The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: A Retro Electric Van with a Modern Twist

If you're looking for a fun, practical, and affordable electric vehicle, you might want to check out the 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This retro-inspired van is based on the iconic VW Microbus that was popular in the 1960s and 1970s but with a modern twist: it’s fully electric, spacious, and packed with smart features.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is part of VW’s ambitious plan to launch a range of electric vehicles under the ID brand, which stands for Intelligent Design. The company hopes to sell 1.5 million electric vehicles per year by 2025 and challenge Tesla’s dominance in the EV market.

How much does it cost?

One of the ways VW is trying to attract more customers to its electric vehicles is by offering attractive private leasing prices. For example, customers can lease the 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz for as low as $740 per month, with no down payment or deposit required.

That’s a great deal for a vehicle that offers up to 300 miles (482 kilometers) of range, seating for up to seven passengers, and a modular interior that can be customized for different needs.

But what about the US market? The US-spec model will be revealed in June 2023 and be launched in 2024. It will be imported from Germany, as VW has ruled out US production for now.

The US-spec ID. Buzz will have a bigger battery, a longer wheelbase, and a more potent drive unit than the European version. It will also have an all-wheel-drive option with two motors producing 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque.

The price tag for the US-spec ID. Buzz is expected to start from around $60,000, making it America’s most expensive Volkswagen. I can't wait to see the price for the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. That’s considerably higher than other electric vehicles in its segment, such as the Tesla Model Y ($41,990) and the Ford Mustang Mach-E ($42,895).

However, VW may offer some incentives or discounts to make the ID. Buzz more competitive and appealing to US buyers.

How does it perform?

The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is not a performance-oriented vehicle but rather a comfortable and versatile cruiser. It has a rear-wheel-drive layout with a single motor making 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque.

VW claims that the ID. Buzz can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.2 seconds, which makes it one of the slowest electric vehicles on the market. However, it should have enough power for everyday driving and highway cruising.

The ID. Buzz also has a Level 4 self-driving mode that allows the driver to relax and enjoy the ride. The steering wheel can retract into the dashboard when not in use, and a head-up display can project navigation and other information onto the windshield.

The ID. Buzz has a regenerative braking system that can generate around 0.3 g of deceleration purely through regeneration. This means that the rear brakes don’t need to be very powerful or sophisticated.

In fact, VW has opted for drum brakes on the rear axle instead of disc brakes. This may seem like an odd choice for a modern electric vehicle, but VW says that drum brakes are more durable and less prone to corrosion than disc brakes.

How does it look?

The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz has a unique charm and nostalgia factor that sets it apart from the crowd. It’s a vehicle that appeals to both young and old, families and adventurers, hippies, and hipsters.

It’s a vehicle that reminds us of the past but also points to the future.

The ID. Buzz has a distinctive design that pays homage to the original VW Microbus, with short overhangs on both ends, upright sides, plenty of windowed surfaces, and an available two-tone color palette. And let’s not forget the oversized front “VW” logo.

The ID. Buzz also has some modern touches, such as LED headlights and taillights, a panoramic glass roof, and 20-inch wheels. The exterior dimensions are similar to those of the ICE-equivalent T6.1 van, but the ID. Buzz has a longer wheelbase that creates more interior space.

How does it feel?

The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz has a spacious and versatile interior that can be customized for different needs. It can seat up to seven passengers in three rows, with ample headroom and legroom.

The seats are mounted on rails that allow them to slide, swivel, or fold flat. The second row can also be removed to create more cargo space or a lounge area.

The ID. Buzz has a minimalist dashboard with a digital instrument cluster and a voice-controlled infotainment system. There are no physical buttons or knobs except for the gear selector and the window switches.

The ID. Buzz also has a wireless charging pad, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports for connectivity and convenience.

The ID. Buzz is designed to be a fun and practical electric vehicle that can suit various lifestyles and preferences. It’s a vehicle that can take you on a road trip, a camping adventure, or a family outing.

It’s a vehicle that can make you smile.

And that’s something we could all use more of these days. @via VW.