smart #3 vs Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
smart #3
From $57,900
SUV Coupe
Electric
200kW
—
5★ ANCAP
260L
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo
From $72,990
Van
Permanent magnet synchronous motor (single, rear-mounted)
210kW
—
5★ ANCAP
3900L
Price Breakdown
The smart #3 starts from $57,900 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo opens at $72,990. That makes the smart #3 the more affordable entry point by $15,090.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $63,690 and $80,289 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the smart #3 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #3 packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The smart #3 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The smart #3 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.8 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo responds with a Permanent magnet synchronous motor (single, rear-mounted) making 210kW and 560Nm, paired to its gearbox driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 200kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #3 is 2.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #3) vs 86kWh (Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo), giving WLTP ranges of 435km and 414km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (smart #3) vs 200kW (Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo).
Space & Comfort
The smart #3 measures 4,400mm long on a 2,785mm wheelbase, 312mm shorter than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo at 4,712mm (2,988mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 260L in the smart #3 and 3900L in the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, giving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo a 3640L advantage. The smart #3 seats 5 vs 3.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
11.5m diameter
Average
Based on 11.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 150,000km (smart #3) vs 5 years (Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —6yr (Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #3 if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, smart #3 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo?
The smart #3 is the cheapest at $57,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo by $15,090.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #3 has the most range at 435km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo accepts the highest DC charging at up to 200kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #3 and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo has the largest boot at 3900L.
Which can tow the most?
The smart #3 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo makes the most power at 210kW. The smart #3 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.8s.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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