Dear internet, Volkswagen ID. The Buzz is one of 14 vehicles analyzed by Euro NCAP during this year’s final round of crash tests. The electric minivan managed to get a full five star rating after receiving a rating of 92 percent for Adult Occupants and 87 percent for Child Occupants. Zero-emissions movers receive a score of 90 percent in Safety Assistance and 60 percent in the Vulnerable Road Users rating.
Identity. The Buzz tested by Euro NCAP has one rear-mounted 201 horsepower electric motor as that is the only configuration Volkswagen is selling for now. Dual-motor models with AWD are coming, as are high-performance derivatives that carry the GTX suffix. When tested, the vehicle had a curb weight of 2,384 kilograms (5,256 pounds).
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For now, VW is selling the vehicle exclusively with an 82 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that has a usable capacity of 77 kWh. The version that will be sold in the United States for the 2024 model year will have a longer wheelbase, large enough to accommodate the larger battery. Additionally, there are plans for an entry-level Pure variant in Europe with a 62 kWh battery (58 kWh net).
Most of the other cars tested by Euro NCAP received five-star ratings: Lucid Air, Lexus RX, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mercedes GLC, Ford Ranger, VW Amarok and Skoda Octavia. In addition, three Chinese cars were also tested: the MG4, Maxus MIFA 9 and Chery Omoda 5. Due to a lack of adult passenger protection, the aging Ford Puma and VW Touran minivan went home with only four stars, as did the new Peugeot. 408.
The European New Car Assessment Program will update its protocol again for 2023. The first crash test results were published in February 1997.
