ID. Buzz

Make
Volkswagen
Segment
Van

One of Volkswagen's biggest and, perhaps, most important debuts is just days away. The 2024 VW ID.Buzz will make its global debut on March 9 in what will certainly be a huge event. Over the past year, our spy photographers have caught prototypes of the MEB platform-based van and, more recently, leaked interior images hit the web, much to VW's chagrin. Not long ago, VW took a prototype on a promotional tour around parts of Europe.

And now, the German automaker has released what's very likely the final teaser video. The lightly camouflaged prototype is still wearing the rainbow-colored body wrap but its general design and many styling details are apparent. VW clearly takes pride in the fact that the final design does not greatly differ from the 2017 concept.

At the time, not everyone believed VW would actually put the EV into production and yet here we are. It may share a dedicated EV platform with the currently on sale ID.4 crossover and a somewhat similar dashboard design, but that's where things start and finish. The ID.Buzz has a very different mission than the ID.4 and overseas-only ID.3 hatchback due to its larger van proportions for greater versatility.

Not only will there be a passenger version but also a cargo-hauling variant aimed at small businesses and the delivery market in general. Like all modern EVs, the ID.Buzz's battery pack is mounted under the floor, thus allowing designers to stretch the wheels out as far as possible.

This maximizes interior space and allows for a smoother and more refined ride. Unfortunately, this won't allow for the vehicle to come equipped with second-row seats that can fold flat into the floor, a design feature found in minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica. With its standard 117.6-inch wheelbase and 39.6 cubic feet of cargo space in the standard-length model, the ID.Buzz will initially come powered by a 201-horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque electric motor for the European market. Top speed will be around 90 mph.

Full specs for North America are expected at next week's reveal and, hopefully, we'll receive a clearer idea regarding pricing as well.