Volkswagen recently unveiled the long-awaited ID. Buzz microbus for the North American market. The all-electric vehicle pays homage to the iconic VW Microbus and goes on sale starting in 2024.
The North America-spec model made its debut earlier this month in California. The three-row version has a longer wheelbase than the European two-row model which VW says gives it more room and cargo space. North American versions will have a bigger batter and more horsepower as well. VW says it features a tailored interior and cutting edge technology that includes advanced driver assistance systems.
“The zero-direct emission ID. Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the Microbus, reimagined for our electric future,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It is practical, sustainable, and packaged in an unmistakably fun way that is classic Volkswagen. With its launch, the Bus will once again become our brand hero in America.”
VW says like the original VW bus -- the ID Buzz has a rear-mounted powerplant, or "skaeboard" design. VW says the design not only provides great traction, performance and agility but the floor-mounted battery also saves space, and contributes to better handling since a large percentage of the vehicle’s weight is located low down in the structure.. Like all current modular electric drive (MEB) vehicles, the Buzz uses a multi-link rear suspension and struts at the front.
The new APP550 rear-mounted motor is a PMS (permanent magnet synchronous) design with a maximum torque of 406 pound-feet, packaged with the one-speed transmission and a new inverter (power and control electronics). The increase in power, torque and efficiency is achieved by a rotor with stronger permanent magnets that have a high thermal load capacity, a newly developed stator with a larger effective number of turns and maximum wire cross-section, a water cooling jacket for the outside of the stator, and a combined oil and water cooling system that also ensures higher thermal stability. The new electric motor of the ID. Buzz increases the top speed to an electronically limited 99 mph, up from the two-row’s 90 mph.
Outside, the ID. Buzz takes on a boxy shape with short overhangs. It's roughly as wide as an Atlas, but five inches taller. VW says that given that the original Bus was about as long as a 2019 Beetle and slightly narrower, it's a sizable increase. It has a 0.29 drag coefficient.
The ID. Buzz's modern yet retro cues throughout are a throwback to the original Bus. The iconic oversized VW logo is illuminated, with a light line that extends to either side, connecting to the LED headlights. It's available in two-tone colors, including Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow and Mahi Green. Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, and Indium Grey, are all-new.
Classic sliding windows are also fully powered. It also features standard power-folding and heated side mirrors Proximity unlocking and keyless entry with illuminated door handles on the front makes ingress easy. Air “vents” on the D pillar recall the original Bus’s rear-engine cooling slots. Aerodynamically optimized 20-inch wheels are a full four inches larger in diameter than a 1950 T2 model’s.
Inside you'll find a retro-inspired wood-optic dash and Buzz "easter eggs" scattered throughout the vehicle. A removable center console includes flexible storage on top, with two unique dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, as well as two additional compartments below.
Seating for seven is standard, and captain’s chairs are available, with seating for six. The interior is available in three color and trim choices.
In addition to full perforated leatherette seating, all Buzz models are equipped with standard 12-way power driver and passenger seats with dual armrests, ventilation, massage, and memory functions; front seats and outboard second-row seats are heated. Standard Climatronic® automatic climate control keeps the cabin comfortable no matter the season, and all three rows have dedicated air vents. Second- and third-row windows get a window tint treatment. The second-row seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split.
Other standard features: a heated steering wheel, heated windshield washer nozzles, and 30-color ambient lighting. A panoramic glass sunroof with electrochromic tinting is available - it's also the largest sunroof of any in the VW group.
The Buzz features dual power-sliding rear doors with Easy Open and Close for easy access to the third row. The second and third rows fold flat, and the third row can be removed entirely. A power tailgate with Easy Open and Close is also standard. An available Flexboard, with two fabric storage bins, creates a flat floor with the seats folded.
There are two screens in the ID. Buzz: a 5.3-inch ID. Cockpit with driver information and a12.9-inch central infotainment display. VW says the infotainment system has been upgraded in line with the upcoming ID.7 sedan.
Standard connectivity features include wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, plus eight USB-C ports throughout the vehicle, a 110V outlet under the passenger seat, and 12-volt charging in the cargo area.
A nine speaker audio system is standard with a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system available.
The new ID. Buzz will go on sale in 2024.