We’ve seen the ID. Buzz for a while now, since Volkswagen dropped the short-wheelbase, European-spec design on us last year. But now, the German automaker has revealed the version we’ll see here in North America.
Canada and the US will only have the three-row, long wheelbase (LWB) version you see here. We also get a bigger battery and more power: the LWB models have a 91 kWh battery vs. Europe’s 82 kWh unit, and our rear-drive models have 282 hp vs. Europe’s 201 hp. We also get all-wheel drive, though Volkswagen will only say that will have dual motors and ‘around’ 330 hp; expect the AWD model to be the only one available here in Canada. Top speed for the RWD model is limited to 90 mph (145 km/h) and 99 mph (160 km/h) for the AWD version.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz / James Lipman
This LWB model is 10 inches longer than the two-row model, but still just 194.4 inches in total length, and around a foot shorter than other minivans on the road, despite seating seven passengers (or six with the optional second-row captain’s chairs).
Volkswagen ID. Buzz / James Lipman
The ID. Buzz sports dual power actuated sliding side doors with small window insets that open. A power tailgate is also standard. Inside, smart features include a removable centre storage console with dividers that double as an ice scraper and a bottle opener.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz / James Lipman
An available panoramic glass sunroof has electrochromic tinting, which changes from clear to opaque with the flip of a switch. And at 67.4 inches long and 40.8 inches wide, it’s the largest sunroof in any Volkswagen Group vehicle.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz / James Lipman
The ID. Buzz also features the ID. Light system, a light strip that runs below the windshield and reacts to driver input and requests with various light pulses to signal status such as readiness to drive, turn instructions from the navigation system, brake prompts from driver-assistance systems, incoming phone calls and other information.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz / James Lipman
IQ.DRIVE driver assistance technology is standard here, featuring driver assist systems such as highway lane centreing and a capacitive steering wheel to help make driving easier. Park Assist with remote parking and Area View are other available features.
Volkswagen says the ID. Buzz will be available here sometime next year.
