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After what felt like an eternity of waiting, a period that included multiple concepts and a European launch, we Americans have finally received the retro-style electric bus we've been waiting for––the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz. It features exterior styling and interior details inspired by the original Type 2 Microbus, fusing them together with a far-out electric powertrain and other modern tech bits. The result of this retro-modern mashup should be coming to a Volkswagen dealer near you during the summer of 2024.
The U.S.-destined ID.Buzz sits on a wheelbase measuring 127.5 inches, which is 10 inches longer than the two-row European version. The front and rear overhangs remain short just like the Euro-spec model, while interior space grows to accomodate three rows of seating.
In terms of exterior styling, ID.Buzz takes on a modern twist of the Microbus it models after. While the original was much smaller and didn't have all the dazzling lighting elements this one has, there are still many elements that harken back to the old Microbus. The profile is boxy but with rounded edges, the D-pillar has three faux air vents to replicate those found on the original, and the flattened front end bears the same enlarged VW emblem. There are some modern niceties packed in there too, such as power-sliding rear doors (because technically this is a minivan), large 20-inch wheels, horizontally-sliding power windows, as well as power functionality for the tailgate opening and heated side mirrors.
This is a successor to the Microbus after all, so of course we wouldn't settle for dull tones of gray or silver (although those two colors are available anyway). The lighthearted exterior paint options found on the ID.Buzz can all be paired with white paint on the top half of the EV, resulting in a trendy two-tone look. Color options include Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Energetic Orange, Cabana Blue, Indium Gray, and Metro Silver. The first three colors already made their debuts on the European version last year, while the rest are exclusive to the United States.
The interior carries on the same retro-meets-modern theme as the exterior, with a playful yet practical layout wrapped in vibrant color schemes, all with the modern conveniences you'd expect in today's seven-seaters. Seating and other details forgo leather, and small-item storage compartments are plentiful. The center console is removable to free up space in front, while a deep shelf spans the entirety of the dash. There are also widened pockets in the doors, along with integrated charging ports scattered all around. Flashy ambient lighting comes as standard equipment, as do 12-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, a heated second row, wireless smartphone connectivity, and vents for climate control in all three rows. While the ID.Buzz offers wireless charging, there are also eight USB-C ports, a 110V outlet, and a 12-volt charger built into the cargo area.
A second-row bench seat is the standard seating layout, but captain's chairs are optional. The former setup allows for seven seats in total, while captain's chairs sacrifice one seat for a total of six chairs. Regardless, the second row features a 60:40 split folding functionality, and can be slid forward or backward by a whopping eight inches. The third row folds in a 50:50 split, but can be completely removed to optimize cargo space.
As for tech, the ID.Buzz comes with a 12.9-inch central touchscreen that carries out most of the interior functions, including climate controls. There's also a small digital instrument cluster mounted to the steering rack. Unfortunately, the ID.Buzz had already been too far into development by the time Volkswagen decided to ditch capacitative buttons, so the electric van still has those annoying controls. Other tech-related goodies include an optional 67.4-inch electrochromic sunroof that can be dimmed completely with a simple press of a button, lights on the dash to indicate battery status, voice commands, and other functions, and Volkswagen's IQ.Drive active safety package.
There will be two different powertrain options for the ID.Buzz at launch. The first consists of a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while the second option is a more powerful dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive. Either way, a one-speed transmission will be sending power to the wheels. As for rear-drive models, power is rated at 282 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor all-wheel drive versions make 330 horsepower and the same amount of torque. Volkswagen hasn't provided any 0-60 mph times, but it did mention that top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph, which exceeds the 90-mph limit on European models. The U.S.-spec ID.Buzz is also powered by a larger floor-mounted battery pack than what's found in the European model, with an enlarged capacity of 91 kWh. We don't have any range estimates yet, but expect something in between 200 and 300 miles.
The ID.Buzz will mark a return to groovy in Volkswagen's lineup in June of 2024, joining the existing ID.4 crossover and ID.7 sedan in the brand's growing electric lineup.
Image Credits: Volkswagen
Revealed
Jun 2, 2023
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The 2025 VW ID.Buzz Brings Its Retro Vibes To The States
The U.S. model has a longer wheelbase, more seats, and more power.
After what felt like an eternity of waiting, a period that included multiple concepts and a European launch, we Americans have finally received the retro-style electric bus we've been waiting for––the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz. It features exterior styling and interior details inspired by the original Type 2 Microbus, fusing them together with a far-out electric powertrain and other modern tech bits. The result of this retro-modern mashup should be coming to a Volkswagen dealer near you during the summer of 2024.
The U.S.-destined ID.Buzz sits on a wheelbase measuring 127.5 inches, which is 10 inches longer than the two-row European version. The front and rear overhangs remain short just like the Euro-spec model, while interior space grows to accomodate three rows of seating.
In terms of exterior styling, ID.Buzz takes on a modern twist of the Microbus it models after. While the original was much smaller and didn't have all the dazzling lighting elements this one has, there are still many elements that harken back to the old Microbus. The profile is boxy but with rounded edges, the D-pillar has three faux air vents to replicate those found on the original, and the flattened front end bears the same enlarged VW emblem. There are some modern niceties packed in there too, such as power-sliding rear doors (because technically this is a minivan), large 20-inch wheels, horizontally-sliding power windows, as well as power functionality for the tailgate opening and heated side mirrors.
This is a successor to the Microbus after all, so of course we wouldn't settle for dull tones of gray or silver (although those two colors are available anyway). The lighthearted exterior paint options found on the ID.Buzz can all be paired with white paint on the top half of the EV, resulting in a trendy two-tone look. Color options include Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Energetic Orange, Cabana Blue, Indium Gray, and Metro Silver. The first three colors already made their debuts on the European version last year, while the rest are exclusive to the United States.
The interior carries on the same retro-meets-modern theme as the exterior, with a playful yet practical layout wrapped in vibrant color schemes, all with the modern conveniences you'd expect in today's seven-seaters. Seating and other details forgo leather, and small-item storage compartments are plentiful. The center console is removable to free up space in front, while a deep shelf spans the entirety of the dash. There are also widened pockets in the doors, along with integrated charging ports scattered all around. Flashy ambient lighting comes as standard equipment, as do 12-way adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, a heated second row, wireless smartphone connectivity, and vents for climate control in all three rows. While the ID.Buzz offers wireless charging, there are also eight USB-C ports, a 110V outlet, and a 12-volt charger built into the cargo area.
A second-row bench seat is the standard seating layout, but captain's chairs are optional. The former setup allows for seven seats in total, while captain's chairs sacrifice one seat for a total of six chairs. Regardless, the second row features a 60:40 split folding functionality, and can be slid forward or backward by a whopping eight inches. The third row folds in a 50:50 split, but can be completely removed to optimize cargo space.
As for tech, the ID.Buzz comes with a 12.9-inch central touchscreen that carries out most of the interior functions, including climate controls. There's also a small digital instrument cluster mounted to the steering rack. Unfortunately, the ID.Buzz had already been too far into development by the time Volkswagen decided to ditch capacitative buttons, so the electric van still has those annoying controls. Other tech-related goodies include an optional 67.4-inch electrochromic sunroof that can be dimmed completely with a simple press of a button, lights on the dash to indicate battery status, voice commands, and other functions, and Volkswagen's IQ.Drive active safety package.
There will be two different powertrain options for the ID.Buzz at launch. The first consists of a single motor and rear-wheel drive, while the second option is a more powerful dual-motor setup with all-wheel drive. Either way, a one-speed transmission will be sending power to the wheels. As for rear-drive models, power is rated at 282 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, while dual-motor all-wheel drive versions make 330 horsepower and the same amount of torque. Volkswagen hasn't provided any 0-60 mph times, but it did mention that top speed is electronically limited to 99 mph, which exceeds the 90-mph limit on European models. The U.S.-spec ID.Buzz is also powered by a larger floor-mounted battery pack than what's found in the European model, with an enlarged capacity of 91 kWh. We don't have any range estimates yet, but expect something in between 200 and 300 miles.
The ID.Buzz will mark a return to groovy in Volkswagen's lineup in June of 2024, joining the existing ID.4 crossover and ID.7 sedan in the brand's growing electric lineup.
Image Credits: Volkswagen
