In the market for a fully-electric, medium-sized van with retro-futuristic styling and heaps of charm? You’ll want to run the rule over the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo and the Maxus eDeliver 5.
The Buzz Cargo (below) has been on the leasing scene for a while now while the eDeliver 5 (above) is the new kid on the block and ready to steal the VW’s thunder.
But which one should you lease, and how do the two models stack up when it comes to things like payload, range, towing capacity and tech?
It's time for a face-off:
VW ID. Buzz Cargo
.jpg)
- Variants: Just one body size and height
- Battery size: 79 kWh
- Range between charges: Up to 276 miles
- Payload: 607 kg
- Load volume: Up to 3.9 m3
- Towing capacity: 1,000 kg
- Variants: H1 or H2
- Battery size: 64 kWh
- Range between charges: Up to 208 miles
- Payload: Up to 1,200 kg
- Load volume: Up to 7.6 m3
- Towing capacity: 1,500 kg
Overview
It’s easy to see why the VW ID. Buzz Cargo and the Maxus eDeliver 5 are being pitched against each other. Both are funky, fully-electric vans that straddle the gap between ‘small’ and ‘medium-sized’ light commercial vehicles. They’ll also appeal to business owners who might lean on their reputation for being eco-friendly and forward-thinking.
And both break the mould when it comes to exterior styling, with nods to the future and the past with their clean, classic lines and option of two-tone paint schemes.
Yet, on closer inspection, the ID. Buzz Cargo and the Maxus eDeliver 5 are actually further apart than you might think.
While the ID. Buzz prioritises electric range and power over payload, the eDeliver is actually much more capable than the VW when it comes to load-lugging abilities.
.jpg)
Payload and load volume
Your leasing options with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz are pretty straightforward when it comes to sizes - as there’s just one option to choose from. You get a 3.9 m3 load volume and a modest payload of up to 607 kg (when you choose the entry-level ‘Commerce’ trim).
That’s not especially impressive when compared with other similarly-sized vans with a combustion engine but lease customers will live with it because of the kudos the ID. Buzz Cargo brings.
The Maxus eDeliver 5, meanwhile, is more of a heavyweight. There are two heights to choose from - H1 and H2 - with the H1 variants offering a 1,200 kg payload, which is almost double that of the Buzz Cargo.
The load volume of the Maxus eDeliver 5 also eclipses that of the Buzz Cargo, with a very decent 7.6 m3 of capacity.
Another thing to note is the eDeliver 5’s 1,500 kg max towing capability which, again, outshines the ID. Buzz Cargo by a fairly hefty margin.
Range and charging
It’s at this point where the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo begins to come into its own.
Each model is now underpinned by a 79 kWh battery that unlocks a range of up to 276 miles between charges, depending on the trim.
The Buzz Cargo is also exceptionally quick to charge, accepting 185 kW DC which can replenish the energy in the battery from 5% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
The Maxus eDeliver isn’t quite as impressive when it comes to the long haul. It uses a smaller 64 kWh battery to deliver a range of up to 208 miles between charges, or 190 miles with the H2 model.
Maxus hasn’t revealed precisely what rapid charging speeds the eDeliver 5 will accept, but does state that a recharge from 10%-80% takes around 42 minutes.
.jpg)
Performance stats
The Maxus eDeliver 5 has been praised for its sharp handling and responsive steering and it offers a pleasant driving experience.
Power of 163 PS and 240 Nm of torque is delivered to the front wheels and there’s a top speed of 75 mph.
The VW ID. Buzz Cargo offers considerably more in the way of power. Even entry-level models get 286 PS, 560 Nm of torque and a top speed close to 100 mph.
All-wheel drive variants can also be leased, which ups the power to 340 PS while the range only dips to around 259 miles between charges.
In short, the ID. Buzz Cargo delivers a driving experience which more closely resembles that of a typical electric family car.
Equipment and trim levels
The Maxus eDeliver 5 is a doddle to configure for lease customers as there’s just one trim level, which is packed with equipment as standard. So, just choose between the H1 and H2 height. And then you’ll enjoy an extensive kit list that includes alloy wheels, heated seats, double sliding doors, a 12.3-inch touch screen with wireless phone connectivity, a 360-camera system, V2L, and safety tech like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and automatic emergency braking.
The VW ID. Buzz unlocks more options when it comes to tailoring your lease van.
There are two trim levels - Commerce and Commerce Plus - and each of those can also be enjoyed with a ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive powertrain.
Entry-level Commerce variants feature steel wheels, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors, a 12.9-inch colour touch screen and autonomous emergency braking.
Moving up to the Commerce Plus level unlocks body-coloured bumpers, 19-inch alloys, a rear-view camera, a semi-automated parking system, and adaptive cruise control.
.jpg)
* Still not ready to make the move to a fully-electric LCV? Check out some traditionally-fuelled medium-sized van options in the form of alternatives like the Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter, Mercedes-Benz Vito and Renault Trafic.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news
- Ford Transit Custom Double Cab - the perfect alternative to a pick-up?
- All-wheel drive VW ID. Buzz GTX arrives!
- Limo-like Sprinter costs £230,000!
- Volkswagen Caddy eHybrid PHEV delivers 75 miles of electric-only range
- Electric Maxus T90 pick-up to get diesel power
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest van reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive van leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest van leasing news.
