The Volkswagen Type 2, better known as the VW Bus, is one of the most iconic vehicles of all time. But unfortunately, those cultural icons haven’t been available in the US since the early 2000s. Thankfully, that’s soon set to change with Volkswagen’s latest offering: the VW ID. Buzz. Let’s take a closer look at this awesome new VW van and what to expect when it makes its way stateside next year.
Introducing the VW ID. Buzz: The VW Bus Reborn
The VW ID. Buzz is Volkswagen’s re-imagining of the classic VW Bus for the 21st century (“Bus,” “Buzz”… get it?). This marks the first time a VW van will be available stateside in 20 years. The last was the VW T4 series, which ended US sales in 2003.
The VW ID. Buzz will be an electric vehicle based on Volkswagen’s own Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform. Currently, the MEB platform is already in use by cars like the Audi Q4 e-tron and the VW ID.4.
The ID. Buzz will have a sleek, modern look with a clean two-tone paint job that calls back to its 1960s forebear. While Europe is slated to receive both a cargo and passenger configuration on a short wheelbase, the US release will only see a long-wheelbase passenger configuration (at least for now).
VW ID. Buzz Specs and Features: What We Know so Far
While Volkswagen hasn’t yet revealed all the info about the VW ID. Buzz, there’s still a decent amount of information available.
Motor
The base model of the VW ID. Buzz will feature a single rear-mounted electric motor, providing 282 horsepower. An upgraded configuration with a dual-motor, AWD configuration will also be available, providing around 330 horsepower. The standard motor variant will have a top speed of 99 mph.
For comparison, a standard gas-engine Mercedes-Benz Sprinter provides 188 horsepower and tops out at around 90 miles per hour. So, the VW ID. Buzz will pack quite a punch when it releases.
Battery and Range
The ID. Buzz will release an 86 kWh battery pack as standard. VW has yet to reveal if upgraded battery options will be available.
VW has also not yet revealed the exact driving range of the VW ID. Buzz. However, Car and Driver estimates it will have at least 260 miles of range on a single charge. According to Volkswagen, you’ll be able to charge the Buzz from 10%–80% charge in only 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
Roomy and Modern Interior
The interior of the VW ID. Buzz is designed for luxury and comfort from the ground up. There will be two available seating configurations:
- Seven-passenger configuration with three rows of seats
- Six-passenger configuration that swaps the front row of seats with a second pair of captains chairs
The Buzz will have a spacious, highly configurable interior. Up front, you’ll find two heated massaging seats with adjustable armrests. The center console will be removable, providing easier access to the rear seats.
The backrests of the front seats will feature fold-out tables with cup holders for rear-seat passengers. The rear row of seats will also be removable, providing extra cargo space.
The interior will also feature 30-color ambient lighting, plus eight USB-C ports cleverly placed throughout the cabin. The dashboard will include an upgraded 12.9-inch infotainment screen, as well as a wireless charging pad.
Standard and Optional Features
In addition to the previously mentioned features, the VW ID. Buzz will have a number of great standard features, including:
- Keyless entry
- Automatic climate control
- A full suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Heated windshield, washer nozzles, and steering wheel
- Panoramic sunroof with an electrochromic tint
While VW hasn’t yet released the full list of optional features, some of the ones we know about so far include:
- 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
- Heads-up display
- 360-degree camera system
- Parking assist with remote parking
Volkswagen Comprehensive Warranty
Like all Volkswagen vehicles, the VW ID. Buzz will be backed by a comprehensive warranty, which includes:
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance for two years or 20,000 miles
- Electric component coverage for eight years or 100,000 miles
- Limited warranty coverage for four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty coverage for four years or 50,000 miles
VW ID. Buzz FAQ
The VW ID. Buzz is an exciting new vehicle release, so you surely have some questions about it. We’ll answer them the best we can using the information we have so far.
When Will the VW ID. Buzz Release?
The VW ID. Buzz is slated to release for the 2025 model year in 2024. Specifically, Volkswagen has confirmed that the VW ID. Buzz will release in the US in June of 2024.
How Much Will the VW ID. Buzz Cost?
So far, Volkswagen has not yet confirmed how much the ID. Buzz will cost. However, based on VW’s existing EV offerings, as well as the prices of competing EVs, it’s estimated that it will cost somewhere from $40,000–$70,000. We’ll likely find out specific pricing information closer to the launch.
Will the Cargo Van Configuration of the VW ID. Buzz Release in the US?
At present, there are no plans to bring the cargo van configuration stateside. We’re only slated to get the passenger van version. However, we are getting a longer wheelbase model, with a removable set of seats. So, if you’re looking to do a camper van conversion of a Buzz, there’s still hope.
We Can’t Wait for the VW ID. Buzz to Release in The US in June 2024!
The announcement that Volkswagen will be bringing the VW ID. Buzz stateside is huge news for lovers of vans and Volkswagens. This amazing little EV re-imagines the classic VW Bus for the 21st century while packing in some truly impressive features. We can’t wait to try it out when it makes its way stateside next summer.
REF: The Volkswagen ID. Buzz: Coming Soon to the US
Published on December 29th, 2023 by Jennifer Jennings
I’m interested —- will the ID.Buzz be “towable”?? “4 wheels down”?