The all-new, electric-powered Volkswagen ID. Buzz borrows heavily from VW’s iconic Microbus
Not since the New Beetle debuted in 1998 has Volkswagen dipped so heavily into its iconic past to launch an all-new vehicle. And while this model uses the same ID. Buzz name as its European counterpart (which went on sale last year), the U.S. version just debuted, boasting a longer wheel base, a third row of seats, and a larger battery pack compared to Europe’s model.
U.S. version of the ID. Buzz will feature a longer wheelbase and additional seating compared to the … [+] European model
Volkswagen says the U.S. model’s driving range on a full charge will be 252 miles for the all-wheel-drive version, 260 miles for the rear-wheel-drive model. Europe’s ID. Buzz uses an 82 kWh battery to travel up to 263 miles. Our version has a 91 kWh battery, which is roughly 10 percent larger, but our version is also bigger and heavier.
While the ID. Buzz’ range hasn’t been announced yet, it could go as high as 300 miles
Volkswagen also provided horsepower numbers, with the base, rear-wheel-drive I.D. Buzz delivering 282 horsepower (compared to Europe’s 201 hp) and 406 pound-feet of torque. That model uses a single, rear-mounted motor, but a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive variant will also be available, offering 330 hp. Top speed is stated at 99 mph (9 mph higher than the two-row version in Europe), and all models feature a strut front suspension and multilink rear suspension. VW says the low-mounted battery pack (under the cabin floor) gives the ID. Buzz a low center of gravity and confident handling.
Bold and classic styling will ensure the ID. Buzz’ doesn’t go unnoticed
While the technical details are important for any car, particularly new electric models, we all know what’s going to sell this vehicle — styling! Between is history-inspired body lines and optional two-tone paint schemes, the ID. Buzz will draw as much attention as modern exotic cars, and not just from aging Deadheads. The U.S. model is 192.4 inches long, 10 inches longer than the European model. All that additional length occurs between the wheels, contributing to the ID. Buzz’ roomy and flexible interior.
The ID. Buzz’ interior is offered in three color choices, including a light gray and clay … [+] combination
While its exterior styling borrows heavily from the original VW Microbus, including the oversized “VW” front logo, rear roof pillar air vents, and boxy shape (that still manages a slippery 0.29 coefficient of drag), the interior features an array of modern tech. Dual power-sliding doors and a power rear liftgate feature Volkswagen’s “Easy Open and Close” tech, meaning a simple swipe of your foot beneath the doors will cause them to open (assuming the keys are nearby).
The second-row seat can be configured as a three-person bench or two individual captains chairs
Once inside passengers will find ambient lighting, an optional panoramic sunroof with electrochromic tinting (can go from clear to opaque at the touch of a button), and a standard 12.9-inch central touchscreen featuring wireless App-Connect technology and wireless device charging. Flexibility comes from a removable center console, a sliding second-row seat that also folds down or reclines, a removable third-row seat, and standard features like a heated steering wheel, heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, heated outboard second-row seats, and a nine-speak auto system (a 14-speaker Harman Kardon system is optional).
The third row folds flat and can be removed completely to increase the ID. Buzz’ cargo capacity
VW claims to have streamlined the infotainment system in the ID. Buzz, with quick access to common functions and a reconfigurable home screen with tiles displaying the driver’s choice of applications. Head-up display tech also comes standard on every ID. Buzz. The electric van’s most advanced tech appears to be the car’s driver assistance systems, which will feature Level 2 semi-autonomous capability, automatic lane changing, road sign recognition, and automatic, remote-control parking.
The new VW ID. Buzz combines advanced tech with retro design to create widespread appeal
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van will arrives in showrooms in 2024. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but should be released before its on-sale date. With its impressive standard equipment list, wide range of interior and exterior design options, and advanced technology, this electric van could have the same impact on Volkswagen’s brand as the 1998 New Beetle, meaning a flood of demand from both traditional and new VW customers, along with a level of cultural impact worthy of the ID. Buzz’ name.
