There’s been a lot of…buzz…surrounding Volkswagen’s electric van ever since it debuted as a concept at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show. Echoing the spirit of the VW buses of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the ID. Buzz joins the German marque’s ID. Series of battery-powered vehicles based on the shared MEB (Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten) platform. Now, after years of hype, the specs for the ID. Buzz have finally been officially revealed as it readies for a North American release later this year.
After becoming a cultural staple in this country for around 50 years, the Volkswagen Bus left the American market after its fourth-gen models, dubbed the EuroVan, ceased production. That was about two decades ago. So not only does the new ID. Buzz brings the VW Bus back to the States but does so with an all-electric motor. With a 10-inch longer wheelbase (127.5” total) than its European counterpart, as well as a larger battery, the new bus is pretty impressive. The 85kWh motor gives it up to 286hp and a 0-to-60 time of 7.9 seconds. However, with the all-wheel-drive GTX version, those numbers improve to 339hp and a 0-to-60 of 6.4 seconds. Improving over the Euro Buzz (unofficial nickname), the top speed is now over 99mph (Euro Buzz tops out at 90mph).
Making room for an extra 2,469L of storage space, the longer wheelbase also means that there’s enough room for a third row — seven seats in total. On top of that, the inside features a new head-up display, an upgraded infotainment system, remote parking with your smartphone, air-conditioned seats, and the largest glass roof that’s ever been built by Volkswagen. Inspired by the Samba Bus, the 1.5-square-meter panoramic sunroof features smart glass that can go from transparent to opaque with either your finger or your voice.
No price has been given yet, but the Volkswagen ID. Buzz will go on sale later this year for the 2025 model year.
