Introducing the ID. Buzz: Electric VW Bus for North America World Premiere
Volkswagen has finally revealed the VW ID. Buzz equipped with a long wheelbase, which will bring back the iconic VW Microbus to North America after a long hiatus of 20 years. The vehicle is expected to hit the roads in 2024.
This vehicle can accommodate up to seven passengers and has a spacious luggage compartment. The vehicle was showcased at the largest VW Bus festival in the USA, located in Huntington Beach near Los Angeles. With a wheelbase of 127.5 in and a total length of 195.3 in, it is one of the most spacious electric vehicles, and the sliding doors have been widened by 7.5 in. The areas between the C-pillars and the rear wheels are 2.3 in longer.
The ID. Buzz LWB has a similar appearance to the standard wheelbase model in terms of styling. However, the longer wheelbase enhances its proportions, at least from my perspective. The width and height have remained the same, measuring 78.1 in (1,985 mm) and 75.8 in (1,927 mm) respectively, without exterior mirrors. Volkswagen claims that the minivan has a drag coefficient of 0.29, which is considered a "very good" value. In North America, the illuminated Volkswagen logo on the front is a new exterior feature.
The ID. Buzz LWB's interior undergoes a significant transformation due to the extended wheelbase, which creates more space. This model can accommodate five, six, or seven passengers. The front seats have adjustable armrests, and the top versions have a massage and memory function. The second row has a three-passenger bench seat that can be split-folded and adjusted, with an option for heated outer seats. Alternatively, two individual seats with armrests can be chosen. The larger 85 kWh battery increases the range of the car, and there is more space for luggage. The front row in North America has a new seat air conditioning feature.
The ID. Buzz LWB model has a third row of seats that can be removed easily. It is standard in the US but optional in Europe and Canada. The car has a large trunk that can hold paragliding equipment, bikes, and boards when the second and third-row seats are folded down. The maximum load capacity is 87.2 cubic feet (2,469 liters). In the five-seater configuration, the trunk can hold up to 47.3 cu ft (1,340 L) of luggage which is 7.7 cu ft (219 L) more than the standard model. With seven people on board, the trunk volume behind the third-row seats is 10.8 cu ft (306 L).
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB will have new exciting features including a head-up display and an improved infotainment system powered by the latest ID. software. The 12.9-inch display promises to be more user-friendly and will work with a 5.3-inch digital instrument panel that can be controlled from the multifunction steering wheel. The touch sliders for temperature and volume settings will be illuminated. The cabin also has 10-color ambient lighting as standard in Europe or 30-color in the US.
The ID. Buzz LWB will have new features such as a head-up display and an upgraded infotainment system. The latest ID. software will be used, with an improved graphic interface and redesigned menu. The car will have a bigger 12.9-inch display and a 5.3-inch digital instrument panel controlled from the steering wheel. The touch sliders for temperature and volume will be illuminated, and the cabin will have 10-color ambient lighting in Europe or 30-color in the US.
The VW ID. Buzz LWB has two battery options, 82-kWh and 91-kWh. The 91-kWh battery is standard in the US and optional in Europe. The US will also have the new APP550 rear-axle drive unit as standard, giving 285 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. The top speed will be 100 mph and the 0 to 60 mph time will be 7.9 seconds. The all-wheel-drive version, GTX, will launch later in 2024 with 340 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. The DC fast charging capacity is up to 200 kW, allowing 10-80% charge in 25 minutes. It will have a new thermal management system and heat pump for battery preconditioning and efficiency in winter. The ID. Buzz LWB will be available in the US in 2024, with pricing and specifications to be announced later.
Source: Volkswagen
