Just saw a video saying the extended version of the VW ID Buzz is coming to the U.S. Starting at $61,500 for the base model with only a 230-mile range. Am I crazy, or will this totally flop in the American market?
The shorter version is popular in Norway, especially with folks needing a big 7-seater. Pricey, but there aren’t many electric options with decent range.
Imani said:
The shorter version is popular in Norway, especially with folks needing a big 7-seater. Pricey, but there aren’t many electric options with decent range.
Kia EV9 could be an option—prices just dropped in Denmark, so maybe in Norway too?
@martin
It’s a bit more expensive and has less space, but it does look great.
Imani said:
@martin
It’s a bit more expensive and has less space, but it does look great.
Check out Bjorn’s banana box test on YouTube. Capacity behind the second row: Model X (6-seater): 10 boxes, EV9: 19 boxes, Buzz: 30 boxes.
@jeff
Wow, that’s impressive!
chozen said:
@jeff
Wow, that’s impressive!
And that’s with the shorter EU version of the ID Buzz!
@martin
The Buzz just drives so much better than the EV9. Love how it feels on the road.
@martin
I think the ID Buzz will appeal to families or people who need more space. Might not be for everyone, but it has a unique charm.
Imani said:
The shorter version is popular in Norway, especially with folks needing a big 7-seater. Pricey, but there aren’t many electric options with decent range.
In Norway, it’s actually cheaper to go electric than gas, thanks to taxes. Makes sense for them to invest in EVs over there.
@Maria
Plus, Norway has a strong economy with good wages, only 5.5 million people, and a sovereign fund that supports public infrastructure.
Hoping they improve the range or lower the price so the first-gen ones drop enough for me to buy. The range doesn’t bother me too much if it’s affordable.
Nathan said:
Hoping they improve the range or lower the price so the first-gen ones drop enough for me to buy. The range doesn’t bother me too much if it’s affordable.
If it were closer to $40k, I’d get it. But at $61,500, plus dealer markups, it’s hard to justify.
@kwame
At that price, it’s more of a fashion statement than a practical purchase. Kind of like the Cybertruck in that way.
Jason said:
@kwame
At that price, it’s more of a fashion statement than a practical purchase. Kind of like the Cybertruck in that way.
It’s mostly about nostalgia. Practicality isn’t the selling point here.
I think it’s going to flop big time. VW really missed the mark here.
sorphia said:
I think it’s going to flop big time. VW really missed the mark here.
They’ll say ‘no one wants an electric minivan’ when people actually want an affordable, practical EV. Price and range make it hard to buy for most families.
Only seen a few here in Europe. Looks cool, but the price and range combo aren’t ideal.
Volkswagen’s pricing is way off for the U.S. market. Other brands offer more for less.
With a starting price of $61,500, it’s competing with the EV9, which is about $55k. It might be too niche for mainstream buyers, but it could find a loyal fanbase among nostalgia-driven buyers.