Milton Keynes, UK, 28 October 2024 – The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, already an award-winning all-electric marvel, has taken a giant leap forward with the unveiling of its seven-seat configuration. Showcasing its spacious interior and family-friendly features, Volkswagen recently put the ID. Buzz to the ultimate test: accommodating seven larger-than-life British & Irish Lions rugby legends, each famed for their formidable builds and heights reaching up to 6’9″.
In a unique test-drive reunion, rugby icons including former England captain Lewis Moody and Irish Grand Slam-winning captain Rory Best packed themselves into the ID. Buzz, creating an unexpected and light-hearted showcase of the vehicle’s spaciousness. Other rugby legends joining the lineup included Welsh centre Jamie Roberts, Scotland’s towering second-row Jim Hamilton, former England back-row Martin Corry, France’s celebrated flanker Serge Betsen, and Ireland’s Shane Horgan. Together, these ex-professionals turned the test drive into a memorable moment, marked by playful camaraderie and the chance to reconnect over shared memories from their days on the pitch.
A Spacious and Stylish Drive for Every Size
Volkswagen’s new ID. Buzz seven-seater has a wheelbase of nearly five meters, designed for versatility with configurable seating arrangements that can be adjusted to suit five, six, or seven passengers. With the added length, not only is there more room for passengers, but the luggage space is also expanded, making it ideal for families and those who need more capacity for travel or sports equipment. Further enhancing its practicality, the larger model houses an 86kWh battery, providing extended range without sacrificing the clean lines and modern appeal that have become synonymous with the ID. Buzz.
Lewis Moody, a lifelong Volkswagen fan, was thrilled to take the wheel for this memorable reunion. “As a kid, I was an absolute VW nut, so when the ID. Buzz came out, I was on it straight away,” Moody remarked. “The fact that we managed to fit all the lads in there with space left for rugby gear in the boot is pretty impressive!” he added, highlighting the roomy interior that easily accommodated their tall frames and athletic builds.
For Jim Hamilton, the tallest of the group at 6’9″, the ID. Buzz exceeded expectations in terms of comfort. “Fitting into the back of most vehicles can be an uncomfortable experience, but even though I was in the third row with [Martin] Corry, I was surprisingly comfortable with lots of legroom,” he noted. As a father of four, Hamilton also mentioned the advantages of the flexible seating: “They’re always arguing over who has to sit in the middle, so this car would be perfect!”
Technology Meets Comfort in the ID. Buzz
During the test drive, dashcam footage captured a glimpse into the banter-filled ride, where the rugby legends playfully interacted with IDA, Volkswagen’s intuitive voice assistant. The vehicle’s state-of-the-art infotainment system kept the players entertained while the advanced Driver Assistance systems ensured a smooth and safe ride, even with a full load.
Eve Tyers, Volkswagen’s Head of Marketing, underscored the significance of this unique experience. “It was amazing to reunite some of the greats of the game and watch them get up close and personal with the new ID. Buzz. We wanted to show that if a crew of rugby legends can all fit in, so can you and your family!”
The ID. Buzz: Setting New Standards in Electric Mobility
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is now available to order, with prices starting at £59,035. With the introduction of the seven-seat model, Volkswagen is reinforcing its commitment to versatility, sustainability, and style. This latest addition to the ID family merges iconic design with advanced electric capabilities, offering not only zero-emissions driving but also an unparalleled level of comfort and adaptability.
For more details on the ID. Buzz and its features, visit Volkswagen Vans UK.
