Volkswagen ID. Buzz crashes its way to five-star rating in Europe

Volkswagen's heritage-laced ID. Buzz breaks with tradition in at least one significant way: it's one of the safest cars in its class. While owners of the original Bus often joke that the driver is the crumple zone, the new electric van earned a five-star crash test rating in Europe.

The European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) awarded the Buzz its highest rating after putting it through numerous tests. Weighing in at 5,255 pounds, the EV received a 92% score for adult occupant protection, an 87% score for child occupant protection, a 60% score for vulnerable road user protection and a 90% score in the safety assist department. The agency tested the passenger-carrying model.

Achieving a five-star safety rating was easier said than done. When we drove the Buzz earlier in 2022, we learned that it was particularly difficult for Volkswagen to design a relatively flat front end that echoes the original van while staying on the right side of safety regulations.