International Volkswagen Bus Day: VW Unveils Three-Row Version of All-Electric ID. Buzz Minivan

June 2nd is International Volkswagen Bus Day, and to celebrate, Volkswagen unveiled the three-row version of their all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Huntington Beach, California. While the two-row ID. Buzz is already available in other countries, the US market needs a more substantial vehicle, so a proper three-row minivan will be offered here.

VW flew journalists to California to witness the unveiling and experience the new minivan. The ID. Buzz is an interesting proposition as an EV minivan, providing additional space for cargo and passengers. The additional headroom provided by the minivan form factor makes third-row comfort much better.

Two drivetrains will be available for the ID. Buzz: the standard rear-motor, rear-drive 282hp unit, or an all-wheel-drive model with two motors and “about” 330hp. VW did not provide range estimates, but if we extrapolate the quoted range of the European two-row ID. Buzz (423 km or 262 miles from a 77 kWh net battery giving a rough 3.4 miles per kWh efficiency), we might assume that the 91 kWh battery in this three-row model might yield a theoretical 309.4 miles of range. However, the WLTP range estimates used in Europe are a bit optimistic compared to our dour EPA overlords, which seem to be around 11 percent lower across the board. So let’s guesstimate around 275 Real American Miles on a full charge, give or take.

Interior dimensions are vague and subject to interpretation. Externally, length is 192.4 inches – ten inches longer than the two-row model. 77.9 inches in width and 74.6 inches high gives the ID. Buzz roughly the same external footprint as a two-row VW Atlas Cross Sport but with more interior capacity than the three-row Atlas. Distance between the rear wheelhouses is just under four feet, so no hauling of plywood here.

The interior feels legitimately roomy, and the example seen was fitted with the standard middle-row bench seat, giving a seven-seat capacity. Middle-row captains’ chairs giving a total of six seats are optional. If you opt for the bench, that seat splits 60/40 and can be slid forward for additional cargo space. The rear bench, with space for two, splits 50/50 and can be folded flat and even with a removable parcel shelf.

Those rear seats can also be removed rather easily – they do not fold down into the floor like in some other vans, however, as the electric motor and batteries live beneath the floor. The optional sunroof turns opaque via electrochromic tinting.

The new ID. Buzz features Volkswagen’s newest infotainment display paired with touch-sensitive hair-trigger buttonish thingies on the steering wheel. It’s improved a bit here – barely – as the temperature and volume slider controls are now backlit, but give me knobs.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is expected to go on sale in early 2024. More details and a first drive will be coming soon. Stay tuned for all the hot electric eclectic minivan news from TTAC.

Secondary Headers:

– Two Drivetrains Available for ID. Buzz

– Interior Dimensions and Features of ID. Buzz

– Volkswagen’s Newest Infotainment Display in ID. Buzz