10 facts about the U.S. version of the ID.Buzz, VW's electric retro

May 02, 2023

By Andy Bornhop

It's three rows, seats seven, has massive cargo space. Expected range is about 275 miles. Look for it next summer.

At a world premiere June 2 in Huntington Beach, California, Volkswagen took the wraps off the long-awaited production version of a new U.S.-spec microbus, officially called the ID. Buzz.

This 3-row electric minivan has been described as "the spiritual reincarnation of the microbus, reimagined for our electric future" by Volkswagen of America boss Pablo Di Si, who adds that it's "practical, sustainable, and packaged in an unmistakably fun way that is classic Volkswagen."

Let the following 10 facts bring us up to speed on the new 3-row ID. Buzz, which Di Si has described as a vehicle that will "once again become our brand hero in America."

1. The U.S. version of the VW ID. Buzz is larger than the 2-row ID. Buzz already on sale in Europe. But not by as much as you might expect. It's a 3-row vehicle with a wheelbase and overall length, both stretched by about 10 inches. That means the America-bound ID. Buzz is larger than the 2-row version but still 5.3 inches shorter than a 3-row Atlas SUV. (See: 10 electric SUVs that seat 7)

2. It seats up to seven in its three rows. While the standard ID. Buzz comes with 2-3-3 seating; you also can order it as a 6-seater with middle-row captain's chairs.

3. The third row comprises two individual seats and is removable. While they may be a bit heavy for a small person to remove, it creates a massive amount of cargo space in the back. Think Chevy Suburban big. The center row, unfortunately, is not removable.

4. This ID. Buzz is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

5. Both have good power. The rear-driver has a single rear motor that produces 292 horsepower and a healthy 406 lb-ft of torque. The AWD Buzz has front and rear motors with a combined output of about 330 horsepower. What a novelty -- a microbus that can get out of your way on the freeway or maybe even pass you going up a long grade!

6. Both models use the same 91-kWh battery. In the rear-drive ID. Buzz, it's good for an expected range of about 275 miles. With AWD, that may drop to about 250 miles.

7. Even the base ID. Buzz comes loaded with standard equipment. Leatherette power front seats with heat and massage are included, as are power-folding side mirrors, adaptive cruise control, and tri-zone automatic climate control. You also get wireless Apple (AAPL) CarPlay/Android Auto standard, a smartphone charging pad, and eight USB-C ports.

8. Price: When the U.S.-spec ID. Buzz arrives in the summer of 2024 as a 2025 model, we expect it to be priced at about $50,000, with the AWD model starting at maybe $55,000. Under current rules, the Hanover, Germany-built ID. Buzz does not qualify for a federal tax credit.

9. While there aren't many options for the ID. Buzz, there are some notables. These include a head-up display and a panoramic glass roof that can switch from transparent to opaque with the swipe of your finger. You also can order a 360-degree overhead monitor and remote parking, which allows you to remotely park the Buzz using only its key fob.

10. The 2-row/5-seater is on sale in Europe now. VW has, in fact, already sold 35,000 of them. About half of them, says VW, are ID. Buzz Cargo Vans. Evidently, these work vans are popular with plumbers and the like because they can be driven into those European city centers that prohibit internal combustion vehicles. Would you like VW to bring a Cargo version of the ID. Buzz to the U.S.?

Read next: VW taps into the nostalgia trend with plans to resurrect the Scout, this time as an EV

This story originally ran on KBB.com.

-Andy Bornhop

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06-05-23 0506ET