VW id buzz about a three-row electric microbus debuting for the US with more power and space

Enough words have been typed about ID Buzz, Volkswagen’s highly anticipated microbus revival, so I’m just going to cut to the chase. VW unveiled the three-row, long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the ID Buzz in California today — the one that will actually come to the US — and it’s what we hoped for.

Apart from offering plenty of space for cargo and passengers, the US-spec Buzz gets updated technology and a more powerful powertrain without compromising on styling. At 192.4 inches in length, the three-row ID Buzz is only 6.9 inches longer than the two-row, short-wheelbase (SWB) European ID Buzz that came out last year, but its 127.5-inch wheelbase is 9.9 inches longer.

That means the LWB ID Buzz is shorter in length than VW’s larger Atlas SUV — its current three-row offering in the US — while offering a longer wheelbase and five inches of overall height. The SWB Buzz has the same turning radius as the compact Golf hatchback despite being over a foot longer, so the LWB version should still have equally great maneuverability.

Apart from the added length, nothing has been changed about the styling of the ID Buzz. It’s a perfect example of retro-futuristic design and easily the best execution of VW’s current design language.

Unlike the Euro Buzz we just spent two weeks with, the American Buzz’s front end has illuminated VW emblems, arguably the largest light-up logo on any car. The available panoramic sunroof is new to the ID buzz and the largest in the VW Group, and features an electrochromic tint that turns the glass from transparent to opaque.

There are also some new colors and two-tone paint options, like the Cabana Blue you see in these pictures. VW says the id Buzz will only come with 20-inch wheels, though both smaller and larger wheels could be available as options in the future.

One potential design problem for customers is in the rear doors. The id Buzz has power-sliding doors that can be opened by waving your foot under the sill, along with a power liftgate with the same technology. But unlike basically every minivan since the 2004 Toyota Sienna, the Buzz’s sliding doors don’t have windows that roll down.

Instead, the Buzz has square sections of window that fold back in the vein of the original Microbus. It’s great that there’s some amount of window opening—the rear windows in the SWB Buzz don’t open at all—but the area that opens isn’t nearly as large as what you’d find in other vans or crossovers.

Extending the wheelbase allowed VW to make some major improvements to the powertrain. The LWB ID Buzz uses a 91kWh battery pack in place of the SWB Buzz’s 82kWh pack. Out back is a new electric motor that’s more powerful, putting out 282 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels versus the 201hp and 229 lb-ft of the Euro Buzz.

This should result in much quicker zero to 60 mph—the Euro Buzz does in about 10 seconds—and top speed has been increased from 90 mph to 99 mph. Available at launch will be a new dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant with around 330hp, although no other details have yet been given. VW also isn’t ready to say what the ID Buzz’s EPA range will be, though the larger battery and more efficient motor could give it a longer range than the SWB Buzz’s 260-mile WLTP estimate.

The ID Buzz will be offered with two different seating configurations. As standard, the second row of seats has a three-person bench, giving the van a total of seven seats. There’s also the option of a pair of captain’s chairs for the second row. Like the SWB ID Buzz, the second-row seats can’t be removed, but the new two-person third-row bench can be removed entirely.

Both the second and third rows fold down to create a flat surface—though neither folds into the floor. And a removable cargo shelf is available to expand that surface area and provide storage cubbies below. The second row can be slid forward and backward, and the seat backs can be adjusted up to 16 degrees or folded forward for easy third-row access. All three rows of seats also have their own air vents.

Apart from the extra seats and length, the ID Buzz’s cabin design is similar to the Euro variant. The large windshield, additional quarter windows, and raised seating position provide an exceptional view, and the door panels feature great ergonomics and the armrests. The dash features a beautiful faux wood panel, and each interior color scheme offers a mix of different colors and materials. (Sadly, the orange and white won’t be available in the US; instead, we’ll get a more muted gray and brown motif.)

Like the Euro Buzz, the center console is removable and features movable dividers that double as bottle openers and ice scrapers. The interior is replete with the Buzz logo and little Easter eggs like smiley faces on the fastener covers.

A big improvement over the Euro-spec ID Buzz is the infotainment system. While the Buzz gets either a 10-inch or 12-inch touchscreen across the pond, in the US, it’s fitted as standard with a new 12.9-inch screen that’s shared with the ID.7 sedan . This new screen features an overhauled operating system that’s easier to use and a lot more customizable, plus it finally has illuminated volume and temperature sliders. (The 5.3-inch digital gauge cluster screen looks just like the Euro car’s.)

It remains to be seen how much better the updated system will actually be in practice, but VW’s existing infotainment will be an improvement over anything. The ID Buzz has a full eight USB-C ports, including those in clever places like the door panels and top of the windshield for dashcams, and there’s a wireless charging pad in the dash.

ID Buzz will come with a long list of standard features. The 12-way power front seats are heated, ventilated, and have a massage function, and the second-row outboard seats are heated as well. A heated windshield, heated washer nozzles and heated steering wheel are also included.

Every ID Buzz will get a suite of active safety tech with 30-color ambient interior lighting, keyless entry, automatic climate control and hands-on Level 2 Highway Assist. Options include a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a heads-up display, a 360-degree camera system and parking assist with remote parking.

Volkswagen hasn’t given an exact release date yet, saying only that the three-row ID Buzz will go on sale in the US in 2024. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but considering the standard equipment and amount of Euro Buzz’s already high price — it starts at the equivalent of around $60,000 in Germany — the American ID Buzz could start around $70,000.

It’s a lot of cash, to be sure, but the ID Buzz is truly a league of its own in terms of style and packaging. Microbus is finally back, and it is all set to capture the hearts of thousands once again.