Volkswagen is bringing the VW bus back to North America – this time with an electric rear-wheel drive, a length of 4,962 mm and up to seven seats. The extra length is due to the increase in the wheelbase by 250 mm and creates room for a third row of seats, providing up to 2,469 liters of storage space, and for a new, larger 85 kWh battery, giving even more range. And the new heat pump increases efficiency in winter.
The large ID. Buzz will also be available with a new 210 kW (286 hp) electric drive motor. This electric drive motor increases the maximum speed to the electronic limit of 160 km/h (European ID. Buzz with 150 kW: 145 km/h). The large ID. Buzz can reach a speed of 100 km/h in just 7.9 seconds. An all-wheel drive version (GTX) with an output of 250 kW (339 hp) has also been announced for 2024. The ID. Buzz GTX will be able to complete the 0–100 km/h sprint in 6.4 seconds, making it perfect for rapidly merging with traffic on the highway.
Other new features of the large electric VW Bus include a head-up display, an upgraded next-generation infotainment system, and remote parking via smartphone. Meanwhile, a newly designed high-tech panoramic sunroof with smart glass brings back memories of the legendary Samba Bus of the 50s. At 1.5 square meters, it is the largest glass roof ever built by Volkswagen. The smart glass can be changed from transparent to opaque and vice versa using the touch slider or voice assistant. The North American versions will also feature air-conditioned seats and an illuminated Volkswagen logo on the front.
“In the USA, Canada, and Europe, the VW bus has embodied a unique attitude on life for decades,” said Lars Krause, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “The picture of the legendary T1 Lightbus in Woodstock is unforgettable. The DNA of this symbol of freedom lives on in our ID. Buzz. It is of utmost importance to us that we can now offer the people of North America a modern, all-electric new edition with the ID. Buzz in an iconic design.”
Delivery of the first ID. Buzz vehicles in America will start in 2024. Almost parallel to the market launch in North America, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will also be available in Europe. Like the Multivan and the Bulli T6.1, all ID. Buzz vehicles will be produced at the main plant of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles in Hanover. This is one of the most state-of-the-art automotive plants in the world and the home of the VW Bus family.
