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It’s been a long time coming. But Volkswagen has officially started production of the new ID. Buzz. At its German facilities, VW is now making the technology component for the new model, while plants in Salzgitter and Hannover are supplying the battery system, electric drive and chassis. Several new assembly lines are being set up to build the ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo.

VW is trading on the old van’s nostalgia

2023 VW ID Buzz components
Components VW is making for hte ID Buzz | Volkswagen

Volkswagen is trading, big time, on the nostalgia of its old-school busses with the ID. Buzz crossover minivan. The first time we saw an ID. BUZZ was in 2017 with a show van. At the time, VW promised a van that would seat five, offer up to 295 horsepower, a capacitive touchpad on the steering wheel, and a lot more. We’re hoping the nifty swivel seats, optional camping gear, and clean dash from the show car make it to production on the five-seat MPV. It will have two conventionally opening doors and two sliding doors, as well as a clamshell in the back.

When can I buy a new VW ID. Buzz in the U.S.?

The new VW ID. Buzz
The 2023 VW ID Buzz

The VW ID. Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo vans will launch in Europe this year. The North American version will launch in 2023. A long-wheelbase version will follow in 2024. VW has not said when you can order one. Advance sales of the European versions started in May of this year. VW says it has no plans to see the ID. Buzz Cargo in North America. Prices have also not been announced; however many are expecting it to start at about $55,000, before tax credits.

The VW ID. Buzz will stand out

VW ID Buzz and Buzz Cargo vans
ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo | VW

Most EVs look like, well, EVs. Sure, the new Chevy Blazer and the GMC Hummer look like rough and tumble SUVs, but the VW ID. Buzz is doing all it can to look like the venerable old Transporter vans. The Buzz has the familiar sloping line in the front, a large glass passenger area, and all the hallmarks that would make anyone who went to Woodstock immediately nostalgic. The Buzz, however, will have fewer seats than those old vans. With the driver seating behind, instead of on, the front wheel like in the old vans, it should drive less like a city bus.  

Fun fact: VW has not sold a minivan in the US since 2014 when the Routan was discontinued. That van was simply a rebadged Chrysler van.

Will there be an ID. Buzz camper van?

The rear 3/4 view of a yellow-and-silver 2017 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Concept parked on a sandy beach
2017 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Concept rear 3/4 | Volkswagen

One can hope. Volkswagen has not confirmed when a camper van version of the new VW ID Buzz will appear. So far, only the cargo van and passenger vans have been announced. However, it has announced the ID. California. That van was previewed as a pop-top camper in some images at AutoWeek.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.