By Edward A. Sanchez – March 9, 2022
Volkswagen officially revealed the production-intent version of its ID.Buzz electric van today. The ID.Buzz was probably the most-anticipated model by VW enthusiasts, as it has the greatest nostalgia factor, with thousands having fond memories of the original T1 Microbus. Although some of the details from the concept originally revealed in 2017 have been toned down for more practical or production-friendly components, thankfully, the warm-fuzzy retro vibe embodied in the concept remains largely intact.
Both of the models featured in VW’s ID.Buzz debut video had two-tone paint jobs, reminiscent of the paint schemes of the original T1 models. One of the models shown featured open-pore wood trim as an accent piece on the dashboard, and VW was quick to point out the headliner and seating materials were made from recycled PET bottles. Adding to the nostalgia and curiosity factor, VW peppered “Easter eggs” all over the ID.Buzz in terms of little icons molded into plastic parts, or etched or printed on some of the glass pieces.
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From a nuts-and-bolts standpoint, the ID.Buzz naturally shares many of its components with other members of the ID family, including a standard 82 kWh (gross), 77 kWh (net) battery pack, and a 201 hp rear motor at launch. VW promises other powertrain and battery configurations will be announced and offered in 2023. Having driven a single-motor ID.4, I would personally wait for the dual-motor configuration, as the ID.Buzz is likely heavier (and consequently slower) than the ID.4.
Setting the ID.Buzz apart from its sibling is a claimed 170 kW max charging speed, which is a welcome step up from the ID.4’s 125 kW.
The standard wheelbase models (the ones revealed today) have a 185.5-inch overall length, and ride on a 117.6-inch wheelbase. In the video, VW claims the 36.4-foot (11.1-meter) turning circle of the standard-wheelbase ID.Buzz is about the same as a current Golf.
The standard seating configuration on the short/standard wheelbase model is for five passengers, with a six-passenger configuration available, and the promise of a seven-passenger option on the eventual long-wheelbase passenger model.
The cargo version will be offered with a standard three-across front split bench, with two front buckets optional. No specific mention of a “half-and-half” passenger/cargo configuration was offered, but the five-passenger configuration with front buckets and second-row bench approximates the concept.
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Although specifications for the long-wheelbase models were not revealed today, VW did give a timeline for the debut and on-sale date for the different variants for the European and U.S. markets. Production of the standard-wheelbase ID.Buzz passenger and cargo models is ramping up now, with orders opening in May 2022, and start of sales for Europe in Q3 2022. The long-wheelbase model for the North American market will be shown in 2023 and will go on sale in 2024. Although not officially confirmed, a camper variant is expected sometime in 2025-’26.
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Initially, the ID.Buzz will be manufactured at Volkswagen’s plant in Hannover, Germany. The North American-spec, long-wheelbase version may be built at VW’s Chattanooga, Tenn., plant, although that is not yet official confirmed.
Overall, we’re pleased that VW recognized the fondness enthusiasts held for the original T1, and managed to imbue the ID.Buzz with a healthy dose of nostalgia and whimsy, while not being a slavish copy of the original. We’re eager to see the future variants such as campers, and other variations to meet the various needs and tastes of buyers.
(Images courtesy Volkswagen)
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