The VW ID. Buzz May Get Buzzier

If you’re like me, you’re waiting on Volkswagen to introduce the ID. Buzz to the U.S. market. If the model name is not resonating with you at the moment, you may be more familiar with the ID. Buzz than you think as it’s the new (new age?) incarnation of the Microbus. Volkswagen has teased us over the years with concept cars influenced by the iconic transporter but not until now, with the advent of EVs, has VW put the reimagined van in production.

The ID. Buzz has been available in Europe since last year, with American sales expected to begin by the end of 2023. We actually have had a preview of sorts with the ID.4, Volkswagen’s compact EV crossover that shares its platform with the ID. Buzz, so it gives us a hint of what we can expect. Current ID.4 models in America feature several variations of the electric motor and horsepower output, with AWD versions putting out 295 horsepower — a huge step up from the RWD’s 201 horses.

But more power could be on the horizon, as Autocar reports that Volkswagen’s chief of research and development, Kai Gruenitz, has gone on record stating that VW aspires to offer more versions of the van. “The GTX will be a cool high-performance version, with 250kW [335 horses with dual motors], a dedicated interior, new exterior colors and some additional features … It will have three rows and seven seats, and you can pull them all out of the back. It will also have captain chairs that turn around.”

To clarify, the GTX designation is a European thing usually used for sportier Volkswagen variants, with Volkswagen of America generally offering upgrades without that traditional designation. As our ID. Buzz will begin with a long-wheelbase, three-row version with 295 horsepower and AWD (similar to AWD ID.4s already available stateside), could we see a 335-horse upgrade too?

Gruenitz adds, “There will be a camper version. The first concept is being worked on now. It’s interesting what’s possible and what would be cool and usable.”