In December 2025, Kjell Gruner, the CEO of VW Group of America, sent a memo to Team Gillman Volkswagen of Kingwood and all other Volkswagen dealers stating that there wouldn’t be a 2026 model year for the ID.Buzz. It seemed like terrible news for the model, but looking back, it simply made good business sense.   

The 2025 ID.Buzz arrived late in the model year, which would have meant a short 2026 model year anyway. Then, the elimination of the $7,500 EV tax credit in the fall caused a front-loading of EV sales before the deadline and a dearth afterward, making even a short 2026 model year less sensible. This was primarily a U.S. issue. Globally, Volkswagen sold 60,700 ID.Buzz models in 2025. 

The good news is that the VW Group’s American CEO has said, “there’s always going to be a Buzz out there,” confirming that 2027 production will start “in the summer,” with deliveries reaching customers by early fall. We will continue to receive the long-wheelbase model. When asked about the shorter-wheelbase model or the cargo van version, Gruner stated: “It’s just not the right thing for the U.S. market.” It is difficult to argue with that, as a vehicle shaped like the ID.Buzz, but seating only five could make it difficult to find a market in the U.S.  

On the other hand, Gruner did not rule out the possibility of a camper van that had been part of the model lineup for the previous VW Vanagon models. The lack of such a model quickly prompted third parties to design fold-out beds, cabinets, and kitchens to fit into the ID. Buzz. If Volkswagen were to design one itself, it would likely be better integrated and less expensive than the aftermarket options.  

Gruner stated that “intro discussions” are underway regarding a camper version, which, given the timing, suggests the model would not be ready for the 2027 model year, making it a late 2027 or possibly early 2028 model.  

Meanwhile, higher fuel costs may bring renewed interest in the ID.Buzz and EVs in general, as electricity rates, while not immune to fluctuations in the cost of oil, are far more stable. In addition, electric motors are far more efficient than gasoline engines, so the ID.Buzz is rated at 83 MPGe (80 MPGe with AWD), meaning its energy-to-motion conversion is equivalent to a gas-powered vehicle getting 83 miles per gallon. No gas-powered or hybrid model can accomplish that, let alone one capable of carrying six or seven people in comfort along with their cargo. And certainly no other seater on the market has the style inside and out of the ID.Buzz. 

As of this writing, Team Gillman Volkswagen of Kingwood still has some 2025 ID.Buzz models in stock, so come by our store off I-69 near Kingwood to see what the “Buzz” is all about.