Volkswagen has unveiled the long-wheelbase version of the ID Buzz, an electric microbus that will be available in the US in 2024. The three-row ID Buzz offers more space for cargo and passengers, updated tech, and more powerful powertrains compared to the previous model. The long-wheelbase version is only 6.9 inches longer than the European version, but it features a longer wheelbase and increased overall height.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz maintains its retro-futuristic design and comes with new features such as an illuminated VW emblem on the front end, a panoramic sunroof with electrochromic tint, and new color options. The rear doors have power-sliding functionality but do not have windows that roll down. The long wheelbase allowed for improvements to the powertrain, with a larger 91 kWh battery pack and a more powerful electric motor at the rear, resulting in increased performance and top speed.
The Volkswagen ID Buzz will be available with two seating configurations and a range of standard and optional features. The exact release date and pricing have not been announced yet, but the ID Buzz is expected to start at around $70,000 in the US.
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Volkswagen’s much-anticipated Microbus revival, the VW ID Buzz, is generating excitement as it prepares to make its debut in North America. The long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the ID Buzz has been unveiled, and it promises to deliver more power, space, and style to its eager audience.
Design
The Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB retains the iconic retro-futuristic design that made the Microbus a beloved classic. It maintains the same styling cues as the European version, with its distinctive shape and timeless appeal. The LWB model measures 192.4 inches in length, making it only 6.9 inches longer than the two-row, short-wheelbase (SWB) European ID Buzz. However, its wheelbase has been extended by 9.9 inches, resulting in a more spacious interior for both passengers and cargo.
Despite its longer wheelbase, the LWB ID Buzz is shorter in length than VW’s large Atlas SUV, making it more maneuverable. It offers five more inches of overall height, providing a commanding view of the road. The exterior features some updates, including an illuminated VW emblem on the front end and new color options. The panoramic sunroof is the largest in the VW Group and features electrochromic tint, allowing the glass to transition from transparent to opaque.
Performance
The extended wheelbase of the Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB has allowed Volkswagen to make significant improvements to its powertrain. It is equipped with a 91kWh battery pack, larger than the 82kWh pack found in the SWB Buzz. The LWB version also features a more powerful electric motor at the rear, delivering 282 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. This represents a notable increase from the 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque offered by the Euro Buzz.
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These enhancements result in improved performance, with the LWB ID Buzz expected to achieve a quicker zero to 60 mph time compared to the Euro Buzz’s 10-second range. The top speed has been increased from 90 mph to 99 mph. Volkswagen also plans to introduce a new dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant with approximately 330 horsepower, further enhancing the ID Buzz’s performance capabilities.
Interior
The interior of the Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB is designed to provide a comfortable and versatile space for passengers. It offers two seating configurations, including a three-person bench in the second row as standard, providing a total of seven seats. Additionally, customers have the option to choose a pair of captain’s chairs for the second row. While the second-row seats cannot be removed, the two-person third-row bench can be completely removed, allowing for increased cargo space when needed.
All three rows of seats feature their own air vents, ensuring optimal comfort for passengers in every part of the vehicle. The second and third rows can be folded to create a flat surface, and an optional removable cargo shelf extends the surface area and offers additional storage cubbies underneath. The second-row seats can slide fore and aft, and the seat backs can be adjusted up to 16 degrees or folded forward, making accessing the third row easier.
Technology
The Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB is equipped with advanced technology and connectivity features to enhance the driving experience. The infotainment system is highlighted by a new 12.9-inch touchscreen, shared with the ID.7 sedan. The operating system has been overhauled, providing a more user-friendly interface and increased customization options. It includes features such as navigation, music streaming, smartphone integration, and voice recognition.
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The ID Buzz also incorporates Volkswagen’s Travel Assist, which combines adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and traffic sign recognition to provide a semi-autonomous driving experience on highways. The van also includes a suite of safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.
Charging and Range
With its larger 91kWh battery pack, the ID Buzz LWB is expected to offer an extended range compared to the Euro Buzz. While official EPA estimates are yet to be released, it is projected to provide over 250 miles of range on a single charge, ensuring practical usability for most daily commutes and road trips. The ID Buzz supports DC fast charging, allowing for convenient recharging stops during longer journeys. It is anticipated to have a charging rate of up to 150 kW, enabling a significant boost in range in a short amount of time.
Pricing and Availability
Volkswagen has not yet announced the exact pricing for the VW ID Buzz LWB, but it is expected to start at around $70,000 in the US market. The first deliveries of the LWB model are slated for 2024, with the US being one of the initial markets to receive the electric Microbus. Reservations for the ID Buzz are expected to open well in advance to meet the high demand generated by enthusiasts eagerly waiting to get behind the wheel of this modern-day icon.
The VW ID Buzz LWB represents a significant step forward in the revival of the classic Microbus, bringing electric power, enhanced space, and modern technology to a beloved icon. With its distinctive design, improved performance, spacious interior, and advanced features, the ID Buzz aims to capture the hearts of both Microbus enthusiasts and new adopters of electric vehicles. As Volkswagen continues to push forward with its electrification efforts, the ID Buzz stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to a sustainable future while embracing its rich heritage.
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