VW ID. Buzz finally can be ordered in the US, but there's a catch

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, an electric minivan with retro styling reminiscent of the iconic VW bus, has finally made its way to the United States. American buyers can now configure and order their vans through Volkswagen's online configurator. However, there's a surprising detail that might make some potential customers raise an eyebrow: rear drum brakes.

While the ID. Buzz offers a futuristic electric powertrain and a spacious, modern interior, the presence of drum brakes on the rear wheels seems like a step back in time. In an era where even budget-friendly cars feature disc brakes on all four corners, this choice by Volkswagen might seem perplexing, especially considering the ID. Buzz's hefty curb weight of around 6,000 lb.

To be fair, electric vehicles rely heavily on regenerative braking, using the electric motor to slow the vehicle and recapture energy at the same time. This reduces the reliance on traditional friction brakes, making the type of rear brakes arguably less critical. Still, for a vehicle of this size and price point, those drum brakes might give some buyers an excuse to hit the pause.

Speaking of price point, the base Pro S model starts at $59,995, offering features like a heated steering wheel, LED headlights, 12-way power heated and ventilated front seats with massage, three-zone automatic climate control, and a suite of driver-assistance technologies.

Stepping up to the Pro S Plus trim, priced at $63,495, adds a dual-tone paint job, a premium Harman Kardon sound system, a retractable trailer hitch, a heads-up display, and a 360-degree camera system.

Volkswagen also offers an all-wheel-drive version of the Pro S Plus with a dual-motor setup, adding $4,500 to the price tag. This 4Motion variant also includes a heated windshield and captain's chairs for the second row, reducing the seating capacity from seven to six.

For early adopters, Volkswagen has introduced two "1st Edition" models starting at $65,495. This special edition features exclusive 20-inch wheels and a panoramic fixed-glass roof with electrochromic smart dimming. All-wheel-drive 4MOTION 1st Edition is available as well, at an extra $4,500.

All versions of the ID. Buzz use a 91 kWh battery, providing an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles for rear-wheel-drive models and 231 miles for all-wheel-drive trims. Unfortunately, since the ID. Buzz is manufactured in Germany, it does not qualify for the $7,500 federal tax credit when buying the vehicle outright. Leasing options fix that situation and offer some interesting incentives.

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