When talking about the Volkswagen brand, there are always two nameplates that come to mind - the Beetle and the T2 Bus (Kombi). The latter is so iconic that it even gets its own International Volkswagen Bus Day on the National Calendar on June 2, with the inaugural celebration recently held in Huntington Beach, California.
The highlight of the celebration was the VW Bus' passing of the torch to the ID. Buzz to continue the legacy it started in 1950. For the North American market, the automaker is doing just that with the debut of the three-row ID. Buzz on the first International Volkswagen Bus Day.
The 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will soon offer American consumers a body said to be almost 10 inches longer than the regular version, providing space for the third-row seats. Volkswagen said the minivan will be made available in two seating configurations - a seven-seater and a six-seater consisting of two captain's chairs.
A new generation of VW owners will emerge with the new ID. Buzz, but with sustainability in mind this time around. As standard, the EV has a single rear motor good for 282 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Buyers who want more can opt for the dual-motor AWD option that churns out a claimed 330 hp.
In terms of range, the company has yet to disclose the details. But we know that the three-row ID. Buzz has a larger battery pack, which should provide slightly more EV range over the European-spec version that has a claimed 258-mile range.
Volkswagen has yet to announce the pricing as well but sales are slated to begin next year. To give prospective buyers something to look forward to, the company showcased the surf and camp-themed ID. Buzz Accessories Concept at the event. Among the accessories shown were a surfboard holder, a bed, an on-the-go kitchen set, and a Bluetooth speaker.
The first International Volkswagen Bus Day saw other iconic VWs including the 1954 Bus (Volkswagen of America Heritage Collection), 1958 23-window Bus (private owner), 1963 23-window Rotisserie (private owner), 1963 Standard Microbus dubbed as the Light Bus (private owner), 1966 21-window Bus (Volkswagen of America Heritage Collection), 1967 Standard Microbus (private owner), 1971 Westfalia Camper (private owner), and 1979 Elektrotransporter (Volkswagen of America Heritage Collection).
Back in the 1960s, the VW T2 became an icon of counterculture. The model went on to become a symbol of love and peace, with some calling it the "hippie bus." For the coming years, it's interesting to see what's in store for the electrified successor.