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If it feels like many years since you first saw Volkswagen’s retro electric microbus, the ID. Buzz, you’re not wrong. It’s surprisingly aptly named; I can’t think of another car during the past decade that has aroused so much interest among people who don’t usually care about four-wheeled transport. Nearly eight years after the concept made its debut, the Buzz is on sale in Europe and has been for a year. Now it’s time for America to get its turn, with deliveries starting later this year.
We drove the Euro-spec Buzz almost two years ago, but it’s fair to say the version that’s coming to the US is a better proposition. The Buzz we drove had a shorter wheelbase, a smaller-capacity battery, and seats only for five, and if you sat in the back, there was no ventilation, and the windows couldn’t be opened.
The US market will only receive the longer-wheelbase Buzz, which adds about 10 inches (250 mm) between the axles. This adds room for a third row of seats, making it a proper seven-seater. It should be a bit more humane sitting in the back, as there are air vents—we’re waiting to drive it to find out if any windows open back there.
The three-row Buzz also carries a bigger (91 kWh) battery pack, but there’s no getting around that retro shape’s big bluff frontal area, and the EPA range estimate for the rear-wheel drive Buzz is just 234 miles (377 km), a number we’re sure will disappoint many who’ve been patiently waiting for the electric minibus. All-wheel drive drops the range by 3 miles (5 km).
Starts at just under $60,000
The other thing everyone has been patiently waiting for is to find out how much it’s going to cost, and here, I don’t think people should be disappointed. The Euro-spec Buzz starts at a little more than $60,000 and has two fewer seats and 8 kWh less lithium-ion on board. If you had asked me last month, I’d have estimated the Buzz might cost more than $70,000, what with import duties and all the rest of it.
So, I was pleasantly surprised to discover the ID. Buzz Pro S will start at $59,995, although at that price you’re limited to just three exterior colors (Candy White, Deep Black Pearl, and Metro Silver), and a choice of two interior themes (Copper and Moonlight).
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The long wheelbase Buzz is a better spec for the US.
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Today, we learned of two new interior color themes for the Buzz. This one is called Moonlight.
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The second new interior is called Copper.
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This is the Dune interior, which seems like a terrible idea if you have kids.
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This is the middle bench row. It’s not removable but it does fold down, as does the third row. But you’ll need an accessory (a shelf in the cargo area) to make a completely flat floor.
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Here’s the third row.
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Captain’s chairs are available on some trims.
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Interior lighting is configurable.
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There are lots of places to store stuff.
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Did you know wireless charging is the most desired feature among new car buyers? The ID. Buzz gives you a slot instead of a tray.
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The 12.9-inch infotainment system.
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Capacitve control panels. Ugh.
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We expect the first model year to come with CCS1 charge ports.
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As with all three rows, the choice is between carrying lots of luggage or having people sit back there.
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Has the Buzz sustained its hype? We’re about to find out.
James Lipman/VW
But it’s relatively well-equipped, with the newer version of VW’s infotainment system that has backlit controls, 12-way powered front seats, a heated second row, wireless phone charging and casting (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), eight USB-C ports, and a 110 V outlet under the passenger seat.
The Pro S Plus starts at $63,495, or $67,995 for all-wheel drive. If you want a funky two-tone paint scheme, you’ll need to spring for the Pro S Plus, but be warned, it’s an extra $995, and the electrochromic panoramic glass roof will ding your wallet to the tune of $1,495.
The Plus gets a heads-up display, more speakers, easy open and close powered side doors and tailgate, and a tow hitch. The rear-wheel drive Pro S Plus sticks with the middle row as a bench or, optionally, a pair of captain’s chairs. The all-wheel drive Pro S Plus gets the captain’s chairs as standard.
Finally, there’s the 1st Edition, which starts at $65,495 for rear-wheel drive or $69,995 for all-wheel drive. The 1st Edition comes in five different two-tone exteriors, with different wheels, special badging, and the electrochromic roof as standard.