This story is available exclusively to Business Insider
subscribers. Become an Insider
and start reading now.
Have an account? .
- Volkswagen is reviving its iconic hippie bus as an electric vehicle.
- The ID. Buzz electric van will hit US shores in 2024 with a quirky interior and nostalgic looks.
- VW on Friday unveiled the version of the van coming to North America.
The iconic Volkswagen Microbus is back.
But this time — it's electric.
The automaker on Friday revealed the US version of its upcoming ID. Buzz, an all-electric van that represents the rebirth of a VW icon.
We've seen the European version of the ID. Buzz, but the North American model is longer, has an extra row of seats, and offers more horsepower.
The US van is 10 inches longer than the European one.
It's 192.4 inches long, about the same as a Toyota Highlander SUV and about a foot shorter than a Honda Odyssey minivan.
The van's short overhangs and boxy shape provide lots of space in its funky cabin, VW says.
Up front, drivers get seats with armrests…
… plenty of little nooks and crannies for stashing sunglasses and snacks …
… a small screen that shows things like the speedometer …
… and a big touchscreen front and center.
There are handy storage spots and USB ports scattered throughout the van.
Here's what the middle row looks like.
And here's the third row.
Some other interior configurations: Buyers can opt for second-row captain's chairs, bringing the seating total to six. They can also remove the third row.
Some other highlights of the van's interior include a removable center console and an optional panoramic sunroof that tints at the press of a button.
The brake and accelerator pedals come emblazoned with cute play and pause symbols.
Ambient lighting with 30 color options comes standard.
The ID. Buzz comes with a single motor and rear-wheel drive as standard. It makes 282 horsepower.
Customers can also choose all-wheel drive, which adds a second motor and boosts power to 330 horses.
Volkswagen hasn't said what it expects the ID. Buzz's EPA range rating to be.
Inside and out, VW included a smattering of retro touches meant to recall the classic 1960s hippie bus.
There's an oversized VW logo up front…
… fake air vents in back …
… and bold, two-tone paint jobs available.
You can get a few three-row electric vehicles now — like the Tesla Model X and Rivian R1S — but none are quite like the ID. Buzz.
VW says North American sales should start in 2024.
Do you plan to buy an ID. Buzz? Have other thoughts about electric cars? Contact this reporter at tlevin@businessinsider.com