The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Won’t Return to the U.S. Until Next Year
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will not be returning to our shores as soon as we thought.
The German automaker is no longer bringing its battery-powered van back to the U.S. this fall, according to Automotive News. Instead, the modern-day minibus won’t be available stateside until the first half of next year at the earliest.
The news, which the automaker confirmed to newspaper, was delivered to VW’s American dealers earlier this week and comes mere months after the brand announced that the E.V. would return to its lineup this fall as part of the 2027 model year. The decision to push the vehicle’s return back means that it has been withheld from the automaker’s U.S. lineup for at least two consecutive model years.
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Sam Dobbins/Volkswagen
There was plenty of internet chatter surrounding the ID. Buzz when it launched here in the fall of 2024, but it never translated into sales. Initial interest seems to have been hurt by the E.V. being the brand’s most expensive U.S. model and a lackluster 200-mile driving range. President Donald Trump’s import tariffs, the elimination of the federal E.V. tax credit, and two recalls probably didn’t help matters, either. Last December, VW announced that it would pull the vehicle from its lineup for the 2026 model year.
When it does finally return, customers can expect an updated ID. Buzz. VW says the delay will allow it to introduce several “customer-focused” improvements, including North American Charging Standard compatibility, a revised software experience, digital key integration, and a new Tourer trim package aimed at more adventure-minded buyers.
“The [2028] ID. Buzz brings together meaningful customer-focused enhancements in a single launch, further elevating the ownership experience and strengthening the vehicle’s appeal,” a spokesperson for VW American told Robb Report in a statement on Friday. “We look forward to sharing additional details in the months ahead and welcoming the [2028] ID. Buzz to U.S. showrooms next year.”
Here’s hoping that the ID. Buzz sells better when it is finally available again in the U.S., whenever that eventually turns out to be. If it does, maybe then Volkswagen will see fit to also bring over its camper van variant, the ID. California Cruise. Unveiled late last month, the van comes with a number of exclusive accessories designed to make road tripping a little easier. They include rear seats that convert into a bed, ventilation grilles, blackout curtains, and a camping table and chair set. The model, which is currently a European exclusive, starts at 60,800 euros, or roughly $69,250.
