New Volkswagen ID Buzz vs Volkswagen Multivan: interiors
Everyone’s buying big SUVs these days, so why not stand out from the crowd? These two versatile Volkswagens will carry a growing family in style, whether you prefer hybrid or electric power...
Behind the wheel
Driving position, visibility, build quality
With huge expanses of glass and upright pillars, these two give you a view out that drivers of modern SUVs could only dream of. That means neither feels daunting on the road; you’re always confident where the extremities of the car are. That’s particularly true in the Volkswagen ID Buzz, partly because it’s smaller, but also because there’s less of a bonnet projection to judge.
A lofty driving position also helps, of course. And we’re not talking about the sort of pseudo-4x4 elevated seating position you get in a Jaguar I-Pace or Tesla Model Y. Nope, squint in either of the Volkswagens and you could easily believe you’re driving a Range Rover – a sensation only enhanced by the slender adjustable armrests on either side of the seat.
In fact, the driving position in the Buzz would be close to perfect, were it not for VW’s obsession with fiddly touch-sensitive controls. They’re on the dashboard for the heater controls, on the doors (to adjust the mirrors) and even on the steering wheel. Sadly, it’s the same story in the Volkswagen Multivan (as it is in most of the brand’s line-up), although mercifully its steering wheel has proper physical buttons on it.
You won’t find as much soft-touch plastic in either of these cars as you would in a similar-priced electric SUV. However, most of the bits you touch regularly, including the steering wheel and armrests, feel suitably upmarket and the light colour schemes lift the ambience considerably. The Buzz offers far more interior personalisation options, with no fewer than eight colour schemes available, depending on the exterior paint colour you go for.
Infotainment systems
Volkswagen ID Buzz
Although the touchscreen system in the Buzz is effectively the same as the one in the Volkswagen ID 3, software upgrades mean it works better than it did in early examples of that car. Okay, the menus still aren't the most user-friendly out there, but it's quicker to respond and no longer seems to crash. We wouldn’t bother with the £1560 upgraded system, though.
Volkswagen Multivan
The Multivan's infotainment system is similar to the one you get in the Buzz, but in our tests it was often slower to react to presses. As in the Buzz, there are plenty of features, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.
