James Lipman/Volkswagen
If it feels like years have passed since you first saw Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz electric minivan, you’re not wrong. It’s surprisingly aptly named; I can’t think of another vehicle in the past decade that has generated as much interest among people who wouldn’t normally care for four-wheeled transportation. Nearly eight years after the concept first appeared, the Buzz has been on sale in Europe for a year. Now it’s time for America to get its turn, with deliveries starting later this year.
We drove a European-spec Buzz about two years ago, but it’s fair to say that the version coming to the U.S. is a better choice. The Buzz we drove had a shorter wheelbase, a smaller battery capacity, seating for five only, 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. That adds room for a third row of seats, making it a seven-seater. Sitting in the back should be more comfortable, as there are vents — we’ll have to drive it to see if any rear windows open there.
The three-row Buzz also packs a larger battery pack (91 kWh), but there’s no getting around the massive frontal area of this old-school form factor, and the EPA’s estimated range for the rear-wheel-drive Buzz is just 234 miles (377 km), a number that’s sure to disappoint many who’ve been patiently waiting for an electric minivan. All-wheel drive reduces range by 3 miles (5 km).
It starts at just under $60,000.
The other thing everyone has been waiting patiently for is how much the car will cost, and here I don’t think people should be disappointed. The European Buzz starts at just over $60,000, has two fewer seats and an 8kWh smaller lithium-ion battery. If you had asked me last month, I would have estimated that the Buzz could be worth more than $70,000, with customs duties and everything else.
So, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the ID. Buzz Pro S will start at $59,995, though at that price you’ll be limited to just three exterior colors (Candy White, Deep Black Pearl, and Metro Silver), and a choice of two interior colors (Copper and Moonlight).
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The Buzz’s long wheelbase is the best spec for the US.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Today, we’re introduced to two new interior color themes for the Buzz. This one is called Moonlight.
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The second new interior design is called “Copper”.
Volkswagen
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This is the interior of the dunes, which seems like a bad idea if you have kids.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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This is the middle row of seats. It is not removable but folds, as is the third row. But you will need an accessory (a shelf in the cargo area) to make the floor completely flat.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Here is the third row.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Captain’s chairs are available on some models.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Interior lighting is configurable.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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There are plenty of places to store things.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Did you know that wireless charging is the most requested feature among new car buyers? The ID. Buzz offers you a slot instead of a tray.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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12.9-inch infotainment system.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Capacitive control panels.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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We expect the first model to come with CCS1 charging ports.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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As with all three rows, the choice lies between carrying a lot of luggage or seating people in the back.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
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Has the Buzz game kept up its hype? We’ll find out soon.
James Lipman/Volkswagen
But it’s relatively well equipped, with the latest version of VW’s infotainment system featuring backlit controls, 12-way power front seats, heated second-row seats, wireless phone charging (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), eight USB-C ports, and a 110-volt outlet under the passenger seat.
The Pro S Plus starts at $63,495, or $67,995 for the all-wheel drive model. If you want a two-tone paint scheme, you’ll need to buy the Pro S Plus, but be warned: it costs an extra $995, and the electromagnetic panoramic glass roof will set you back $1,495.
The Plus trim adds a head-up display, additional speakers, side doors and an easy-open tailgate, and a tow hitch. The rear-wheel-drive Pro S Plus trim sticks with the middle row as a bench or, optionally, a pair of captain’s chairs. The all-wheel-drive Pro S Plus trim includes captain’s chairs as standard.
Finally, there’s the First Edition, which starts at $65,495 for rear-wheel drive or $69,995 for all-wheel drive. The First Edition comes in five different exterior colors, with different wheels, special badging, and a standard power moonroof.