2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
At the 2022 New York Auto Show I got the chance to take a first look at the all new Volkswagen ID. Buzz, VW's first electric van! The ID. Buzz truly is the relaunch of the VW classic. They’ve only released the European model so there is still a lot we don't know about the US model coming out in 2024. What we do know is it will be on an extended wheelbase and have a third row. Let’s take a look!
Exterior
Okay, so I can totally see how the exterior could be controversial but I think it’s darling! I say if you’re going to do it, do it big… and that’s exactly what Volkswagen did. It’s a nice nod to the old VW Buzz but with updated styling.
The front of electric vehicles always has the potential to be fun because without an engine to cool, you can really do whatever you want (especially with the grill). So, they made that part fun, played with the colors in a fun way, and have the VW logo loud and proud. We love to see that.
When I took a look at the side profile it made me realize that this is a BIG car. It’s really large and definitely a bit different than anything else on the road. The two-tone color situation on the side is really fun and the wheels are… there. Pretty basic, but they’re fine.
The back is pretty flat and simple, which is a trend I’m seeing more and more (think: Wagoneer or G-Wagon). There are kind of a lot of lines down the back, which I would personally knix but no one asked me, so we’ll just go with it. Overall though I think the exterior of the ID. Buzz is fun and different!
Interior
Front
Starting with the driver’s seat… I am obsessed with the pastel yellow and white on the door. Wow. I mean, I’m not sure how family friendly it is but I love it. Aside from it looking amazing, there are also some great and really deep side cubbies and a fun little pocket for your phone (with some USBs) next to the steering wheel. The dash is compact and the infotainment system is beautiful—I love that the yellow icons match the interior.
Everything feels pretty airy and spaced out, which seems to be a trend for electric vehicles. You can hide or pull out the cupholders and even remove the center console (which, I don’t know why i’d ever do that but I wanted to mention it).
In terms of the seats themselves, I love the white leather against the leather cloth (though I hope it will come with darker options), and the seats are comfy and big. The head clearance is insane! And one more fun little feature? A little pocket with a USB-C in the passenger door.
Second Row
Keep in mind that this is the European model—so, some things will be different when this car hits the states. For instance… there will be a third row. But, we’ll talk about what we got to see in this European version for now.
The bench is on a 40/60 split and the space is looking pretty good. There are little trays on the back of the driver and passenger seats… but I kinda hate them. They only raise up to about a 45 degree angle and I just don’t get the point. Below the trays are nice little lower back pockets and there are USBs in the doors. But then we run into a BIG problem. There are no vents. None. Red flag alert! We’ll just have to wait and see if those get added to the version that will hit the States.
I’m pretty obsessed with the bench seat, though. The American version will offer captain’s seats as well, but this bench is great. It’s super wide and I feel good about the possibility of getting 3 carseats across. There are lower anchors on the outbound seats and tether anchors across the whole bench.
Trunk
Okay this is the biggest tailgate I’ve ever seen. The trunk is great but I just need to see more. What does it look like with a 3rd row? What’s the wheelbase situation? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Well, I think this car is super fun and I’m excited to see the extended wheelbase version when it comes to the US (likely in 2024). For now, I’d love to hear your thoughts—are you excited to potentially rock the Volkswagen ID. Buzz or is it a little too much for you?
