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VW's ID. Buzz is coming back to the U.S. for 2027
After briefly being pulled from U.S. ordering, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is set to return to American dealer lots as a 2027 model. Volkswagen Group of America CEO Kjell Gruner told The Drive that the electric minivan will be reintroduced in mid-2026 for the 2027 model year, reassuring buyers that dealers currently have enough inventory to bridge the gap until the refreshed units arrive.
Why the pause — and what it means
Sales have been weak: fewer than 5,000 ID. Buzz units were sold in the U.S. between January and September 2025. That low demand for a large, premium electric people carrier likely triggered the temporary halt. The pause gives Volkswagen time to re-evaluate pricing, volume allocation and potentially prepare mid-cycle updates without leaving showrooms empty.
Facelift rumors and technical limitations
Speculation about a refresh continues, but no prototype mules have surfaced yet. Industry sleuths note that recently spied MEB-platform prototypes include rear drum brakes and appear to retain the current 400-volt electrical architecture — suggesting any update may be evolutionary rather than revolutionary. If Volkswagen keeps the same 400V platform and hardware, major gains in fast-charging speed and outright performance will be limited.
What critics and fans say
The ID. Buzz has been a polarizing model. On one hand, it’s the only three-row electric vehicle on sale in the U.S. with dual power-sliding rear doors, plus bold retro styling that clearly nods to the original Microbus. That uniqueness carved out a distinctive niche in the EV market.
On the other hand, buyers and reviewers have called out three core weaknesses: a high starting price, a modest electric range for its segment, and performance that underwhelms compared with some competitors. Those factors have limited mainstream appeal despite the Buzz’s character and interior versatility.
Key specifications and pricing (current model)
- Battery: 91 kWh gross high-voltage pack (plus a 12-volt accessory battery)
- EPA combined range: ~231–234 miles (372–377 km) depending on trim
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard; 4MOTION dual-motor AWD available
- Pricing (2025 base): $59,995 for RWD Pro S before destination and options
- AWD pricing: Pro S Plus 4MOTION listed at $67,995 versus $63,495 for Pro S Plus RWD
Market positioning and competition
Compared with three-row rivals like the Kia EV9, the ID. Buzz markets itself on style and practicality rather than outright range or performance. Its retro exterior, inspired by the 1950s–60s Microbus (the split-window “Splittie” and later Bay Window models), makes it stand out in a sea of modern-looking SUVs and crossovers. But, for many buyers, form hasn’t sufficiently matched function when charging speed, range and value are considered.
Looking ahead
Volkswagen has work to do if it wants the ID. Buzz to reach broader acceptance in the U.S. A mid-cycle refresh could help — especially if it addresses pricing, efficiency or charging capability — but rumors suggest changes may be incremental. Still, the Buzz’s return gives Volkswagen another opportunity to refine messaging and inventory strategy while keeping an eye on how the EV market evolves.
Highlights:
- ID. Buzz will return to U.S. showrooms as a 2027 model, arriving mid-2026.
- Low early sales and technical constraints (400V architecture) limit dramatic improvements.
- Unique selling points: three-row layout, dual power-sliding doors, retro Microbus styling.
Source: autoevolution
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