HUNTINGTON BEACH, California — Volkswagen will add a long-wheelbase three-row version of the ID Buzz full-electric van to its European and North American lineups in 2024.
The retro-styled ID Buzz, based on the VW Group’s MEB platform, debuted in Europe last year in passenger and commercial versions.
Buyers will have a choice of a rear-mounted, rear-wheel drive electric motor with an output of 210 kilowatts (286 hp) or an all-wheel-drive GTX version with 330 hp and two motors. European versions now have a 150 kW motor.
Battery size will increase to 85 kilowatt-hours from 77 kWh (both figures are usable battery size). VW says range will be about 415 km (260 miles) for the single motor version and slightly less for the two-motor one.
The three-row Buzz is 4962 mm long, 250 mm longer than the two-row model, with all the increase in the wheelbase.
No prices were given, but the short-wheelbase ID Buzz starts at about 55,000 euros ($57,220) in Germany for the Cargo version and 65,000 euros for the five-seat passenger Pro version.
“The zero-direct emission ID Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the Microbus, reimagined for our electric future,” Pablo Di Si, CEO of Volkswagen of America, said in a statement. “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.”
For Europe, the long-wheelbase ID Buzz will expand “its range of possible applications,” VW said, without offering details; a ‘California’ camper version is likely, according to reports.
The long-wheelbase ID Buzz can be ordered with “captain’s chairs” instead of a second row, for a six-seat configuration. The second and third rows fold flat, and the third row can be removed entirely, VW said.
The VW logo is illuminated, with a light line that extends to each side, connecting to the LED headlights, the automaker said. Bold colors such as Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow and Mahi Green are among the exterior paint options. Inside, 30-color ambient lighting is standard.
The panoramic sunroof is Volkswagen’s largest to date, with a total area of 1.5 square meters. Optional is electrochromic tinting, which changes from clear to opaque with the swipe of a finger.