Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Volkswagen came to Huntington Beach, California, for a celebratory and playful unveiling of the three-row ID Buzz. VW made it longer than the two-row European vehicle that debuted in 2022, and they added a bigger battery and more horsepower. The retro design cues pay homage to the iconic Volkswagen Microbus. Sporting an oversized VW logo, short overhangs, and an available two-tone color palette, this VW Bus is everything.
“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 again become our brand hero in America.”
Just as with the original Bus, the three-row ID. Buzz has a rear-mounted power that provides traction, performance, and agility. While the design team did a bit of reinterpreting the design for the future the retro cues throughout are a throwback to the original Bus. The iconic oversized VW logo is illuminated, designed with a light line extending to either side, connecting to the LED headlights. Bold exterior colors, with an available two-tone color palette, include many found on the two-row ID. Buzz—Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, and Mahi Green. Other colors including Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, and Indium Grey, are all-new.
The dual power-sliding rear doors give excellent access to the third row and are replete with a modern take on the classic sliding windows that are also fully powered. The Buzz also features standard power-folding heated side mirrors, plus a standard power tailgate with Easy Open and Close. This feature allows owners to approach the vehicle with keys in a pocket or purse and kick a foot under the rear bumper to either open or close the tailgate as needed. Air “vents” on the D-pillar recall the original Bus’s rear-engine cooling slots.
Inside we see great attention to every detail, from the retro-inspired wood-optic dash to the whimsical Play and Pause pedals from the 2016 BUZZ concept. The 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 and the sunroof is 67.4 inches long and 40.8 inches wide, making this the largest of any in the Volkswagen Group. The roof works through a PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) layer integrated into the glass. Current is applied to the crystals in this layer to create transparency, with opacity happening when the PDLC layer is de-energized. Additional coating in the glass helps to reflect sunlight to help reduce the heat that could enter the vehicle.
Comfort reigns supreme in the ID. Buzz. The high seating position gives drivers supreme visibility. In addition to full perforated leatherette seating, all Buzz models are have a 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, and all three rows have dedicated air vents. The second- and third-row windows are tinted for privacy, helping to maintain the interior temperature. Retro design cues that meet modern enhancements, including a tailored interior, cutting-edge EV technology, and advanced driver assistance features, make this the VW Bus of the future.
