Volkswagen Reboots its Groovy 60s-Era VW Bus – This Time it’s Faster, Roomier and Electric

It appears that there is a growing demand for car seats in the United States. In response, Volkswagen introduced the ID. Buzz, an electric van with a retro design, last year, and mentioned that the North American version would be longer and feature three rows of seats.

Now, the North American edition of the ID. Buzz has been officially unveiled. Designed specifically for the North American market, this version, according to Paolo Di Si, the CEO of Volkswagen of America, is about 10 inches longer than the two-row model. While it is not overly spacious, measuring 194.4 inches in length, it can still accommodate up to seven passengers, making it shorter than a Chrysler Pacifica minivan.

Di Si confirmed that the two-row and commercial van versions available in Europe will not be sold in North America.

The ID. Buzz draws inspiration from the iconic Volkswagen T1, also known as the Microbus or VW Bus, which was introduced in 1949. In the United States, it became synonymous with the Hippie movement, but even before Chrysler invented the front-wheel-drive minivan in the 1980s, the Bus served as a mode of transportation for large families.

The ID. Buzz is expected to be released in the North American market in late 2024. Like its predecessor, the base model will be rear-wheel-drive, powered by a quiet electric motor positioned at the back, a departure from the noisy gasoline engine of the past.

Furthermore, the ID. Buzz boasts significantly more power and speed. The electric motor can generate 282 horsepower, over ten times the output of early VW Buses. An all-wheel-drive variant will also be available, featuring a total of up to 330 horsepower from two electric motors—one at the front and one at the back. The all-wheel-drive version can reach a top speed of 99 miles per hour, while the rear-wheel-drive van tops out at 90 miles per hour.

The ID. Buzz offers enhanced convenience and luxury compared to its counterculture predecessor. It includes power-sliding doors on both sides for easy access to the back, as well as small inset power-opening windows within the larger side windows. A power tailgate at the rear is also standard. Inside, there is a removable center storage console with dividers that can be used as an ice scraper and a bottle opener.

The second-row seats of the ID. Buzz can slide forward to facilitate access to the third row and can also be folded down to accommodate larger cargo. The third row of seats can be completely removed.

Similar to other VW ID. models, a light strip runs across the dashboard, providing useful cues to the driver. It pulsates to indicate readiness for driving and can guide the driver with pulsating movements for suggested turns. Additionally, it flashes when the collision avoidance system detects the need for urgent braking.

According to Volkswagen, the original VW Bus was introduced as a complement to the Volkswagen Beetle but quickly became a global bestseller, with 1.8 million units manufactured by 1967.

The classic Microbus has gained popularity among collectors, with well-preserved versions fetching six-figure prices. In fact, the most valuable Hot Wheels car in the world, valued at up to $150,000, is a miniature Microbus.

The long-wheelbase ID. Buzz will also be available in Europe, alongside the short-wheelbase version launched there last autumn. The ID. Buzz will go on sale in the United States next year, with prices expected to start around $40,000, although specific pricing details will be announced closer to the availability of the van.