2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
The only EV I ever cared about, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, disappeared from the American market for 2026, several months after it debuted despite being eagerly anticipated for several years. Volkswagen now has announced that the ID. Buzz will be returning for the 2027 model year, but has VW learned its lesson?
I suspect Volkswagen figured out an overpriced MSRP combined with lackluster range (not even 240 miles) was not enough for folks to wax nostalgic for the old VW Bus. To make matters worse, the production version of the ID. Buzz debuted in March 2022, several years before it hit America, so it seems the buzz wore off and Volkswagen missed the, um, bus on several levels.
So, what improvements can we expect for 2027? Volkswagen says the ID. Buzz rejoins the VW lineup with a “new offer structure.” That means trim levels will include Pro S RWD, the new Pro S 4Motion, the new Tourer 4Motion, and Pro S Plus 4Motion. As could be expected, there are revised color and wheel options including a Candy White over Cherry Red scheme with white wheels. In fact, customers will only be allowed to choose two-tone paint schemes “to reduce complexity.”
You’d think the hallowed Westfalia conversion would be replicated here by name, but the Tourer will be taking its place. According to Volkswagen, the Tourer includes a fold-out mattress with platform, window blinds, front window ventilation panels, exterior table and chairs, and Overnight Mode software “that adapts interior and exterior functionality to enable the vehicle to be used for overnight stays.” Based off the Pro S 4Motion, the Tourer also adds a retractable tow hitch, captain’s chairs, electrochromic smart roof, Area View (a 360-degree surround-view camera system), and 20-inch dark graphite wheels with black discs.
Volkswagen touts the latest ID.S 6 software (an Android-based system that “introduces enhanced content to improve the user experience”) and a North American Charging System (NACS) adapter, but we still know nothing about MSRP or range, nor are we given any dose of optimism.
Rather than be a Debbie Downer, I’ll simply maintain a “wait and see” attitude.
