The Volkswagen ID Buzz has been crowned the What Car? Car of the Year 2023, becoming the third electric car to win the prestigious automotive award.
The German brand’s large electric car - which is inspired by the iconic Type 2 camper van of the 1950s, 60s and 70s - took the top honour due to its combination of practicality and comfort, while also offering the desirability of a luxury SUV.
What Car? also praised the ID Buzz for its official range of 260 miles and its ability to charge from 10-80% in less than half an hour. The Buzz also won the judges over due to its superb visibility, interior space and 1121 litre boot.
The ID Buzz is the third electric car to win the coveted automotive prize, after the Kia EV6 won the overall award last year and the Kia e-Niro in 2019.
“The ID Buzz has been eagerly anticipated because of its nostalgic styling, but all of our judges were blown away by the fact it didn’t just live up to expectations but, in fact, was even better than the hype,” said What Car? editor Steve Huntingford.
“It’s great to drive, wonderful to be in, has more space than most families could ever ask for and – thanks in part to incredible predicted resale value – substantially undercuts many SUV rivals on a monthly finance deal.”
Alongside the overall win. The Volkswagen ID Buzz won the Best Large Electric Car award.
Commenting on the win, Dr Lars Krause, board member for sales and marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: The ID Buzz is the reincarnation of an icon and we are thrilled that the experts at What Car? magazine share the enthusiasm of our fans and customers, and have given it the honour of their Car of the Year award.
“The UK is one of our most important markets, and customers here expect the best. We will continue to do all we can to build great cars for you, to develop icons of the future and to ensure the next successful chapter in our brand’s history.”
Other electric winners on the night included the MG 4 EV, which took the top prize for Best Small Electric Car. The Tesla Model 3 meanwhile was named Best Executive Car, becoming the first EV to win this category.
The Technology Award was given to the futuristic BMW i7 luxury saloon, with the Genesis GV60 scooping the award for Best Electric SUV.
To read about all the winners, visit the What Car? Awards website.
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