VW reveals pricing for electric answer to iconic Kombi van

The commercial vehicle arm of German carmaker Volkswagen has revealed pricing for its first all-electric vehicle in Australia – the ID. Buzz.

The ID. Buzz will be available in Australia in four variants, starting with a back-to-basics rear-wheel-drive Cargo that is targeted at those wanting flexibility of interior space – or even perhaps looking to kit it out like the Kombi camper days of old.

Starting at $79,990 and fitted simply with a driver’s seat plus double bench seat up front, the Cargo’s 3.9 cubic metre rear space is separated by a fixed partition.

While complete local specs are yet to be confirmed, much of what can be expected can be gleaned from European details.

Able to carry a 640kg payload, overseas the Cargo’s partition is available with an optional window or opening, as well as a “Buzz Box” which slides in and has a 5 litre compartment topped by a 1.4 litre top-opening storage area with ice scraper and bottle opener.

Stepping up from the Cargo are rear-wheel-drive two people mover versions, known as the “Pro” variant in overseas markets. These start from $87,990 for a five seater short-wheelbase variant, and $91,290 for a seven-seater long-wheelbase variant - all before on-road costs.

In addition to the five and seven-seater Pro people mover is the top-of-the-line, seven-seater, all-wheel-drive GTX 4Motion. Engineered to tow 1.6 tonnes overseas, it is only the long-wheelbase version that will go on sale in Australia.

Second row occupants of the people mover are seated on a bench seat that can be moved back and forth 150mm to create addition legroom or cargo space or folded down in a flexible 60:40 split. European specs include a payload capacity of 529kg, and the generous 1121 litre luggage space behind the second row expands to 2205 litres with the seats down.

As for confirmed local specs, all variants come with 19” Tilburg alloys as standard, a comprehensive range of safety features including lane assist, rear traffic alert, swerve support, lane exit warning, park assist, seat belt alerts and advanced driver attention monitoring.

Connectivity includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 45 watt USB-C ports in the dashboard and back row. There are nine speakers in total (five in the front and four in the back), and an inductive charging spot for the phone.

Two charging cables (one for home and a type 2 cable for AC chargers when out and about) also come as standard.

While there are three top tethers in the back row for child seats, there are only two ISO-fix anchors, one on each of the outside seats. 

Several optional extras are also available for the ID. Buzz Cargo. For a more polished appearance, drivers can opt for metallic or pearl effect paint finishes for $1890, in green, orange, silver, yellow, blue or black. The Cargo variant also allows for customisation of access options, such as fixed panels instead of windows in the rear wing doors for $390, an electric open/close tailgate for $890, and electric sliding doors for $1610.

Inside, practical upgrades are also available for the Cargo variant such as heavier-duty upholstery for $390 and a universal floor covering with lengthwise lashing rails for $1490, to assist with secure load management. Those looking to stand out with wheels can opt for 19" Tilburg alloy wheels in black with a diamond-turned finish for $3500.

Functional improvements include an underride guard for $690, to provide extra protection at the rear, and a terminal block to enable electrical upgrades for $290.

Also, there are more comprehensive exterior upgrade packages options; the Tailgate Package is available for $3480, while the Rear Wing Doors Package is priced at $2980. Both include ‘IQ. Light’ LED matrix headlights for $2100 and illuminated moulding between the headlamps, available for $490, and either the electronic tailgate or fixed panel rear wing doors. 

Also available for the ID. Buzz people movers are a range of optional extras including a panoramic sunroof featuring smart glass, priced at $3290, or individually controllable seat heaters for the front and outer seats in the second row for $390.

The Infotainment Package Plus adds a heads-up display and a Harman Kardon sound system for $2200, while the Interior Style Package, priced at $6470, comes with a sustainable Seaquel fabric option worth $3790, a luggage area load platform and net partition worth $1300, and dark-tinted windows in the rear worth $990 plus the heated seats option.

A more luxurious Premium Interior Style Package is on offer for $6970, and includes ArtVelours upholstery worth $4290, plus the luggage load platform and dark tinted rear windows.

Paint options include premium metallic or pearl effect finishes, each available for $1890, or a distinctive two-tone paint option priced at $4090. The vehicle can also be fitted with 21" Bromberg alloy wheels, finished in black with a diamond-turned surface, for $1900.

Orders are now being taken for the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen Australia has confirmed. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Director Ryan Davies says that 7000 expressions of interest have already been received.

That’s little wonder considering how fondly many remember its predecessor, the Kombi.

“Many Australians have a deep emotional and historical connection with Volkswagen vans and people movers,” Mr Davies said.

“We’re delighted to deliver the highly desirable BEV reinventions of those classics.”

The zero-emissions answer to the much-loved and iconic Kombi van will go into production for Australia shortly, and first deliveries are slated for early 2025, says the brand.

The ID. Buzz will be joined by the ID. 5 and ID.4 - which almost a year ago took a drive up Australia’s east coast, plugging in at an NRMA charger - by the end of 2024, and Volkswagen Australia has confirmed that final pricing discussions are now taking place.

Both were initially expected to arrive in July, along with the Škoda Enyaq, pricing for which will be announced imminently with deliveries starting by year's end.