If you’re like me, you are waiting for Volkswagen to present the ID. Buzz for the American market. If the model name doesn’t resonate with you at the moment, you may be more familiar with the ID. Buzz, as you’d expect, as this is the new (new age?) incarnation of the Microbus. Volkswagen has teased us with concept cars over the years that were influenced by the iconic transporter, but until now, with the advent of electric vehicles, VW hasn’t put the reimagined van into production.
The identifier. Buzz has been available in Europe since last year, American sales are expected to start at the end of 2023. In fact, we got a preview of sorts with the ID.4, Volkswagen’s compact EV crossover that shares its platform with the ID. Buzz, so it gives you an idea of what to expect. Current ID.4 models in America come in a variety of electric motor and horsepower ratings, with AWD versions making 295 horsepower—a huge improvement over the RWD’s 201 horsepower.
But there may be more powers on the horizon than Coach reports that Volkswagen R&D chief Kai Gruenitz noted that VW intends to offer more variants of the van. “The GTX will be a cool high-performance version with 250 kW [335 horses with dual motors], a dedicated interior, new exterior colors and a few more features… It will have three rows and seven seats, all of which you can slide out of the back. There will also be captain’s chairs that turn around.”
To be clear, the GTX designation is a European thing, usually used for sportier Volkswagen variants, Volkswagen of America usually offers upgrades without this traditional designation. Like our ID. The Buzz starts with a long-wheelbase three-row version with 295 horsepower and AWD (similar to the AWD ID.4s already available stateside), could we see a 335 horsepower upgrade?
Gruenitz adds: “There will be a caravan version. They are currently working on the first concept. It’s interesting what is possible and what would be good and usable.”
