Enough words have already been typed on Volkswagen’s much-anticipated microbus revival, the ID Buzz, so I’ll get straight to the point. VW unveiled the three-row, long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the ID Buzz today in California – the one that’s actually coming to the US – and it’s exactly what we were hoping for.
The US model Buzz not only offers much more space for cargo and passengers, but also features modernized technology and more powerful powertrains without compromising on style. At 192.4 inches long, the three-row ID Buzz is just 6.9 inches longer than the double-row European short-wheelbase (SWB) ID Buzz introduced last year, but its 127.5-inch wheelbase is 9.9 inches inches longer.
That means the LWB ID Buzz is shorter than VW’s large Atlas SUV — its only current three-row offering in America — while offering a longer wheelbase and five inches more overall height. The SWB Buzz has the same turning radius as the compact Golf hatchback, although it’s over a foot longer, so the LWB version should still have similar maneuverability.
Aside from the extra length, nothing has changed in the design of the ID Buzz. It’s a perfect example of retro-futuristic design and certainly the best expression of VW’s current design language.
Unlike the Euro Buzz, which we just spent two weeks with, the American Buzz’s front panel has the VW badge illuminated, arguably the largest illuminated logo on a car. The available panoramic sunroof is new for the ID Buzz and the largest in the VW Group. It features an electrochromic tint that turns the lens from transparent to opaque.
There are also some new colors and two-tone paint options, like the cabana blue you see in these photos. According to VW, the ID Buzz will only come with 20-inch wheels, although both smaller and larger wheels could become optional in the future.
A potential design issue for customers lies in the rear doors. The ID Buzz has power sliding doors that can be opened by a foot movement under the sill, as well as a power tailgate using the same technology. But unlike virtually every minivan since the 2004 Toyota Sienna, the Buzz’s sliding doors don’t have roll-down windows.
Instead, the Buzz features square window sections that slide back electrically in the style of the original Microbus. It’s great that there’s some window opening – the rear windows on the SWB Buzz don’t open at all – but the area that opens isn’t nearly as large as on other vans or crossovers.
A potential design issue for customers lies in the rear doors
Increasing the wheelbase allowed VW to make some major improvements to the powertrain. The LWB ID Buzz uses a 91kWh battery instead of the SWB Buzz’s 82kWh battery. At the rear is a new electric motor that’s more powerful, delivering 282 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels, compared to the Euro Buzz’s 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet.
That should result in a much quicker zero-to-60mph time – the Euro Buzz covers the distance in around 10 seconds – and the top speed has been increased from 90mph to 99mph. There will be a new four-wheel drive variant with two engines at launch, which will produce around 330 hp, but further details have not yet been announced. VW isn’t ready to say the ID Buzz’s EPA range either, although the larger battery and more efficient motor could give it a longer range than the SWB Buzz’s 260-mile WLTP estimate.
The ID Buzz is offered with two different seating configurations. The second row of seats is a three-seater bench as standard, so that the van has a total of seven seats. There is also the option of ordering a pair of captain’s chairs for the second row. As with the SWB ID Buzz, the second-row seats are not removable, but the new third-row two-seater can be removed entirely.
VW isn’t ready to say what the EPA lineup of the ID Buzz will be either
Both the second and third rows fold to create a flat surface – however, neither row folds into the ground. And there’s a removable luggage rack to increase surface area and create storage underneath. The second row slides forwards and backwards and the seatbacks can recline up to 16 degrees or fold forward for easier access to the third row. All three rows of seats also have their own air vents.
Aside from the extra seats and length, the design of the ID Buzz’s cabin is identical to the Euro version. The large windshield, extra quarter windows and elevated seating position provide phenomenal outside views, and the door panels feature excellent ergonomics and armrests. The dashboard features beautiful faux wood trim and each interior color scheme features a mix of different colors and materials. (Unfortunately, the orange and white colors won’t be available in the US; instead, we’re getting a more muted gray and brown theme.)
As with the Euro Buzz, the center console is removable and features movable dividers that double as bottle openers and ice scrapers. The interior is filled with Buzz logos and little Easter eggs like smileys on shutter covers.
A major improvement over the Euro model ID Buzz is the infotainment system. While across the pond the Buzz will get either a 10-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, in the US it comes standard with a new 12.9-inch screen, which comes with the ID.7 Limousine is shared. This new screen features an overhauled operating system that’s easier to use and much more customizable, plus it finally has illuminated volume and temperature controls. (The digital instrument cluster’s 5.3-inch screen looks the same as that of the Euro car.)
It remains to be seen how much better the updated system will actually be in practice, but anything would be an improvement over VW’s existing infotainment. The ID Buzz has eight USB-C ports throughout, including in clever places like the door panels and the top of the windshield for a dashcam, and there’s a wireless charging pad in the dash.
The ID Buzz will come with a long list of standard features. The 12-way power front seats are heated, ventilated and have a massage function. The outer seats in the second row are also heated. A heated windshield, heated washer nozzles and heated steering wheel are also included.
The interior is filled with Buzz logos and little Easter eggs like smileys on shutter covers
Each ID Buzz features 30-color ambient interior lighting, keyless entry, automatic climate control and a range of active safety technologies with handy Level 2 Highway Assist. Options include a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, head-up display , a 360-degree camera system and a parking assistant with remote parking function.
Volkswagen has not yet given an exact release date, only announced that the three-row ID Buzz will be launched in the USA in 2024. The price was not announced either, but given the amount of standard equipment and the Euro Buzz. Although the price is already high – in Germany it starts at the equivalent of almost $60,000 – the American ID Buzz could start at around $70,000 .
That’s a lot of money for sure, but the ID Buzz really is in a class of its own when it comes to style and packaging. The Microbus is finally back and will once again capture the hearts of thousands of people.