U.S.-Spec VW ID. Buzz Gets More Power, Bigger Battery Than European Models
With International Volkswagen Bus Day in full swing, the German automaker has finally pulled the cover off of the U.S-spec version of the highly-anticipated ID. Buzz. Bigger, more powerful and with a larger battery than its European sibling, here’s everything you need to know about the new electric VW bus.
Whereas the European version of the VW ID. Buzz is a two row model, that just wouldn’t do for American hauling duty. Instead, VW has opted to stretch the wheelbase of every ID. Buzz slated for American shores by some 10-inches, making room for an additional row of seating. Total length grows to 192.4 inches, whereas the wheelbase now measures 127.5-inch. For reference, that makes the ID. Buzz around eight inches shorter than a VW Atlas SUV, while retaining almost 10 more inches between the wheels. That stretch helps give the US.-spec ID. Buzz a rather unique profile, with its wheels pushed all the way out to the corners with a large swath of space in between. The proportions don't really fall in line with other vans like the Pacifica, which is longer but with a shorter wheelbase than the VW. That said, the 77.9 inches of width and 74.6 of height should give the van more physical presence than its diminutive ancestor.
With the size sorted, VW then turned to the powertrain of the ID. Buzz for another makeover. In place of the 82 kWh battery pack and 201-hp motor combination found in Europe, VW has developed a new US-spec battery with 92 kWh of gross capacity, as well as a more potent 282-hp version of the single rear motor. Maximum torque output also jumps to 406 lb-ft. US customers even have the choice to spec a dual-motor variant bringing all-wheel drive, which pushes output up to a respectable 330 hp. The new motor design allows top speed to jump from 90 mph in Europe to 99 mph in the United States. Regardless of which powertrain option you choose, every ID. Buzz is bolstered by a strut front suspension layout with a multi-link setup in the rear.
It’s no secret that VW tapped its historic models for inspiration during the ID. Buzz program, and things are no different with the US-spec model. The van is full of clear references to the original Type 2, including the two-tone paint schemes, D-pillar accents mirroring air-cooled engine vents, and retro-inspired interior elements. Paint options include Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, and Indium Grey among others.
Speaking of the interior, the ID. Buzz is all about passenger comfort. There is ample seating row going all the way back to the third row, which can physically be removed should you need more storage space. Second row seating can be had in either a bench or captain’s chairs configuration, making the ID. Buzz either a six- or seven-passenger vehicle. The van will also offer the largest sunroof in the entire VW Group, measuring in at a ridiculous 67.4 inches long and 40.8 inches wide. Of course plenty of natural light is a part of the VW Bus experience, as any 23 Window buyer will tell you. The rear windows of the van don’t actually go down, with a small slider section that opens instead. Think of the tailgate window on many pickup trucks and you’ve got the right idea. VW has developed three interior themes for the van, with customers able to select a dark brown, a light brown, or a light gray centered interior palette. A 5.3-inch digital cluster sits behind the wheel, while a 12.9-inch central infotainment display is backed by wireless app connectivity. The infotainment system has been updated for the US-spec models, mirroring the system employed by the upcoming ID. 7 sedan. A 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is available as an option. Every van comes backed by VW’s suite of IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technologies.
VW has yet to provide full performance figures for the American market ID. Buzz, not have they shared the pricing breakdown for the lineup. That said, the automaker has confirmed that it is targeting an on-sale date sometime in late 2024. We should have plenty of time to learn more about the EV up until that point, but it's somewhat surprising we have to wait that long. The European model has already been on sale for quite some time at this point, making its sales debut on the continent back in 2022. For reference, the ID. Buzz Concept was unveiled in Detroit back in 2017.
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