The much-awaited North American version of VW’s ID. Buzz electric microbus, which will begin delivery next year, has been unveiled.
Similar to the two-row European specification, the new ID. Buzz version has a little more of almost everything. It has a top speed of 99 mph as opposed to 90 mph, 91kWh as opposed to 82kWh of battery, and is a full 10 inches longer. It also has 282 horsepower instead of 201 horsepower, with an optional 330 horsepower dual-motor version.
The ID. Buzz sits between a van and a minivan but has more personality, making it difficult to find a direct competitor.
The NA-spec’s 10-inch larger wheelbase accounts for the extra 10 inches. The three-row ID. Buzz is over 2 feet longer than VW’s original 168-inch microbus at 192.4 inches. As a result, there is more room for passengers and cargo than in the two-row version. Though the extra row of seats does take up some space; still the second row folds flat, and the third row can be removed.
Additionally, it provides space for an additional 9kWh battery. VW has yet to disclose the three-row version’s range, but the European specification has 263 miles on the WLTP cycle. Although the NA-spec has a bigger battery, the vehicle is also longer and heavier, and the EPA mileage estimates are significantly lower than the WLTP projections, so it remains unclear what the final outcome will be.
In addition, it remains unknown if the Buzz’s charging capacity will change too; the EU specification calls for 170kW charging, which is expected to remain the same for the US version. However, a larger battery may permit faster charging speeds.
Other variations include adding three extra colors: Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, and Indium Grey, which are only offered in the North American models.
