Volkswagen ID. Buzz wins Best Family Electric Vehicle under $100K
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Stying that evokes the past wraps a forward-looking electric vehicle with all the space and practicality that Australian families could ever need.
The onslaught of new electric vehicles in our local market continues apace, and as part of that surge, it hasn't taken long for EVs to legitimately duke it out in their own specific segments. That's thanks to the options available, but also the new focus on regular, user-friendliness. An electric vehicle is less about the environmental statement now, and more about the actual practicality of owning one.
Family buyers in Australia look for practicality, as well as value for money, ergonomics and comfort, and storage when the time comes to buy a vehicle that will work when they have two or more children. And, as we've seen when it comes to the more conventional Kia Carnival, a well-executed people mover is as solid as that choice can get.
This category is as multi-faceted as it gets, then, with so many considerations that need to be covered to ensure the family buyer's money goes as far as it possibly can. And, with more families looking at an electric alternative, these vehicles have a stronger microscope on them than ever before.
Two well-known options headline this category, with last year's overall Drive Car of the Year, the Kia EV9 carrying the torch for the SUV loyalists, and the excellent Hyundai Ioniq 5 covering off the ground for those of you attracted to a more car-like large hatch. But, and this is an exciting launch for Australia, the people mover in this pack, is the all-new Volkswagen ID. Buzz. The judges know how capable the Kia EV9 is, and it's back to defend its crown.
MORE: See the finalist for Best Family Electric Car under $100K
MORE: See all the winners – visit the Drive Car of the Year 2025 hub
Winner: Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Drive’s pick: Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB from $91.290 plus on-road costs.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz key facts:
- Priced from $87,990 to $109,990
- Five-year/unlimited km warranty
- 422-452km claimed driving range (WLTP)
Why the Volkswagen ID. Buzz won:
- Commanding SUV-like visibility for the driver
- Abundant passenger and cargo space
- Seamlessly smooth driving
The ID. Buzz has proven unequivocally that it works as a clever people mover, making it a smarter choice for genuine family buyers than a clever SUV. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz takes out this category thanks to its clever cabin design, real-world practicality and space, and driving dynamics that belie the physical size of what is a very capable people mover.
The model range is clever, too, with options to suit a variety of budgets. There's a five-seat version of the ID. Buzz available, but the model we've taken the closest look at for our DCOTY assessment is the long-wheelbase, seven-seat version, which sneaks into this category thanks to pricing just under $100K before on-road costs.
That's because we think the three-row model is the one most likely to take the fight right up to the SUV brigade. If you don't need three rows, though, the five-seater is the ID. Buzz for you.
You could also argue that this ID. Buzz is more car-like to drive than any Volkswagen Kombi that has gone before it, and that's thanks largely to the MEB electric vehicle platform that underpins it.
MORE: Volkswagen ID. Buzz price and specifications
Visibility is excellent, it's easy to manoeuvre, and the ID. Buzz shrinks around you the more you drive it. The ride quality and general cabin comfort on the move is also worthy of mention, with the 19-inch rims the preference if you spend a lot of time on poor road surfaces.
Volkswagen's integration of tech is excellent, too, with infotainment that was rock solid on test, smartphone connectivity that is easy to set up and reliable once running, and an interactive driver's display that is easily visible and customisable to suit your preferences.
When you factor in the comfort across all seats, the charging ports on offer for passengers, and the useful way you can tailor the layout to suit your family's needs, you've got an exceptional people mover that also cuts a shape figure on the road.
The DCOTY judges reckon the ID. Buzz is the people mover than can finally coax SUV loyalists away from their compromised three-row layouts.
Negatives are few with the new ID. Buzz, and while we'd like larger porthole windows in the second row, and steering wheel buttons that are more conventional in their operation, they are minor gripes it has to be said. Keep in mind too, that if you head out of the city regularly, the ride can firm up on the optional 21-inch wheels and tyres.
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