VW ID. Buzz Autonomous: Preproduction Launch, Pricing, and 2025 Innovations

Volkswagen has just launched preproduction of its autonomous ID. Buzz AD in Hanover, with 500 vehicles planned by the end of 2026 and series production slated for 2027. Meanwhile, the "classic" Buzz gains an innovative partition wall priced at €1,856 and sees sales double in 2025, surpassing 60,000 units. An overview of a model juggling nostalgia, electric power, and autonomy.

"Under favorable conditions, virtually fuel-free operation is conceivable" — Enercity, V2G partner of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, on the potential of Vehicle-to-Grid with a fleet of 75 ID. Buzz Cargo units

An Electric Van Finally Selling

The figure had been awaited since the 2022 launch: the ID. Buzz surpassed 60,000 sales in 2025, a first in its history and a doubling compared to the previous year. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles sold a total of 428,000 vehicles in 2025, generating revenue of €16.9 billion. But the division isn't all good news—operating profit collapsed to €245 million against €743 million in 2024.

Despite this, the Buzz remains one of the group's few bright spots. Twenty years after the 2001 Microbus Concept, the production version is holding its own commercially—something that was far from a given during its early years on the market.

What You'll Pay in 2026

The entry-level model starts at €49,998 for the short-wheelbase version with 170 hp. The long-wheelbase "Energy" version—€65,879 official price—is currently negotiable around €59,867 via certain online ordering platforms, a discount of over €6,000. The GTX, a sporty version with 340 hp and all-wheel drive, starts at €66,049 and can exceed €75,000 depending on options.

The short-wheelbase GTX packs a 79 kWh battery for 424 km WLTP range. Home charging remains limited to 11 kW—unimpressive for a van at this price, though 200 kW fast charging makes up for it on the highway.

Real-world range, however, remains the sore point. Frédéric Zock, manager of Elsass Clim and an ID. Buzz Cargo user since June 2023, confides to Automobile Propre that it's "a reason that could lead him to opt for an electric van from another brand." WLTP figures don't always align with intensive professional use. This isn't unique to Volkswagen, but business buyers remember it.

A Partition That Changes Everything (Almost)

The most unexpected recent addition: a partition wall installed at the factory, just behind the second row of seats. Developed with Dutch coachbuilder Snoeks Automotive, it costs €1,856 in Germany and transforms the five-seat Buzz into a passenger/cargo hybrid.

The barrier runs from floor to ceiling, incorporates a window to maintain rear visibility, and can accept optional tinted films. VW claims the system improves climate control efficiency by reducing the volume to be conditioned. The argument holds: heating or cooling only the front cabin logically consumes less energy.

How Much Standard Equipment Weighs

For the standard ID. Buzz, base equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, wireless phone charging, LED headlights and taillights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, seven airbags, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. This is consistent with the price positioning. The GTX adds Matrix LED headlights, sport seats, a black roof panel, and cherry red accents.

What grates is the pervasive touchscreen. Auto Bild notes that "the central touch menu distracts from driving" and that "the window and assistance controls require an adjustment period."