The Icon Returns – VW ID.Buzz Landing in NZ This June
The wait is finally over for Kiwis longing to get their hands on Volkswagen’s modern take on the beloved Kombi. Arriving in June 2025, the all-electric ID.Buzz brings a hefty dose of nostalgia wrapped in cutting-edge technology – and we’ve got the full breakdown on pricing, specs, and all the details you need to decide if this electric van deserves a spot in your driveway.
“While electric vehicles continue to evolve, the ID.Buzz goes beyond the typical EV narrative,” explains Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand General Manager, Kevin Richards. “Inspired by the Kombi design and built on decades of Volkswagen heritage, this isn’t just another van – it’s an icon in the truest sense of the word.”
Four Flavours of Electric Van: The ID.Buzz Lineup and Pricing
The ID.Buzz will be available in four distinct variants to suit different needs and budgets:
- ID.Buzz Pro NWB (Normal Wheelbase): Starting at $129,990
- ID.Buzz Pro LWB (Long Wheelbase): Starting at $139,990
- ID.Buzz GTX: The performance-oriented flagship at $149,990
- ID.Buzz Cargo: The commercial version starting at $114,990
Power and Performance: What’s Under the Hood?
Despite having no actual “hood” to speak of (at least not in the traditional engine sense), the ID.Buzz packs impressive electric muscle:
ID.Buzz Pro NWB & LWB:
- Motor: Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (rear-mounted)
- Power: 210 kW
- Torque: 560 Nm
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- Battery: 79/84 kWh (net/gross) for NWB, 86/91 kWh for LWB
- Range: 382 km (NWB), 403 km (LWB)
ID.Buzz GTX:
- Motor: Dual permanent-magnet synchronous motors (front and rear)
- Power: 250 kW combined
- Torque: 134 Nm (front) / 560 Nm (rear)
- Drivetrain: 4MOTION all-wheel drive
- Battery: 86/91 kWh (net/gross)
- Range: 396 km
ID.Buzz Cargo:
- Motor: Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (rear-mounted)
- Power: 210 kW
- Torque: 560 Nm
- Battery: 79/84 kWh (net/gross)
- Range: 382 km
- Payload: 707 kg
Size Matters: Dimensions That Define the ID.Buzz
The ID.Buzz strikes an impressive stance on the road:
- Height: Approximately 1896-1899 mm
- Width: 2211 mm (including mirrors)
- Length: 4712 mm (NWB), 4962 mm (LWB)
- Weight: From 2443 kg (Cargo) to 2897 kg (GTX)
Features That Make You Go “Buzz”
The ID.Buzz channels its predecessor’s cheerful demeanor with modern flair. Its friendly “eye-blink” headlights give it an instantly recognizable character that stands out in a sea of conventional EVs.
For those willing to splash extra cash, two-tone paint options recall the classic Kombi look – though at $5,200 for passenger models, nostalgia doesn’t come cheap!
The interior is where the ID.Buzz truly shines. Depending on the model, flexible seating configurations for 5, 6, or 7 passengers are available.
The passenger variants come with:
- Front seats featuring massage function as standard
- The ingenious “ID.Buzz Box” – a removable storage compartment between front seats
- “Ready 2 Discover” infotainment system with 12.9-inch touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multiple USB-C ports throughout the cabin
For those wanting to splurge:
- Optional panoramic roof with adjustable smart glass ($4,000)
- Harman/Kardon sound system and heads-up display package ($3,500)
The ID.Buzz comes equipped with comprehensive safety features including:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
- Travel Assist semi-automated driving assistance
- Side and curtain airbags
Cargo Capabilities: The Working Van
For business owners, the ID.Buzz Cargo offers:
- 707 kg payload capacity
- Up to 328 km electric range
- Partition with window and load-through hatch
- Optional lashing rails and storage solutions
- LED load compartment lighting
As Kevin Richards notes, “The ID.Buzz signals a bold step forward for Volkswagen. It’s a vehicle that embodies freedom and sustainability, designed for those who enjoy the very
The ID.Buzz comes with Volkswagen’s comprehensive warranty package: 5-year/150,000 km mechanical warranty. 5-year Volkswagen Roadside Assistance. 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service plans are available at additional cost: 3-year/45,000 km plan: $1,395 or 5-year/75,000 km plan: $2,695
Is the ID.Buzz Worth the Buzz?
At a starting price of $114,990 for the Cargo and $129,990 for the passenger version, the ID.Buzz certainly isn’t cheap. However, it offers something few other vehicles can – a perfect blend of nostalgia and future-forward technology.
For those who grew up dreaming of Kombi adventures or business owners wanting a statement commercial vehicle, the ID.Buzz represents more than just transportation. As Richards puts it, “So many Kiwis have stories from their past that centre around their love of the Kombi, now they can write some new ones.”
Orders are now open through Volkswagen dealerships across New Zealand, with the first deliveries expected in June 2025.
Whether the ID.Buzz will become as iconic as its predecessor remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain – it’s guaranteed to turn heads on Kiwi roads in a way few other electric vehicles can match.
