For enthusiasts yearning for the iconic Volkswagen camper van, the wait is finally over. After a two-decade absence, the spirit of the VW camper bus is making a triumphant return to the United States with the all-electric ID. Buzz. This exciting comeback not only revives a beloved classic but also addresses the growing demand for compact, affordable mini-camper options in the market. Breaking away from the increasingly common $100K+ price tags associated with camper vans, the inaugural American ID. Buzz camper van arrives with an enticing starting price under $75,000.
Two weeks prior to Volkswagen’s official announcement, Peace Vans, a renowned name in VW camper conversions, unveiled their pioneering plans for a US-market ID. Buzz camper van. While their initial pricing details were released, the absence of an official price for the ID. Buzz itself left potential buyers in a state of anticipation regarding the ultimate cost of a complete Volkswagen camper van.
This week, Volkswagen put an end to the speculation by announcing the pricing for the ID. Buzz. The van will start at US$59,995, excluding a $1,550 destination fee. It’s important to note that the Volkswagen e-van, being manufactured at the Hanover plant in Germany, will not qualify for a federal tax credit. Consequently, buyers will need to account for the full $61,545 for the base level Pro S model.
Peace Vans has stepped in to bridge the gap for eager adventurers with their “Buzz Sleeper” conversion kit, starting at $10,995. This brings the total starting price for the first available ID. Buzz camper van in the US market to $72,540, encompassing both the van and the camper kit. The Buzz Sleeper kit is thoughtfully designed and includes a convenient fold-out double bed and a practical slide-out tailgate kitchen unit. The kitchen is equipped with a single-burner stove, a sink, and an electric refrigerator. The installation process involves removing the third row of seating and fitting the kit behind the second row. This smart design allows the ID. Buzz to maintain its versatility as an everyday multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) without the need to constantly swap the camper box in and out for the third-row seats.
Peace Vans confirmed that their camper kits are compatible with all announced ID. Buzz trim levels from Volkswagen. For those seeking enhanced capability, particularly in challenging terrains, the off-road aftermarket support might not yet rival that of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter. However, buyers can opt for a factory-fitted 4Motion all-wheel-drive Buzz. To access this feature, one would need to upgrade to the Pro S Plus trim, which has a base price of $69,545, including destination, for the Pro S Plus 4Motion variant.
Opting for an AWD camper with the Peace Sleeper kit brings the base price to $80,540. This is a noteworthy development, especially considering that previously available midsize commercial vans in the US market, such as the Mercedes Metris and Ford Transit Connect, lacked an all-wheel or four-wheel-drive option. With these models no longer available, the RWD and AWD ID. Buzz campers primarily compete with conversions of minivans like the Toyota Sienna (available with AWD) and Kia Carnival (FWD only).
The ID. Buzz boasts an officially EPA-estimated range of 234 miles (377 km) for the rear-wheel-drive model and 231 miles (372 km) for the AWD version. This range significantly surpasses the 108-mile (166-km) maximum range seen in larger electric camper vans like the Ford E-Transit concept (though Ford has since improved the high-roof Transit range to an estimated 148 miles or 238 km). However, the Buzz falls slightly short of the 270-mile (435-km) range advertised by Grounded for their BrightDrop Zevo-based electric motorhome.
While the ID. Buzz’s range might slightly limit the boundless open-road freedom traditionally associated with Volkswagen camper buses, drivers will find the van exceptionally well-equipped for enjoying those zero-emission miles. The base Pro S model is packed with interior features and comforts, including a 12.9-inch infotainment display with wireless App Connect, 12-way power-adjustable heated and ventilated front seats with dual armrests, massage, and memory functions, heated second-row outboard seats, three-zone Climatronic automatic climate control, a nine-speaker audio system, and Volkswagen Car-Net with Wi-Fi.
The Pro S trim also integrates driver-assistance features designed to reduce the strain of long drives. These include the IQ.Drive suite, Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking, front and rear Park Distance Control, and Light Assist.
Upgrading to the Pro S Plus package adds even more premium features, such as a head-up display, an around-vehicle area view camera, a powerful 700-watt 14-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, convenient easy open/close dual power-sliding rear doors and tailgate, and a manually retractable tow hitch. For those considering occasional camping without a full camper package, the optional Flexboard provides a flat floor extension to the tailgate when the seats are folded down.
Volkswagen is launching with an exclusive ID. Buzz 1st Edition, based on the Pro S trim. This special edition will feature a two-tone exterior paint scheme, unique badging and interior trim, roof rail crossbars, distinctive 20-inch wheels, and an electrochromic glass roof that offers a stunning vanlife view of the night sky. It also includes the Harman Kardon audio system, easy open/close doors, Flexboard, and Area View. Prices for the 1st Edition start at $67,045 for the RWD and $71,545 for the 4Motion AWD.
As previously announced, the US-market ID. Buzz will exclusively be offered as a three-row long-wheelbase model, with dimensions of 195 x 78 x 75 inches (495 x 198 x 191 cm, L x W x H). All models will be equipped with a 91-kWh battery. The RWD model delivers 282-hp with its single-motor drive, while the AWD version boasts a more powerful 335-hp dual-motor drive system.
Peace Vans is set to begin installing their camper kits into customer vehicles starting in November. Beyond the Buzz Sleeper kit, they will also offer the Buzz Box, a standalone tailgate kitchen unit, and a more comprehensive, fixed camper van floor plan known as the Buzz Camper. The Buzz Box will be available for $7,995, while pricing for the Buzz Camper is yet to be announced.
Sources: Volkswagen, Peace Vans
