Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo 2025 Review

Wolfsburg has made it easy if you want to buy the 2025 ID. Buzz Cargo – there’s only one version. And that’s the short wheelbase, better known by its abbreviation of SWB.

At $79,990 before ORCs, the Cargo isn’t cheap when you compare it to the likes of the Ford Transit Custom, Hyundai Staria Load, Toyota HiAce and even Volkswagen’s own Transporter.

However, given its, ahem, cargo limitations, the smaller Caddy TDI320 5 LWB offers more of an even playing field within the VW family.

In terms of pure EV rivals, the LDV eDeliver 7 SWB, Peugeot E-Expert and Mercedes-Benz eVito present as options, too.

The ID. Buzz Cargo is covered by Volkswagen’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with a separate eight-year/160,000-kilometre plan for the battery pack. Servicing is every two years or 20,000km (whichever comes first) with dealership visits capped at a total of $1450 for the first six years – which is impressive. Roadside assistance is extended by 24 months every time you service with Volkswagen.

While we aren’t the arbiters of cool, we must admit that the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is the more ‘dope, lit, or sick’ member of the ID. Buzz range. You can even opt for clean plastic bumpers and steel wheels if you really want the hardwearing, back-to-basics aesthetic.

Other standard features include 18-inch wheels with trim covers, LED headlights, LED rear combination lights, LED load compartment lights, heat-reflective windscreen, power-latching sliding doors (left and right) and keyless entry with pushbutton start.

Inside, the Cargo’s front seats (in a 1+2 configuration) are covered in cloth material with manual adjustment for the driver only. There’s a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control and a robust floor covering in the cabin.

Although, the ID. Buzz Cargo tested comes with a host of optional extras, like Mono Silver metallic paint ($1890), electric tailgate ($890), IQ.LIGHT LED Matrix headlights ($2100), power sliding doors left/right ($1610) and ‘Tilburg’ 19-inch alloy wheels ($3500). All that adds almost $10K on the list price – ouch.

While the 2025 ID. Buzz Cargo doesn’t carry a full ANCAP safety rating, it has been tested by the local body as part of the Commercial Van Safety Comparison, in which it scored Platinum status (80 per cent) for collision avoidance.

Active safety systems include autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, active cruise control with stop/go functionality, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors and a rear-view camera.

In practice, the systems work quite well with the smooth integration of the lane assist and proximity-based features – and without too many annoying audible warnings. The Cargo is also fitted with six airbags.

The theme of ‘not missing out’ continues in terms of tech. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo doesn’t want for much – especially not against its ID. family members.

At 12.9 inches, the central infotainment screen is appropriately sized with the Discover Media operating system. While it doesn’t quite hit its marks for upmarket feel in some of the other ID. products, it certainly does for a commercial van and is a better fit in the Buzz.

It also now supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto thanks to an over-the-air update. It also features Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio and voice activation – but there’s no native satnav. The standard audio system is decent, while there are five USB-C ports (including one for a dashcam) and a wireless phone charger.

The instrument cluster is on the small side at 5.7 inches, but it’s more of a glorified head-up display and it still houses most of the information you need. And being mounted to the column, it moves with the steering wheel adjustment.

Somewhat uniquely in the current van segment, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is rear-wheel drive. This is because the single permanent magnet electric motor is rear mounted and powers the back axle via a single-speed reduction gear.

In terms of performance, the ID. Buzz will be down the on-ramp and back on the highway before its turbo-diesel competition have even left the service-centre car park. That’s because the e-motor produces 210kW and a substantial 550Nm. Almost hilariously, there are driving modes which comprise Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual.

Despite the heft, it makes for swift progress. Anyone coming out of a turbo-diesel powered van will be shocked at the alacrity of the power delivery. From a standstill or at pace, you won’t be disappointed by the acceleration. There’s even an electronic sound generator that produces quirky EV acoustics – a distinct change from the Kombi for sure.

This is important given the buyer demographic that’s used to filling up with diesel and simply going – and going. Therefore, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo gains a 79kWh (net) lithium-ion battery pack to provide a generous supply of electricity.

Officially, the Cargo has a claimed range of 431km with an energy usage rate of 20.3kWh/100km. However, through varied driving conditions, we managed 19.2kWh/100km during our week with the Buzz.

Thanks to its 185kW DC rapid charging capability, the battery can be replenished from 10 to 80 per cent in 26 minutes, while a full AC charge on an 11kW three-phase connection takes 7.5 hours.

In terms of on-road dynamics, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is far better than you expect – especially given its 2376kg kerb weight. It handles considerably well, and you can hustle it along with surprising vigour. And there’s a reason for the ID. Buzz Cargo’s dynamic competence – it’s based on the MEB electric platform, one that also underpins myriad VW Group SUVs.

The ID. Buzz Cargo tested has the optional 19-inch alloys. It means a slightly less chubby tyre sidewall compared to the steel 18-inch wheels fitted as standard, but lumps and bumps are still filtered out adequately. In terms of damping, the Cargo can struggle at times with pitch and dive, while lateral movements are largely kept in check.

There is a decent amount of grip from the Continental EcoContact tyres, and because it’s rear-wheel drive, the Buzz doesn’t struggle to put its power down out of 90-degree junctions and bends. The electronic nannies can be intrusive, until you discover rather hilariously that there’s an ESC Sport mode. Although, it’s unlikely a van driver will need to resort to this.

The steering can be tailored with either Comfort or Sport modes. And as per usual with most VW products, Comfort is the ideal default. It isn’t the most tactile, but it’s surprisingly quick and responsive. It’s also something you don’t expect in a commercial vehicle, given the steering is usually slow and unresponsive.

The ID. Buzz Cargo uses regenerative braking to help add precious range back into the system. It doesn’t hamper the natural feel too much, although it’s interesting to note that drum brakes are still used on the rear axle instead of discs all-round. There is a dedicated B mode to increase the amount of regen, yet it doesn’t return one-pedal driving.

Ultimately, the ID. Buzz Cargo drives better than it’s feasibly required to, with a very car-like experience some SUVs would struggle to match.

Ultimately, what makes the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo ‘fun’ to drive, hampers it in terms of a commercial vehicle.

Despite being bigger overall, the Cargo is more Caddy than it is Transporter in terms of load-lugging ability. The flatbed is 3.9 cubic metres and can fit two Euro pallets inside. However, the payload is a relatively low 774kg. That’s 32kg more than Caddy, but 425kg less than the Transporter. The gross vehicle weight is 3150kg.

Getting stuff in and out is aided by the two (optional) electronically operated side doors that can be operated either from inside the cabin, via the key fob or the handle itself. There’s even a little hidden cubby hole for cables under the bed floor, while there’s also handy D hooks and attachment locations. Barn-style rear doors can be optioned, too.

During our time with the Cargo it was tasked with moving furniture, including cabinets, packing shelves and coffee tables. The extra weight didn’t hamper the ride quality or the overall driving experience. However, it slightly annoyed a carsales staff member when a 2.5-seater lounge didn’t fit in the back by mere centimetres.

The ID. Buzz cargo is also hampered by a relatively low braked towing capacity of 1200kg and the towbar load limit is 75kg. A towbar kit, as well as items like a dash cam, roof racks and various cargo mats, can be found as part of the Volkswagen genuine accessories.

If you’re used to the cabins of more commercial-grade vans like the Toyota HiAce, then the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is going to be a revelation.

Okay, it isn’t quite as plush as the family-orientated Pro version, but the hardwearing plastics are screwed together well and the clean dash design is a step ahead of the commercial segment. Given how this type of vehicle is used, VW has ushered in a newfound plushness to create a cabin you want to spend time in, rather than having to.

There are a few issues in terms of practical use, though. If you’re wearing gloves on the job in winter, the haptic feedback, touch-enabled controls on the steering wheel could be difficult to use – likewise for the slider controls for temperature and volume underneath the infotainment display. While the screens and minimalist dash appeals to the eye, a lack of physical buttons could be an issue.

Conversely, in terms of storage, the ID. Buzz Cargo won’t disappoint with provisions for large water bottles in the door bins, as well as cup holders in the dash and central cubby hole. Some of those double as coffee-cup holders, while there’s an expansive tray atop the dash that’s perfect for various paraphernalia. It even has a 12V socket and a USB-C charge port.

It’s a bit of a shame that there’s no central fold-down arm rest in the three-seat configuration. And while you can travel three-up, shoulder room isn’t overly generous and the passenger seat doesn’t have any adjustment. Having a flat floor and column-mounted gear selector does free up the seating area, though.

Vision out the back is aided by a rear window as well as a window in the rear bulkhead. The view is obstructed by the central headrest and there’s no way of removing it. Despite the windscreen being seemingly a mile away, it also helps locate the front of the van when nosing into a park and the three-quarter glass panels aid vision when entering a roundabout or intersection.

Again, the ‘for a van’ line comes to the fore. However, in terms of noise, vibration and harshness levels, the ID. Buzz Cargo is finessed. You can cover a lot of ground with ease and not tire because of a lack of refinement.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo is more of a purchase with the heart, and not the head. Its retro vibes, mixed in with quality and performance not seen in the commercial ranks, are appealing.

However, if you require a true workhorse capable of lugging heavy-duty equipment, opting for a more traditional van like the Caddy or Transporter might be a better bet.

It’s so easy to be enamoured by the Cargo. It’s a modern take on tradition and it gives you a ‘Buzz’ every time you drive it. Out of the ID. Buzz range, the utilitarian version could very well be the best. Now, when is the ID. Buzz California edition landing Down Under?

2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo at a glance:
Price: $79,990 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: Permanent magnet e-motor
Output: 210kW/550Nm
Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
Battery: 79kWh (net) lithium-ion
Range: 431km
Energy consumption: 20.3kWh/100km
Safety rating: Not tested

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