Volkswagen has confirmed the ID.Buzz electric van will not be offered for the 2026 model year in the United States, though the company insists this is a temporary measure to prepare for a refreshed 2027 version. The decision comes as sales of the retro-inspired vehicle have lagged behind expectations.
Sales Performance and Dealer Confusion
Through the first three quarters of 2025, Volkswagen sold just 4,934 ID.Buzz units in the US. Initial reports of a full discontinuation surfaced from a Reddit post where a customer claimed a dealer had confirmed the van was being dropped. However, Volkswagen quickly clarified that the dealer was mistaken, and the pause is not a cancellation.
Strategic Inventory Adjustment
According to Volkswagen Group of America CEO Kjell Gruner, the move allows the company to “optimize inventory” by extending the availability of the 2025 model to support dealerships through mid-year. This suggests current stock levels are higher than desired, potentially indicating slower-than-anticipated consumer uptake.
The 2027 Model: What to Expect
The ID.Buzz is slated to return as a 2027 model sometime in 2026. It remains unclear whether this relaunch will include significant design or performance upgrades. The current model features an EPA-estimated range of up to 234 miles and starts at $61,545, which may be factors hindering broader adoption.
The pause in sales is a strategic move by Volkswagen to recalibrate its approach with the ID.Buzz, ensuring a smoother transition into the next model year while addressing current inventory concerns. The long-term viability of the van will depend on whether future updates can address the price and range limitations that have impacted sales so far.
