Volkswagen
Excellent news, everybody—it is nearly Volkswagen ID Buzz time. The electrical minivan cherished even by individuals who hate vehicles went into manufacturing in Europe final yr, however solely the short-wheelbase, five-seat model. Ars spent a while driving one in Denmark, the place we found it to be fairly charming however wanted a number of tweaks for its voyage to America. Right now, VW has lastly unveiled the ID Buzz that may go on sale right here subsequent yr. The wheelbase is longer, and there is that vital third row of seats. However it additionally has an even bigger battery and a bit extra energy than the Euro-spec Buzz.
The Buzz’s format stays unchanged. There is a battery pack between the axles, however these axles are about 10 inches farther aside, and the pack now has a gross capability of 91 kWh, a rise of 8 kWh in comparison with the two-row Buzz.
Volkswagen
The Buzz could be specified both with a single-motor, rear-wheel drive powertrain or with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup. There is a new, bigger rear motor than the unit we have seen in different VW BEVs that use the identical modular platform (referred to as MEB). It is nonetheless a everlasting magnet synchronous motor, however it generates 282 hp (210 kW) and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm). The overall energy output for the AWD Buzz is 330 hp (246 kW).
That ought to make for a zippier Buzz than the one we examined final summer season, even accounting for the added mass. Certainly, it has a barely larger prime pace now—99 mph (159 km/h) versus 90 mph (145 km/h). You will not wish to spend a lot time going that quick except you want charging, however VW hasn’t but advised us the estimated vary of this variant, nor how lengthy it takes to cost. We do know that it has a drag coefficient of 0.29.
Volkswagen
In most regards, the three-row Buzz is very similar to the two-row. The sprint nonetheless encompasses a wooden look, plus loads of storage pockets and USB-C charging ports, and the commanding view out the entrance must be unchanged. Step in by means of the facet doorways and issues are a bit totally different, nevertheless, as there are actually two rows of seats again there. They are not detachable, however the seats slide fore and aft and fold flat to create a stage cargo space.
One large criticism I had with the two-door Buzz was the dearth of any air flow within the rear, an issue exacerbated by the truth that its home windows have been fastened. Nicely, somebody was listening as a result of flicking by means of the pictures that VW despatched over exhibits there are actually vents and local weather controls embedded within the roof lining. And there are sliding home windows within the doorways now, too.
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The 12.9-inch infotainment system is totally different from the one we skilled in Europe in 2022. Most individuals will simply use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
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Air vents and sliding rear home windows are new for the three-row. The glass roof has a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal layer to dam daylight.
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The center row can transfer as much as 7.9 inches.
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Here is the third row.
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The ID Buzz cargo space with the third row of seats in use will not be large, however that is widespread to nearly all three rows, be they SUV or minivan.
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Easter eggs abound.
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In 2024 VW may have two new EVs to promote alongside the ID.4 crossover.
Volkswagen
The infotainment system is new, too—regardless of trying lots just like the one I’ve performed with, VW says it is the identical upgraded system that is going within the ID.7 sedan, which additionally goes on sale right here in 2024.
An important unanswered query now we have is: “How a lot will the ID Buzz price?” However automotive makers have a tendency to not give out that sort of info till a number of weeks earlier than they put a mannequin on sale, so for now, we wait.