Volkswagen's long-awaited and much-anticipated return of the microbus is here. It's called the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and the electric vehicle will go on sale in Europe this fall with a long-wheelbase model set to go on sale in North America in 2024.
The VW bus has a long history that's absolutely packed with nostalgia for a bygone age, and Volkswagen has worked hard to imbue the modern iteration of the vehicle with the same charm. Especially in two-tone, the ID. Buzz and it's nearly upright nose, massive centered logo, and largely square body draw a straight line back to the original T2.
Inside, Volkswagen has filled the spacious cabin with easter eggs: winking smiley faces, recreations of the original van, and an integrated ice scraper are the features Volkswagen has revealed so far.
The Buzz will be offered in standard and long-wheelbase models, with five seats in the former and seven available in the latter. Despite the wheelbase differences, both will have the same overall length and the same 1,121 L of cargo space. Volkswagen has a Buzz Cargo planned as well, with seating for three in the front row and a fixed partition to block off the cargo area, and up to 3,900 L of cargo volume.
While much of this is European information, unless otherwise specified, the ID. Buzz will come with a 10.0-inch digital cockpit display and a 10.0-inch infotainment screen. A 12.0-inch screen will be offered, and the system will use the touch-slider interface we've already seen in the latest Volkswagen Golf.
The cabin will bring new techniques to boost sustainability to the car including dropping leather and using seat covers and floor coverings made from recycled products. The ID. Buzz will also use an organic-based paint and will not use any cobalt in the battery.
Built on Volkswagen's MEB electric platform, the first versions of the ID. Buzz will offer 201 hp driving the rear axle and an 82-kWh (gross) lithium-ion battery. VW says more battery versions and power output levels will follow.
With Level 3 fast charging, the battery will be able to handle 170 kW and can fill from 5 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. A heat pump will be available to help reduce loads on the system from keeping passengers comfortable.
Expect more on the North American version of the Buzz next year, ahead of arriving at dealers in 2024.
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