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What Is It?
Ever since it debuted as a concept vehicle at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has been one of the most anticipated electric vehicles. Last year German automaker Volkswagen introduced a production model for Europe, but until now there has been no U.S. version. Today VW revealed the ID. Buzz that’s coming to America, featuring more power, a larger battery and three rows of seats.
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The Bus Is Back
It’s been 20 years since VW sold a bus in America, but that drought is about to come to an end. “The zero-direct emission ID. Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the Microbus, reimagined for our electric future,” said President and CEO of Volkswagen of America Pablo Di Si. “It is practical, sustainable, and packaged in an unmistakably fun way that is classic Volkswagen. With its launch, the Bus will once again become our brand hero in America,” Di Si enthused.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Larger Dimensions
The new three-row ID. Buzz is about 10 inches longer in wheelbase and overall length than the European-spec version. This increase in size keeps the short overhangs and same basic proportions, but provides a larger door for easier access to the third row. The length of 192.4 inches is shorter than the three-row Atlas but with considerably more interior space. Although the shape could generally be described as boxy, it has a surprisingly low drag coefficient of 0.29.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Standout Styling
Up front, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz has uniquely styled LED headlights with daytime running lights and a slim lateral bar between the lights. The illuminated VW logo is much larger than on other Volkswagen models — a throwback to the large logo on the original T1 Microbus. The grid pattern in the lower fascia, along with the stylish headlights, gives the ID. Buzz an inviting “face.”
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Rear View
Similar to the original VW Bus, the rear hatch of the ID. Buzz is flat but much wider with stylish LED lights. A horizontal light strip that spans the width of the tailgate connects the taillights, giving the appearance of even more width. The ID. Buzz is clearly identified (for anyone who might not recognize it) with another large VW logo and ID. BUZZ across the back.
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Side Vents
The original VW Bus had the engine in the rear, with air vents positioned at the sides of the vehicle to help cool the originally paltry powerplant. While the motor is still at the rear on this new all-electric ID. Buzz, the powertrain doesn’t require the same airflow, so VW designers added three vents (non-functional) on each side as a fun nod to the original.
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More Power
Like the original Microbus, the VW ID. Buzz has the motor in the back of the bus; however, this one is considerably more powerful and efficient. The rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous electric motor delivers 282 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Volkswagen will also offer the ID. Buzz with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that should boost output to around 330 horsepower. Top speed for the ID. Buzz is limited to 99 mph.
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Battery
The VW ID. Buzz uses a 91 kWh battery mounted in the floor, which improves handling by lowering the center of gravity while providing a spacious interior. Volkswagen hasn’t released an estimated range for the U.S.-spec ID. Buzz, but the European version gets around 260 miles from its smaller 82 kWh battery, so we estimate this new version should be able to travel approximately 300 miles on a single charge. Volkswagen expects the ID. Buzz should be able to charge at a rate of 170 kW, bringing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Spacious Interior
With a flat floor throughout the vehicle, the VW ID. Buzz offers an incredibly spacious cabin. Seating is available for up to seven occupants, with three in the second row and two more in the third row. Bucket seats are optional in the second row, bringing the total passenger count to six. Dual sliding doors provide easy entry with quick access to the third row.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Comfortable Third Row
In many three-row SUVs and vans, the third row is more of a penalty box or a space for passengers of short stature. This is where the ID. Buzz shines — the third row is easy to climb into and offers plenty of legroom and headroom. We could easily handle a long trip sitting in the rearmost seats.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Utility
Second- and third-row seats can be reclined and also slide fore and aft almost 8 inches to maximize passenger or cargo space. The second and third row can also be folded flat, or the third row can be easily removed for additional versatility.
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High Tech
It may have retro-inspired styling, but the VW ID. Buzz is thoroughly modern inside. A 12.9-inch infotainment screen accompanies a 5.3-inch digital driver display, and virtually every physical button has been eliminated. Climate functions are integrated into the infotainment display, and unfortunately the temperature and volume controls are now touch sliders like those in the ID.4, which can be frustrating to use while driving.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Power Everywhere
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connect wirelessly, and the ID. Buzz has eight USB-C ports throughout the cabin, including one behind the rearview mirror for convenient power to a camera, as well as one in the front passenger door. Additionally, the bus has a 110-volt outlet under the passenger seat and a 12-volt port in the cargo area.
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Comfort
Initially, the VW ID. Buzz will come with a range of high-end features including 12-way power front seats trimmed in perforated leatherette. Heating, ventilation and massage add to the comfort of the front seat passengers, while the outboard seats in the second row also have heat. An available panoramic sunroof — the largest offered by Volkswagen — features electrochromic tinting that allows it to change from opaque to clear with the swipe of a finger.
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Bright Colors
We’re happy to see that VW plans to offer the ID. Buzz in a range of bright colors including Cabana Blue, Energetic Orange and Mahi Green, and most colors will be offered as a two-tone treatment. Three interior colors will be available including a light brown leatherette seat trim with yellow piping, grey door inserts, and a washed woodlike dashboard. Thirty colors of ambient lighting also come standard.
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Coming Soon
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be built in Hanover, Germany, and will be offered in two trim levels. The bus should begin arriving in showrooms during the second half of 2024. No central reservation system will be used — instead customers will place orders at their local dealership. Pricing will be released closer to the on-sale date.
