Volkswagen’s next-generation ID. Buzz promises to be cheaper
Words: Kyle Cassidy
Volkswagen is developing a second-generation ID. Buzz, with a new platform expected to bring lower costs, improved technology and faster charging to its electric Kombi successor.
The price issue is relevant here. Volkswagen New Zealand currently lists the passenger ID. Buzz from $129,990 plus on-road costs, with five to seven seats and a claimed WLTP range of 382–403km, depending on specification.
Volkswagen chief executive Thomas Schäfer confirmed the replacement to Auto Express at the Paris Motor Show, acknowledging the current model’s “wrong cost base” is limiting sales.
Read more – 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz NWB Review
The next ID. Buzz will move from today’s MEB architecture to Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform, or SSP. The change is expected to improve range, charging performance and software while reducing development and production costs.
Volkswagen Group has separately confirmed that SSP vehicles will use electronic architecture and software developed through its joint venture with Rivian. The system is designed to support infotainment and driver assistance features that can be updated remotely over time.
Schäfer also suggested that lithium iron phosphate batteries could help make the next ID. Buzz more affordable, although its battery specifications have not been confirmed.
Volkswagen design chief Andreas Mindt has cautioned against repeatedly recycling retro styling, citing the challenges posed by successive modern Beetles.
However, he remains committed to giving the electric van a distinctive character. “This I can promise you in the future: it will be interesting,” he told Auto Express.
Updates are also planned for the existing ID. Buzz before the all-new model arrives.
Volkswagen Group expects its first SSP-based vehicles by the end of the decade.
