The Volkswagen W ID. Buzz will get a second-generation model in the U.S., though its status has been confusing recently.
The U.K. outlet Auto Express reports that Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer confirmed the development of a new generation of the ID. Buzz at the recent Paris Motor Show. The retro-inspired electric minivan is still being built for overseas markets, but Volkswagen skipped the 2026 and 2027 model years in the U.S. because of slow sales. As a result, dealers still have 2025 models in stock.
‘The Wrong Cost Base’
The ID. Buzz’s relatively low 234-mile range and relatively high $60,000 starting price are likely why the minivan hasn’t sold well in the U.S., and Schäfer acknowledged this. He described the minivan as being “on the wrong cost base,” saying that “makes it difficult to really be successful and get into volume in the market.”
The Buzz on the Next ID. Buzz
Volkswagen’s head of design, Andreas Mindt, has ideas for the coming ID. Buzz.
“It will be interesting,” Mindt promises. He told Auto Express, “I don’t want to repeat a design over and over again, I think there’s a dead end to it.” Mindt cited the latest VW Beetle as an example of a resurrected retro design that ran its course.
While design details of the next ID. Buzz are unknown, it’s safe to guess that it will be more affordable and have a longer range. Schäfer said the next Buzz will use the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP) architecture. Compared to the outgoing MEB platform, the SSP offers more range, faster charging, and better software. Because SSP will serve as the unified foundation for several VW models, it could reduce development and production costs. Schäfer also suggested that more affordable batteries, like lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) cells, could be an option too.
Timeless Appeal in Due Time
It’s still unclear when the new ID. Buzz will be released. Auto Express speculates that the first VW built on the SSP platform will be a flagship SUV due before the end of the decade and that the ID. Buzz will arrive after that.
Until we get a first look, we can continue to guess at its appearance and capabilities based on VW’s core values. According to Mindt, “Our three values are: stable, likable, and secret sauce.” He went on to explain, “You can apply this in the past, in the present, and in the future as well, as these values are timeless.”
