Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo Review: Funk And Function

You know, commercial vehicles usually have the charisma of a freezer. They’re built to haul, not to charm. But Volkswagen, being Volkswagen, has decided that a van can (and should) have character: Enter the ID. Buzz Cargo, the fully electric workhorse that blends retro-cool style, real-world usability, and a driving experience that’s so polished it might make you forget you’re… at work.

At first sight, it’s impossible not to grin. With its unique shape, short overhangs and cheerful, upright face, the ID. Buzz Cargo looks like it was designed to spread happiness, not just parcels and packages. It’s a nod to the iconic Kombi of the past, reimagined for a cleaner, quieter, and far more digital world. On the crowded roads of Singapore, it stands out like no other commercial vehicle, instantly recognisable, instantly likeable.

Behind that friendly facade though lies genuine muscle. The ID. Buzz Cargo boasts a 3,900-litre hauling capacity and can take up to 770 kg of payload, which is more than enough for most urban delivery needs. The barn-style rear doors can swing open to a full 180 degrees, making loading and unloading items super convenient, whether you’re shifting boxes, equipment, or crates of kombucha for the café circuit. It’s this kind of thoughtful practicality that shows Volkswagen really understands the everyday grind.

To show us the loading capability of the ID. Buzz Cargo, VW filled up the cargo area with a bunch of bulky items - ok, we're impressed.


Inside, it’s anything but utilitarian. Sure, it’s tough and ready for work, but the cabin feels positively premium for a van. The cockpit is airy, the driving position is spot on, and the ergonomics are pure Volkswagen precision. Front and centre sits a massive 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen - crisp, intuitive, and responsive - the sort of tech you’d expect in a family SUV, not a commercial vehicle. Combine that with acres of visibility and a commanding seating position, and you’ll find yourself oddly content even when stuck in PIE traffic.

Under the floor lies a 79 kWh battery, powering the same 210kW (282bhp) rear-mounted electric motor found in the passenger variant. Yes, that’s a lot of grunt for a cargo van; and yes, it’s a bit of a challenge to stick to the national 70km/h goods vehicle speed limit when it gets going. The torque is instant, the response immediate, and the steering - surprisingly quick and accurate - feels almost car-like. It darts through tight streets and crowded carparks with the composure of a hatchback rather than a high-sided hauler.

Volkswagen claims a 461 km range (WLTP combined), and even with Singapore’s stop-start conditions, a real-world figure of around 440 to 450 km is easily achievable. That’s easily enough to cover a full day’s worth of deliveries, client visits, and errand runs without ever breaking a sweat. And when you do need to charge, a DC fast charger will get you from 10 to 80% in less than 30 minutes.

Verdict

At around $160,000 with COE, it’s realistically speaking not cheap. But for a business owner who’s constantly on the move, the ID. Buzz Cargo makes a convincing case; it’s efficient, ultra-comfortable, and has a personality that no other van in Singapore can match.

In a world where most commercial vehicles are mere tools, the ID. Buzz Cargo dares to be more - a proper work partner that’s stylish, silent, and just a little cheeky. And if you catch yourself smiling while behind the wheel, well, that’s proof that Volkswagen’s funky electric van is working exactly as intended.

Photos by Azfar Hashim

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