The long-awaited electric successor to the iconic Volkswagen Kombi van will soon make its way to Australia’s shores, as the German automotive giant announced last week that the ID. Buzz will go on sale before Christmas, and below the threshold for Luxury Car Tax.
Unveiled in early 2022 to instant praise, and reviewed here by The Driven’s editor here in late 2022, Australian interest in the ID. Buzz has seen almost 7,000 local expressions of interest – a number Volkswagen expects will increase rapidly in the days to come.
Five ID. Buzz variants will make their way to Australia, starting with the ID. Buzz Pro which will be available in its short wheelbase, five-seater format, or as a long wheelbase seven-seater.
The ID. Buzz Cargo will debut alongside the Pro, available as a three-seat, short wheelbase model with the capacity to carry two pallets.
The top of the range ID. Buzz GTX will begin production later this year and be available for delivery in early 2025.
Most importantly, however, is pricing, and Volkswagen appear to have bent over backwards to ensure a relatively modest price for this most-awaited-for electric vehicle and have ensured it sits under the threshold for Australia’s Luxury Car Tax.
The ID. Buzz Cargo will start at $79,990, before on-road costs, while the ID. Buzz Pro five-seater with short wheelbase will start at $87,990 (before on-roads). The Pro seven-seater with long wheelbase starts at $91,290 (before on-roads), while the top-of-the-line GTX long wheelbase 4Motion variant starts at a hefty $109,990 (before on-roads).
“Many Australians have a deep emotional and historical connection with Volkswagen vans and people movers,” said Ryan Davies, director for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.
“We’re delighted to deliver the highly desirable BEV reinventions of those classics.
“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ first fully electric range gives us a capability to supply families and fleets alike with a vehicle that has been highly anticipated.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
Horizontally opposed batteries and twin inverters. HOT
Looks like the cheapest version “Cargo” at $80K would make a good camper.
Very interesting also couriers and commercial users may be a very big market for these EV vans.
Although that is short wheelbase … long wheelbase would be better for camper …
How big are they?
Actually not much in it long wheelbase is 4960mm and only 250mm longer than the short wheelbase … still who wouldn’t mind a good 250mm?
$80000 plus on road cost, plus charger set up.
Cost $87000 plus
Expressions of interest is not buying them.
At last you do the price plus on road.
$100,000 is steeo
“Many Australians have a deep emotional and historical connection with Volkswagen”
People are having emotional connections with Tesla too.
Though, you see a lot of white supremacists marching in capital cities, so the Volkswagen brand will find buyers.
It’s time The Driven shut down these comment sections.