2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Long Wheelbase

Volkswagen debuts three-row ID. Buzz in Huntington Beach, California

• Zero-tailpipe emission ID. Buzz transfers the DNA of one of the greatest automotive icons ever—the VW Microbus—to the era of electric mobility
•Three-row ID. Buzz is tailored for North America: longer wheelbase provides more space for people and cargo than the two-row European vehicle
•North American versions have a 91 kWh battery, 282 horsepower for RWD variant, and available AWD
•Retro design cues meet modern enhancements, including a tailored interior, cutting-edge EV technology, and advanced driver assistance features
•Sales slated to begin in 2024

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc. unveiled the three-row ID. Buzz in Huntington Beach, California today. Paying homage to the iconic Volkswagen Microbus, the three-row ID. Buzz has been tailored specifically for North America. It offers a longer wheelbase than the two-row European vehicle that debuted in 2022, plus a bigger battery and more horsepower. Retro design cues—like the oversized VW logo, short overhangs, and available two-tone color palette—meet a tailored interior, cutting-edge EV technology, and advanced driver assistance features, clearly marking it as a vehicle of the future. The three-row ID. Buzz is planned for sale in the North American market starting in 2024.

'The zero-direct emission ID. Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the Microbus, reimagined for our electric future,' said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. 'It is practical, sustainable, and packaged in an unmistakably fun way that is classic Volkswagen. With its launch, the Bus will once again become our brand hero in America.'

Just as with the original Bus, the three-row ID. Buzz has a rear-mounted powerplant as standard, providing great traction, performance and agility. The rear motor produces 282 horsepower, in comparison to the two-row European-spec model, which debuted with 201 hp. The battery is also larger at 91 kWh (gross), compared with the two-row model's 82 kWh battery. The efficient skateboard design—with the battery mounted in the floor—not only saves space, but also contributes to better handling by locating a large percentage of the vehicle's weight low down in the structure. All-wheel drive is available for the three-row ID. Buzz at launch, with about 330 hp and dual motors. Like all current modular electric drive (MEB) vehicles, the Buzz uses a multi-link rear suspension and struts at the front.

The new APP550 rear-mounted motor is a PMS (permanent magnet synchronous) design with a maximum torque of 406 pound-feet, packaged with the one-speed transmission and a new inverter (power and control electronics). The increase in power, torque and efficiency is achieved by a rotor with stronger permanent magnets that have a high thermal load capacity, a newly developed stator with a larger effective number of turns and maximum wire cross-section, a water cooling jacket for the outside of the stator, and a combined oil and water cooling system that also ensures higher thermal stability. The new electric motor of the ID. Buzz increases the top speed to an electronically limited 99 mph, up from the two-row's 90 mph.

Outside, the ID. Buzz retains its traditionally boxy shape with short overhangs, giving it maximum utility on a minimal footprint. It is 192.4 inches in length, nearly 10 inches longer than the two-row Buzz; all that additional length comes from a 127.5-inch wheelbase, versus 117.6 inches for the two-row. It is 77.9 inches wide and 74.6 inches tall, making it roughly as wide as an Atlas, but five inches taller. Given that the original Bus was about as long as a 2019 Beetle and slightly narrower, this is a sizable increase. The coefficient of drag is just 0.29—very good for a vehicle of this shape.

Retro cues throughout are a throwback to the original Bus, while reinterpreting the design for the future. The iconic oversized VW logo is illuminated, with a light line that extends to either side, connecting to the LED headlights. Bold exterior colors, with an available two-tone color palette, include many found on the two-row ID. Buzz—Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow and Mahi Green, for example. Others, such as Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, and Indium Grey, are all-new.

Dual power-sliding rear doors with Easy Open and Close provide excellent access to the third row and are replete with a modern take on the classic sliding windows—also fully powered. The Buzz also features standard power-folding and heated side mirrors, plus a standard power tailgate with Easy Open and Close. This features allows owners to approach the vehicle with keys in a pocket or purse, and kick a foot under the rear bumper to either open or close the tailgate as needed. Proximity unlocking and keyless entry with illuminated door handles on the front makes ingress easy. On the D-pillar, air 'vents' recall the original Bus's rear-engine cooling slots. The aerodynamically optimized 20-inch wheels are a full four inches larger in diameter than a 1950 T2 model's.

Inside, attention has been paid to every detail—from the retro-inspired wood-optic dash to the whimsical Play and Pause pedals from the 2016 BÚZZ concept, to Buzz easter eggs scattered throughout the vehicle. The removable center console includes flexible storage on top, with two unique dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, as well as two additional compartments below.

Three interior color and trim choices are available. A dark brown and black combination includes dark brown leatherette seats with white piping, blue door inserts and a dark wood-look dash, paired with black headliner and décor pieces. A light grey and clay combination pairs light grey leatherette seats with clay-colored piping, clay door inserts, a light wood-look dash, and light grey décor pieces. The final combination gives a balanced modern look with light brown leatherette seats with yellow piping, light grey door inserts and a washed wood-look dash, paired with black.



This sunroof is 67.4 inches long and 40.8 inches wide, making this the largest of any in the Volkswagen Group. The roof works through a PDLC (polymer-dispersed liquid crystal) layer integrated into the glass. Current is applied to the crystals in this layer to create transparency, with opacity happening when the PDLC layer is de-energized. Additional coating in the glass helps to reflect sunlight to help reduce the heat that could enter the vehicle.

Comfort reigns supreme in the ID. Buzz. The high seating position gives drivers supreme visibility. In addition to full perforated leatherette seating, all Buzz models are equipped with standard 12-way power driver and passenger seats with dual armrests, ventilation, massage, and memory functions; front seats and outboard second-row seats are heated. Standard Climatronic® automatic climate control keeps the cabin comfortable no matter the season, and all three rows have dedicated air vents. Second- and third-row windows are tinted for privacy, helping to maintain the interior temperature. The second-row seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split and the seat backs can be raked by 16 degrees. In addition, the bench can be moved fore and aft by up to 7.9 inches, and it can be moved forward by 4 inches at the touch of a handle to allow for better third-row egress.

When temperatures drop outside, the standard heated steering wheel keeps drivers cozy; heated windshield washer nozzles are standard and a heated windshield is also available, all helping to maximize efficiency. Seating for seven is standard, and captain's chairs are available, with seating for six. The second and third rows fold flat, and the third row can be removed entirely. An available Flexboard, with two fabric storage bins, creates a flat floor with the seats folded. The available Harman Kardon premium audio system with 14 speakers will amplify any listening experience; nine speakers are standard.

Modern technology in the ID. Buzz offers a fully connected experience. In the cockpit, drivers are presented with two screens: the 5.3-inch ID. Cockpit, which sits behind the steering wheel with key information, and the 12.9-inch central infotainment display. The Buzz makes it easier than ever to connect compatible devices with standard wireless App-Connect, wireless charging, plus eight ÚSB-C ports throughout the vehicle, a 110V outlet under the passenger seat, and 12-volt charging in the cargo area.

The infotainment system has been upgraded in line with the upcoming ID.7 sedan. (concept carz) The touch sliders for volume and temperature have been illuminated. The infotainment screen now has the climate functions integrated in the bottom of the display, allowing immediate access to these functions.

Operation has become simpler, more intuitive and more customizable. The top bar of the display now has a new direct access function on the left, which opens the main menu with an overview of all apps with just one click. Next to it is a button for the new Car Control Center, which offers direct access to the most important vehicle functions, which can be configured individually. The main menu and the Car Control Center can be opened at any time without having to exit the active app. This significantly simplifies operation. The new home screen in the middle combines the content of the most important apps on tiles of different sizes. In addition to classic content such as navigation and radio/media, the tiles also offer new functions such as suggestions from the voice assistant. The home screen can also be individually configured by the user.

The Buzz also comes with the ID. Light system—a light strip that runs below the windshield and provides the driver with intuitive support. It uses various light pulses to signal status such as readiness to drive, turn instructions from the navigation system, brake prompts from driver-assistance systems, and incoming phone calls. When using voice commands, it signals that it is listening, similar to voice-activation on mobile phones or virtual assistants. When the ID. Buzz is plugged in to charge, the ID. Light indicates the current level of charge.

Source - Volkswagen

Electric VW bus for North America and Europe: world premiere of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase

• Comeback in the ÚSA and Canada: Volkswagen celebrates the long-awaited return of the VW bus to North America with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase.
•June 2: day of the world premiere becomes new ÚS holiday. The European premiere of the long ID. Buzz follows at the VW Bus Festival in Hanover from June 23 to 25.
•Spacey: the new ID. Buzz1 with long wheelbase is one of the most spacious electric vehicles, with room for up to seven people and a large luggage compartment
•High-efficiency drive system: at its launch, the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase will be optionally available in Europe and North America with new 85 kWh battery (net) and new 210 kW electric drive motor
•Samba Bus for the modern age: newly developed panoramic sunroof with electronically controlled tinting is the largest glass roof ever produced
by Volkswagen

A vehicle like a rock song. Good vibrations. Whenever it appears, people smile: the ID.Buzz2/3. The icon among electric vehicles. The latest addition to the family is now here: the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase1. It is 'Made in Germany' for Europe – as well as for Canada and the ÚS. Because Volkswagen is starting the comeback of the VW bus in North America with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase. The world premiere will also take place there on June 24, at surfer hotspot Huntington Beach, on the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles. The vehicle will be revealed as part of the largest VW Bus festival in the ÚSA as a tribute to the fans and the country. At the same time, America will welcome the ID. Buzz with a generous gesture: from New York to San Francisco, June 2 will in future be celebrated as a holiday, 'Volkswagen Bus Day'. This bus tour will continue in Germany in just three weeks with the European debut of the long ID. Buzz. The date and location are also perfect: June 23 to 25 at the international VW Bus Festival in Hanover – Europe's largest VW Bus meetup.

With the T4 generation, the VW bus left the ÚSA and Canada 20 years ago. However, it still holds a cult following from New York to San Francisco to this very day. The T1, T2, and T3 rear-engine generations are still a familiar sight at beach parking lots in California, Florida, and Long Island in 2023. Volkswagen is now closing the circle again with the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase and is bringing the VW bus back to North America – this time with an electric rear-wheel drive. Thomas Schafer, Member of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, Brand Group Volume, says: 'Volkswagen is an extremely strong global brand with a great history, millions of loyal fans and legendary products. This is clearly evident here at the largest VW Bus festival in the ÚSA. I am therefore delighted that the team at Volkswagen Group of America is celebrating the premiere of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase here. With this model, we are taking a big step towards becoming a true love brand again.' Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of the Volkswagen Group of America, underlines the importance of the electric VW bus for the ÚS market: 'The ID. Buzz and the ÚSA – it's a perfect match! The VW bus has a long history in the ÚSA and enjoys real cult status. Our aim today is to further strengthen the Volkswagen brand in America. The ID. Buzz with long wheelbase is exactly the right model to fulfill this task.' Lars Krause, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, also says that the ID. Buzz is the comeback of a certain automotive feeling for life: 'In the ÚSA, Canada, and Europe, the VW bus has embodied a unique attitude on life for decades. 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.'

With a length of 4,962 mm and up to seven seats, the large ID. Buzz is perfectly primed for its launch in North America. At the same time, it is also expanding its range of possible applications in Europe. The extra length due to the increase in the wheelbase by 250 mm 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 (net capacity), 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. But that's not all: an all-wheel drive version (GTX) with an output of 250 kW (339 hp) has 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.

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.

Source - Volkswagen