Volkswagen’s modern-day Microbus revival is hitting an unexpected speed bump in the U.S. After finally arriving here for the 2025 model year, the ID.Buzz is now slated to skip the 2026 model year entirely. That is a pretty abrupt turn for a vehicle that generated real buzz on looks alone, but Volkswagen says this is more of a strategic pause than a cancellation.
The company’s messaging is essentially: don’t panic, it’s coming back. Volkswagen leadership has indicated the brand wants to better manage inventory by leaning on remaining 2025 production to keep dealers supplied into the middle of next year, then transition to a 2027 model that is expected to show up sometime in 2026. In other words, there will be a gap in the lineup, but not a full stop.
Still, it’s not hard to see why this pause is happening. The ID.Buzz has struggled to turn its retro charm into real volume, and the broader EV market in the U.S. has cooled compared to the hype cycle from a couple of years ago. When a niche EV sits on lots too long, automakers tend to hit the reset button, especially when pricing and real-world usability start to clash with shopper expectations.
That usability conversation always circles back to range. When we reviewed the ID.Buzz, we constantly received remarks that this vehicle should have had a range extender or at least have a much longer range, which is the unfortunate killer for a lot of potential buyers, even though they love the design and everything else it brings to the table. With an EPA estimate in the low-to-mid 200-mile zone depending on configuration and a starting price that pushes past $60,000, plenty of shoppers admire it, then hesitate when they picture road trips, cold-weather range loss, or just the daily mental math of charging.
If Volkswagen wants the ID.Buzz to come back stronger for 2027, the playbook feels obvious: more range, a more approachable price structure, and maybe even a rethink of trims and packaging to broaden appeal beyond early adopters. The ID.Buzz has the personality and presence to be a hit, it just needs the kind of practical EV specs that match the emotion it creates the moment you see it.
Mike Floyd is a finance executive by trade and a car enthusiast at heart. As a CFO with a keen eye for detail and strategy, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering fresh insights and unique perspectives that go beyond the surface. His passion for cars—especially his favorite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, where he blends a love for performance and design with his professional precision. Whether he’s breaking down industry trends or spotlighting emerging innovations, Mike helps keep the site both sharp and forward-thinking.
