Volkswagen has pulled the veil from its new battery-electric ID. Buzz van ahead of its arrival in the United States next year.
The VW ID. Buzz is a medium-sized, battery-electric passenger van that pulls inspiration from the iconic T1 – known to many Americans as the Microbus. The model pictured here is the European-spec version, which will go on sale in Germany and other EU countries later this year. The U.S. and Canada will receive the extended wheelbase version of the minivan, which has yet to be shown by VW.
Power in the Euro-spec VW ID. Buzz comes from a single, rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. Energy is stored in a 77 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which supports DC fast charging at rates of up to 170 kW. VW says an ID. Buzz plugged into a DC fast charging station can fill the vehicle’s battery from five percent to 80 percent capacity in about 30 minutes.
This regular wheelbase, Euro-spec model variant has seating for five passengers and 39.5 cubic feet (or 1,121 liters) of cargo capacity behind the second row. Cargo capacity grows to 77.8 cubic feet (or 2,205 liters) when the second row of seats are folded down. In passenger-friendly MPV versions of the ID. Buzz, the cabin will take on a “lounge-like, friendly ambience,” with modern-yet-plush seats, light upholstery and brightly colored trim. A 10-inch infotainment display is standard, while an upgraded 12-inch display with navigation is optional. A 10-inch digital instrument cluster is also standard.
While General Motors has not expressed any desire to re-enter the passenger van market, the Detroit-based automaker has a van nameplate from its past that it could also leverage on a new battery-electric model to rival the ID. Buzz. Many Millenials have fond memories of the utilitarian and reliable Chevy Astro, and we think its boxy styling would translate well to a modern-day EV. Just check out this rather sharp fan-made Astro EV rendering, for example.
The ID. Buzz model line, which consists of the regular passenger model and the fleet-focused ID. Buzz Cargo, will be produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at its main plant in Hanover, Germany. More information on the North American spec model will be released at a later date.
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Comments
Octung, I love it! why can’t little gm make vehicles like this?
Step 1: BrightDrop Van
Step 2: Make it a bit smaller
Step 3: Slap GMC headlights on it.
Needs a bigger screen!
I really like this. I do find it strange that only the long wheelbase will be available here. I would consider getting one of these depending on how much it is but I would get a different color interior then the cream/white color.
They are probably only selling the long wheelbase here because Americans don’t buy small cars. It probably also has a larger battery, since we tend to drive further too.
I’d be more surprised if they actually let us have the smaller one.
I agree that an electric Astro would be a big hit in the market place, especially for small businesses. The smaller pod like shape makes it a perfect Vanlife vehicle, great for families, and awesome solution for shuttle services.
VW nailed this 100% this thing is awesome. I have never wanted an EV until I saw this. I am going to get one of these once they are available here.
Forget the ID Buzz and new Astro van; let’s have the Corvette SUV!
Outside? Love it. I even like those colors. But then they had to go ruin the interior by that fugly huge screen tacked to the top of the dash. From that one pic, it looks like it sticks up well above the sight lines. Too bad, because other than that, it’s fantastic.
Dan being in SOCAL I bet you see a bunch of the original vw buses? This should be right up your alley, rip that touchscreen out put a surfing rack on top and get a board and you are all set. Can’t forget the hula girl bobble head for the dash lol.
Lol. Matt, nobody (ever) wants to see me (attempt) surfing! But yes, we do see a lot of them out here. There’s a place in Redondo Beach close to where I am that buys, fixes and sells nothing but these old VW vans. I’ve always like the looks of them and find this VW van is just vintage looking enough to grab some buyers but not so much that it should grab lots of other buyers as well.
But it’s just not for me once I open the door. I just don’t get why so many people on here get so bent up when I diss the huge screen thing. It’s a personal preference, and obviously many people like and want them. Personally, I find them hideous and extremely distracting. When I’m in a vehicle, I want to drive and not be bothered by phones, screens, telematics and what not. I love to just drive in a comfortable car that is super quiet. But to each his own.
VW will not be able to keep up with the Demand on this in my opinion.
Electric Vans (I personally am not a Minivan Guy) makes perfect sense. It is all about the interior space and BEV’s give you the Most space for the Size of the vehicle. A Chevy Astro van is a sweet idea
While some people would like it and I do think it’ll be successful, I personally think that it is FUGly!
… if remember well … this thing is maybe since some 20 years in development …
what disturbes me is the fact the instruments panel fascia does not connect with the door panel… seems 2 different designers, for a 20 years development project could be better and being an EV is a no to me, do not need this TV set
but at least is not black in black… maybe VW know what are colours-
for the room where it is … well against the cut of trees to put wood walls. other materials would be better-
Jesus, a retro Chevy van from the 70s or 80s electrified would be a huge success if marketed to the overlander group. You’ve got influencers spending 80+ grand in sprinter Vans, surely GM could compete with that with a good looking retro electric. Worth with companies to make conversations. It wouldn’t take much to take a decent chunk of a growing market
I guess GM has a Chevy model in its plans to fight this VW. It’s a really nice EV.
Ford is already making an electric version of its most successful gas van, the Transit. It is called the “e-Transit”.
The transit is not a passenger van like that. It’s a work van.
MotorTrend suggests pricing on this will run $45-60k. That’s ridiculous. In order for this to be a success as many are suggesting, pricing needs to drop significantly.
If this is sitting next to an ID.4 and is more expensive, this will get ignored.
Oh, and VWs reliability isn’t exactly stellar with their new ID.4. That’s definitely not going to help them sell this retro minivan.
@GMC Fan
How is 45K to 60K too expensive in todays market?
Look how much people are spending on a Chrysler Minivan. That van can get to almost 60K.
The main difference if that VW will most likely not offer a Bare Bones version at like 35K
I’d be shocked if it were any less than $45k. VW has got to be spending north of $10k on just the battery.
This is far more interesting than an ID.4 anyway.
Get me some numbers on how many of those Chrysler minivans are sold at $60k. The real quantities sold are at the low end of the price range and are sold to commercial fleets.
Also, due to the shape of this ID.buzz, it won’t have a frunk. So that immediately removes it from your must have list.
@GMC Fan
I never said I would purchase this vehicle. As stated above I am NOT a Minivan customer so the lack of a Frunk makes no difference to me personally. All I said was that VW will sell these like Hotcakes all over the World. And yes a Fully loaded Pacifica can creep up to almost 60K……$58,000 to be axact before silly dealer add on packagers. I never said that ALL or MOST minivans sold are 60K.
A Pacifica starts at $37,000 so how is 45K starting price crazy especially when you consider that it is highly unlikely VW will offer a real Basic ID. Buzz here in the States?
The Chrysler Pacifica is a considerably larger vehicle than the ID.Buzz, with seating for seven as opposed to seating for five in the VW. And those top-price Pacificas are the Pinnacle luxury versions with comfort and features not likely to be found in the little van-like Buzz. Not a good comparison.
@Ford Guy
The USA will only get the Long Wheelbase version of the ID. Buzz
Also remember that BEV’s have much more interior volume for their size compared to ICE vehicles.
I understand your point but the two vehicles are pretty clearly in different size categories which was my point. And that a $60k Buzz is unlikely to compare to the $60k Pacifica Pinnacle’s luxury appointments or passenger comfort. I just don’t think the two vehicles are comparable.
The Buzz seems overpriced if it is planned to be a mass-market model but perhaps VW plans to market it as a pricier image vehicle using Microbus nostalgia. But I think that’ll only go so far because ultimately it’s a compact car merely shaped like a van. It’s that interior that I think least matches up with the price, to the point it looks low-end economy class (which for some reason is common in EVs).
@Ford Guy
I can see what you’re saying but I feel like most minivan buyers will want as much space as possible and then when you can get 100 times cooler styling a lot will flock to the ID.Buzz. Not saying it will ever sell in the Pacifica numbers, I just said that VW will sell every single one they can build around the World.
Can they get them here without burning the ship up?
Imagine if there’s Astro/Safari Vans based on the Ultium Platform?
@vic1212
I totally agree. I think one should be on offer but maybe two would be too much. I say give it to Chevrolet as Chevy can have a much wider range of segments and customers.
GM would be insane not to bring back the Astro or Safari Van. Think about how many people now are gobbling up Sprinter Vans to go over-landing and camping. They would sell the living daylights out of them if done properly.
Disagree. Sprinters are full size. Astros near me got used a lot for Mennonites shuttling the Amish workers around. I can’t image that vibes with a surfer/camper van image. An mpv van for Buick?
If it’s from VW it’s expensive to own and maintain.
Ugly as homemade sin.
This is pure nostalgia just as the FWD Beetle was. It will have a 5 year run then it will go away. Retro has a shelf life and then people move on.
Now if GM were to do this I would not do the Astro. Not many folks nostalgic on these out side Japan.
But I think a Corvair like Van and Ramp-side truck would be interesting. The truck would be perfect for a low sitting battery platform. Fold down the side gate and load up.