We're not always keen to drive prototypes, yet there was no way we'd pass up the chance to try the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, even if it's the Europe-spec version that will launch first. Like the Euro version shown here, our Buzz will be built on the MEB platform that underpins the ID.4, but the U.S. model is still two years out.
The rear-engine VW Vanagon retired in 1991, and while the front-drive Eurovan filled the van-sized hole in the lineup almost immediately, it just wasn't the same. Then, in 2017, Volkswagen showed off the ID. Buzz concept, giving us time to grow our hair long.
The prototype we're driving is a panel van with a bulkhead behind the front seats. The U.S. probably won't get the panel van; our ID. Buzz will be larger and feature three rows of seats. How much longer the American-bound one will be remains to be seen, but the European ID. Buzz rides on a 117.6-inch wheelbase and is 185.5 inches long. The U.S. version will also have a bigger battery pack than the prototype's 77.0-kWh unit.
Excited anticipation is justified. The ID.Buzz's shape and interior dimensions prove how adaptable an architecture can be when there's no need to accommodate a bulky, upright engine and transmission. The height of the battery pack raises the floor slightly, but otherwise, the interior volume feels more vast than the van's modest length would suggest.
The prototype has the entry-level powertrain, a single 201-hp electric motor shared with the ID.4 that drives the rear axle. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version with the front and rear motors from the ID.4 and about 295 horsepower will also be offered.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The Best Odds
SOMETIMES-NOT OFTEN, BUT sometimes-car manufacturers create something semi-wondrous that is also borderline irrational and three-quarters inexplicable to their own marketing types.
Mileage Booster
Kia Carnival Hybrid HIGHS: Big mpg bump, no CVT weirdness, solid ride and handling. LOWS: Shared HVAC and audio controls, second-row loungers can't be removed, changing brake-pedal feel.
Medium Spicy
Kia K4 GT-Line Turbo HIGHS: Lengthy list of features, spacious interior, generous trunk. LOWS: Uncomfortably flat seats, rivals are quicker, only modest grip.
Drivelines
HORACIO PAGANI IS A visionary designer and self-taught engineer.
Suspensions of Disbelief
It's easy to say a vehicle rides well but much more difficult to explain the nuanced implications of that highly subjective statement.
PUMPED-UP KICKS
NISSAN ISN'T SHY about experimenting with its subcompact of ferings. In the recent past, it briefly gave us the adorable Cube, seemingly designed by Hello Kitty, followed by the frog-eyed Juke that somehow spawned a six-figure R-badged super-SUV in other markets.
THE ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO. THE BMW M3 COMPETITION. AND THE CADILLAC CT4-VBLACKWING HEAD SOUTH ONA ROAD TRIP TO FIND OUT WHICH ONE BEST DELIVERS ON THE SPORTS-SEDAN PROMISE.
One of us, gassing up the 2025 Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, says, \"No, we drove from Michigan.
SINCE WE APPRECIATE GREAT TALENT IN ALL ITS FORMS, WE ALSO HONOR THE 10BEST TRUCKS, SUVS, AND VANS. INCLUDING ONE WINNER WITH LITERAL BUZZ.
THE DISCUSSION AROUND this year's 10Best Trucks competition had some editors wishing the award were called 12Best.
OUR VERSION OF A 2024 AUTOMOTIVE AWARDS SHOW (SOMETIMES HUMOROUS, SOMETIMES NOT).
America's fastest senior citizen made the save of the year when his Funny Car's engine exploded at Virginia Motorsports Park.
"A ROMANCE THAT BUILDS WITH SPECTACULAR PASSION. THE LONGER YOU DRIVE IT, THE BETTER IT GETS."
When the history of the sports sedan is written, the late-narrative plot twist that few would have seen coming is the emergence of CadillacCadillac!-as the keeper of the flame. And yet, that's exactly what's happened.
