long-haul work vehicle.

One of the standout aspects of the driving experience is the suspension tuning. While on the firmer side, it effectively balances ride comfort with handling. This firmness ensures minimal body roll during cornering, which is especially important for maintaining control when carrying heavy cargo. However, the stiffness may be less appealing to drivers accustomed to softer setups in traditional vans.

Lastly, the regenerative braking system is another highlight. It offers smooth and predictable deceleration, with adjustable levels to suit driver preferences. This feature not only enhances energy efficiency but also contributes to a more relaxed driving style, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Overall, the ID. Buzz Cargo’s driving dynamics represent a thoughtful blend of practicality, performance, and comfort, setting a new benchmark for electric commercial vehicles.

What do you get with the VW ID. Buzz Cargo?

‍Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo equipment highlights:

• LED Headlights with Automatic high-beam functionality
• Dual power-latching sliding doors
• Body-coloured door handles and bumpers
• Gloss black power-folding, heated mirrors
• 18-inch steel wheels with a tyre repair kit
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Three-seat layout with ‘durable’ fabric upholstery
• 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• IDA voice assistant
• Dual-zone climate control
• DAB+ digital radio
• USB-C outlets

The ID. Buzz Cargo offers a range of optional features to enhance its functionality:

Exterior Upgrade Package – Tailgate ($3,480):

• IQ. Light matrix LED headlights
• Illuminated moulding between headlights
• Power-operated tailgate

Exterior Upgrade Package – Rear Wing Doors ($2,980):

• IQ. Light matrix LED headlights
• Illuminated moulding between headlights
• Fixed rear wing doors without windows

Standalone Options:

• Rear wing doors (fixed panels without windows): $390
• Power tailgate: $890
• Power sliding doors: $1,610
• ‘Robust’ seat fabric: $390
• Universal floor covering with lashing rails: $1,490
• 19-inch ‘Tilburg’ diamond-turned alloy wheels: $3,500
• Rear underride guard: $690
• Terminal block: $290

Colours: The ID. Buzz Cargo’s standard colour is Candy White solid paint. Metallic and pearlescent finishes are available for $1,890, with options including:

• Bay Leaf Green metallic
• Energetic Orange metallic
• Mono Silver metallic
• Pomelo Yellow metallic
• Starlight Blue metallic
• Deep Black pearlescent

Is the VW ID. Buzz Cargo safe?

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has previously earned a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP based on tests conducted in 2022. However, Australian safety authority ANCAP has yet to perform a local rating.

Standard safety features include:

• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Oncoming vehicle braking when turning
• Lane centring
• Lane-keep assist
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention monitoring
• Swerve support
• Safe exit warning
• Travel Assist
• Reversing camera
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Front, front-side, and curtain airbags

How much does it cost to run the VW ID. Buzz Cargo?

The ID. Buzz Cargo’s running costs are competitive, with a consumption rate of 20.3 kWh/100km. Volkswagen’s Care Plan offers capped-price servicing for up to 10 years, with intervals of 24 months or 30,000 km. Pricing for the Care Plan starts at $1,450 for 6 years, providing significant savings over individual services. Additionally, the ID. Buzz Cargo includes an 8-year/160,000 km warranty for the battery and a 5 year, unlimited kmwarranty for the vehicle itself, offering peace of mind for long-term ownership.

Final thoughts on the VW ID. Buzz Cargo

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is a bold entry into the commercial EV market, blending retro-inspired styling with modern electric vehicle technology. Its standout design and spacious cargo area cater to businesses seeking functionality, while advanced safety features, plenty of technology and good driving dynamics deliver added value.

However, the high starting price, compounded by costly optional extras, makes it less accessible to some buyers. Additionally, its range, though sufficient for urban routes, may not fully meet the demands of longer-distance operations. Ultimately, for those prepared to make the investment, the ID. Buzz Cargo delivers a compelling mix of style, practicality, and innovation, redefining expectations in the commercial electric van segment.