In terms of historical vehicles, it doesn’t get much more iconic or recognizable than the Volkswagen Bus. Now, though, Volkswagen aims to recreate the icon for a new electric age. The ID. Buzz is a retro electric van geared toward hauling people and gear. After months of increasingly tantalizing teases and images, Volkswagen held a global unveiling event and shared many of the van’s specs with an eager audience.
VW will offer the ID. Buzz in two configurations, with one oriented toward commercial cargo applications. The van will launch in Europe in late 2022 as a 2023 model and reach North America in 2023. Volkswagen notes that it has not yet determined the model year for the North American ID. Buzz, but the release timing would suggest it will likely be a 2024 model. Additional seating and wheelbase configurations will be available after the van launches.
The ID. Buzz’s exterior design would look just as at home in a 1970s magazine ad as it would in an episode of The Jetsons. The van’s upright shape and friendly curves are an evolution of iconic vehicles from VW’s past, but there’s no mistaking its futuristic intent. The ID. Buzz features full-LED exterior lighting, front and back, and an oversized VW badge up front.
Two wheelbase lengths are available, including a standard wheelbase at 117.6 inches and a long-wheelbase model that will come to North America later. VW says that 18-inch wheels are standard for the Euro ID. Buzz and notes that large wheels will be available for the passenger model, in sizes up to 21 inches.
Depending on the configuration, the ID. Buzz can seat either five or three people. Passenger versions get individual buckets up front and a second-row bench that seats three, while cargo versions get a 3-across seating configuration in front. VW says a 6-passenger version of the van will be available later, with three rows of two seats each, and a 7-passenger model will have a 2/3/2 configuration. The ID. Buzz passenger van’s rear seat can fold flat or in a 60/40 split and can be moved up to 5.9 inches front-to-back.
The ID. Buzz Cargo features a fixed partition behind the front seats that buyers can option with a window or an opening to pass through cargo. In the back, the cargo van can hold a total of 137.7 cubic feet of gear, and two doors provide access to the rear. A sliding door on one side offers interior access, and a wide-opening tailgate allows easy loading from the rear. VW says an optional second sliding door will be available.
Both passenger and cargo versions of the new ID. Buzz get a unique center console design developed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It features a large upper storage bin and other spaces for items as large as a laptop computer. In the ID. Buzz Cargo, the console is located between the front seats, but in the passenger van, it can mount in either row of seating and move in or out as needed.
The European ID. Buzz comes with an 82-kWh battery and an electric motor producing 201 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque. While many EVs are known for instant torque and strong acceleration, the ID. Buzz comes with a limited top speed of just 90 mph. VW notes that it will release other battery capacities and motor configurations down the road.
VW mounted the battery packs under the load floor to lower the van’s center of gravity and improve handling. Using DC fast charging, VW says the ID. Buzz can charge from 5 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. In Europe, the van also provides bi-directional charging, enabling the van to provide limited power to homes and businesses using an optional wall box.
Volkswagen equips the ID. Buzz with a few advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) as standard, but most are optional add-ons. The ID. Buzz comes standard with forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features include:
Inside, the ID. Buzz carries a 10-inch digital gauge cluster and a separate 10-inch infotainment display. A navigation-equipped 12-inch screen is available, and all displays feature a single mounting point to create a floating look. As it has done in other new models like the Golf GTI and Golf R, VW uses touch sliders for climate and audio volume. Infotainment menus handle most everything else and are accessed using physical controls.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will compete against electric vehicles from a few different categories when it arrives. Assuming it reaches production, the Canoo van will likely be its closest rival. Other competitors include the Rivian R1S, Ford E-Transit, and the upcoming Ram ProMaster Electric.
Volkswagen is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of March 10, 2022, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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