Volkswagen ID Buzz Electric Van 2023 - First Look Interior
7First Look: 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The long-awaited all-electric van – which has finally been revealed, for real this time – deliberately evokes the Microbus
Break out the headbands and replica Woodstock tickets, because Volkswagen has finally launched a modern take on the classic Microbus. Called the “ID. Buzz,” it is an all-electric van whose design hearkens back to that instantly recognizable design while plowing ahead with notions of modern mobility.
And here’s the good news: it will be available in North America! Just not yet, and not exactly like this model. Allow us to explain.
Today’s unveiling follows years of concept vehicles and design studies which teased this type of machine all the way back to when we were worried about the Y2K bug. The vans shown in these images are the European models in passenger and cargo variants, which will go on sale this year. A long-wheelbase passenger model is promised for debut in the North American market in 2023, and will go on sale when the calendar flips into 2024.
Still, there’s much to learn from this Euro van (there’s your Driving.ca Easter egg) which can give us clues as to what we can expect in the machine that will be sold on this side of the pond. First versions for the European market will be equipped with an 82-kWh battery (that’s 77 kWh net) feeding a 201-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels. Peak torque is listed at 229 lb-ft of twist. It is yet unclear if this powertrain will be lifted wholesale for the variant planned to arrive in our country a couple of years from now.