2026 vs 2024 ID. Buzz Reader’s Review by The Ev Engineer

Guest Writer Article by The Ev Engineer

After a return to iD buzz life having previously covered 20k miles in a 2024 Buzz cargo, and having now covered 900 miles in the last 4 days, I would like to share my initial thoughts on the 2026 model ID. Buzz Cargo.

Let’s start with the powertrain which benefits from a significant power upgrade; 204ps to 286ps, and a more modest battery upgrade from 77 kWh to 79 kWh, with rapid charging speeds up from 170 kW to 185 kW. AC charging remains at 11 kW.

One bonus that arrived from a previous omission on the first generation (and is a game changer) is that the new 2026 ID. Buzz now comes with a one pedal driving option, and this makes absolute light work of heavy traffic. Given how many miles I can cover in a week, I’m a big fan of this update.

Interior

This is where the 2026 Buzz has benefitted from the biggest upgrades! Anyone who follows me will know I was heavily critical of the standard 10” infotainment system, which was ageing and had a terrible user experience.

I am pleased to say VW has fitted their latest 12.9” Android infotainment system which is a huge upgrade from the previous unit. Besides CarPlay and Android Auto it now offers a variety of apps including Spotify, Audible, YouTube and several games including Beach Buggy Racing 2, which some Tesla owners may be familiar with.

Gone are the unlit, touch-sensitive, heating buttons replaced with lit ones, Hazard warning lights are now a physical button between the central air vents, and the assist system and other touch buttons that were located below the screen are now accessed from the screen itself.

The changes don’t stop there either, with the much-maligned touch-sensitive buttons removed from the steering wheel and replaced with physical, push buttons, (I cannot tell you how many times I accidentally skipped tracks when turning the wheel). Button layouts have also been changed so they make far more sense than they did on the 2024 wheel.

The drivers display, mounted behind the steering wheel, is largely the same, with some very minor view options being the only change.

The rest of the interior is the same as my 2024 ID. Buzz, which was a 2 seater and came with arm rests on the seats. However, the new one misses out on arms rests as it’s now a 3 seater and I do find myself trying to find something to do with my left arm now!

There are the same two 12V ports, one on the top of the dash and one under the central vents. There’s also a USB C in the passenger door, one high power port on top of the dash and 2x ports near the phone cubby hole.

Exterior

Externally VW have added keyless locking which is a nice touch, rain sensor and folding mirrors are still optional extras, though, along with reversing camera which is disappointing at this price point.

Rear load area is exactly the same as the previous generation, with a 12V outlet and decent LED lighting.

My 5 Pros and Cons of the 2026 Buzz

Pros:

1. Comfortable to drive

2. Good charge speeds and charging curve

3. Massively upgraded infotainment experience

4. Good range which doesn’t suffer too badly from motorway driving

5. One pedal driving is a game changer and a huge positive for driving in heavy traffic

Cons:

1. No rain sensor or folding mirrors considering the cost

2. A bit more thought into storage in the cab would be good along with a bigger glove box and more enclosed storage

3. Rear load area is not as big or practical as other commercial vehicles on the market

4. As it comes there is nowhere to screw things to the sides, with big plastic trims that look like they’re from the non van Buzz obstructing a lot of potential space

5. Payload will be a limiting factor for a lot of potential trades

Thoughts

Overall this is a big, solid upgrade to keep the Buzz line-up feeling fresh. A good level of standard equipment is provided on the Commerce entry trim and it is a nice environment to be sat in. Particularly if you are doing a lot of miles a week like me, it is noticeably more comfortable than the current Transit Custom which would have me fidgeting about after an hour sat in the seat. And the introduction of one pedal driving is a game changer.

If VW could work on making the load area a bit more useable, and increase the payload, this would be a very strong contender in the EV commercial vehicle market.

The Ev Engineer

This article is by a guest writer, better known as @TheEvEngineer on 𝕏 (give him a follow), and an engineer working in the EV charging industry, with a big interest in electric vehicles.

The Ev Engineer brings years of experience from within the industry, covering hundreds of miles per week in his electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo.