When the Volkswagen ID.Buzz hits dealers in Q4 2024, it will be one of the few 7-seat electric cars available—and certainly the only one with its unique history and styling.
Volkswagen plans to "significantly increase production of the vehicle," VW EVP of Sales and Marketing Lars Krause tells German news outlet Automobilwoche, as reported by Electrek. Output will nearly triple, from 35,000 models built last year to 100,000 "in the medium term."
(Credit: Emily Dreibelbis)Some of that supply will likely go to the European market, but if the vehicle takes hold in the US, it could draw market share from the Rivian R1S and Kia EV9, which offer a more traditional SUV look compared with the funky, minivan-style ID.Buzz. But how the competition shakes out depends on pricing and battery range, which Volkswagen says it will confirm closer to launch.
What we know now is that VW will offer three trims: The Pro S, Pro S Plus, and a launch-only First Edition that comes with "exclusive wheels, badging, and extra unknown 'gifts,'” according to a May announcement. The Pro S model will have a rear-wheel drive version with 282 horsepower. On the other end of the spectrum, the Pro S Plus trim has an all-wheel drive variant (335 horsepower) and more premium features like a head-up display.
(Credit: Emily Dreibelbis)"A rainbow of exterior colors will be available," Volkswagen says, playing into the vehicle's Woodstock-bound reputation. The palette includes two-tone options, such as a Candy White top with Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, Blue Charcoal, Mahi Green, and more. Single-tone options include silver, white, and black.
Not surprisingly, the 2024 is more advanced than the original. As we highlighted in a comparison of both models at this year's Chicago Auto Show, the new version sports a 12.9-inch infotainment display, 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 30-color ambient interior lighting.
Additional features include a panoramic glass roof that changes from opaque to transparent and a "Flexboard," or two fabric storage bins, which create a van-life-worthy flat floor when the seats are folded. A retractable tow hitch could make the ID.Buzz the latest RVing companion, though VW says tow ratings and full specs will be available closer to launch.
The ID.Buzz launch has been a long time coming; VW unveiled the concept vehicle in 2017 and debuted the production version in 2023. Now, it will finally hit the market later this year. Volkswagen will also launch a new electric sedan this year, the ID.7. Both will join the ID.4 SUV to round out the German automaker's EV lineup in the US.
