Volkswagen Launches Affordable ID.Buzz Freestyle: Simpler Style, Lower Price

by AutoExpert   |  2 October, 2024

Share :

Volkswagen has just introduced a more affordable version of the ID.Known as the "Freestyle" in Europe, this model aims to make Volkswagen's retro electric minivan more cost-effective. But with the lower price tag come some noticeable trade-offs, and you’ll have to decide if the savings are worth it.

Starting with the exterior, the Freestyle comes equipped with 18-inch steel wheels—yes, steel wheels—paired with fairly large tires. This minimalist choice is a throwback to simpler times and might remind you of the equally modest setup on the Audi Q4 E-Tron.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

If you prefer a more refined look, VW offers 19-inch alloy wheels, but they’ll set you back about €2,500 ($2,800). The color options are just as basic, with Candy White being the only no-cost choice. If you’re feeling fancy, you can opt for Moon Silver, but it’ll add an extra €1,035 ($1,150) to your bill. The unpainted bumpers and retro side decals add to the budget aesthetic, giving the van an almost 1980s vibe that may or may not appeal to modern tastes.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Inside, things aren’t much more glamorous. The seats are covered in basic cloth, reminiscent of older entry-level Golf models. However, VW hasn’t skimped on tech. Despite the spartan feel, you’ll still get a 12.9-inch display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus some practical perks like height-adjustable front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control. This Freestyle version is available with the standard European wheelbase, unlike the stretched version offered in the US.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

It packs a 59-kWh battery, powering a single rear electric motor that produces 170 horsepower. With 229 lb-ft of torque, it’s not exactly a speed demon, taking 10.7 seconds to hit 62 mph, and it tops out at 90 mph. Weighing nearly 5,300 pounds, it’s more of a cruiser than a sprinter. Charging is relatively efficient, though. Using a DC fast charger, you can go from 10% to 80% in just 24 minutes. Not bad for a family hauler. Priced at just under €50,000, the Freestyle is about €4,000 cheaper than the previous entry-level version, the Pure.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

That translates to around $55,663, making it about $6,000 less than the base model in the US. However, keep in mind that European prices include a 19% VAT, so the numbers don’t quite match up apples to apples. Volkswagen’s move to launch this more affordable ID.Buzz variant follows similar efforts, like introducing a sub-€30,000 version of the ID.3. With the European EV market cooling and emissions targets getting stricter, VW seems keen on offering more accessible options to boost sales and meet regulations before they face hefty fines in the coming years.

Volkswagen ID.Buzz

Recomended:

Behind the Scenes of Crash Testing: How Cars are Tested for Safety - Photo
Others
Behind the Scenes of Crash Testing: How Cars are Tested for Safety

Alright, let’s keep it super casual and dive into the intriguing world of crash testing—because there’s something weirdly mesmerizing about watching cars get totaled in the name of s

AutoExpert
Tesla Model Y's Outpaced Competitors in 2024 - Photo
Others
Tesla Model Y's Outpaced Competitors in 2024

Let's dive into how the Tesla Model Y absolutely crushed it in 2024, leaving other electric vehicles in the dust. Since its debut in 2020, the Model Y hаs become the go-to choice for those wаnting

AutoExpert
Understanding Tesla Charging Options: From Level 1 to Superchargers - Photo
Others
Understanding Tesla Charging Options: From Level 1 to Superchargers

Alright, let’s breаk down what it’s reаlly like to charge a Tesla, becаuse it's probably not whаt you’d expect if you're used to the grаb-and-go of а gas station. Charging on

AutoExpert
Iconic Ferrari F40 Crashed By Mechanic In The UK, Repairs To Cost Millions - Photo
Car News
Iconic Ferrari F40 Crashed By Mechanic In The UK, Repairs To Cost Millions

A rare 1991 Ferrari F40, one of the most iconic supercars ever created and the final masterpiece under Enzo Ferrari’s legendary oversight, has suffered major damage in a crash near Luton, UK. Fo

AutoExpert
Shifting Gears: Young Adults Rethinking Car Ownership for Mobility as a Service - Photo
Others
Shifting Gears: Young Adults Rethinking Car Ownership for Mobility as a Service

Remember when getting your driver's license аnd buying your first cаr was the ultimate rite of passage? Well, it seems like times аre changing, especially for the younger crowd. According to a stu

AutoExpert
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Iconic VW Bus That Seems to Wanna Last Forever - Photo
Others
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Iconic VW Bus That Seems to Wanna Last Forever

Hey everyone, let's take a trip down memory lane and zoom right into the present with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz. Remember those times cruising down the California coast or jamming at a Grateful Dead

AutoExpert
Exploring the Unique World of Rear-Engine Cars: Classics and Innovations - Photo
Others
Exploring the Unique World of Rear-Engine Cars: Classics and Innovations

So, you’re curious about rear-engine cars, huh? They’re kind of the oddballs in the car world, but they’ve got their perks. The engine's tucked away at the back for a couple of c

AutoExpert
Track-Ready Porsche 911: Manthey Unveils Upgrades For GT3 RS And GT2 RS - Photo
Tuning
Track-Ready Porsche 911: Manthey Unveils Upgrades For GT3 RS And GT2 RS

For those who want their Porsche 911 to feel even more track-ready, Manthey has rolled out two exciting upgrade kits for American enthusiasts. One is for the latest 911 GT3 RS, while the other is for

AutoExpert
Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon Is A One-Off Masterpiece For The Year Of The Dragon - Photo
Car News
Rolls-Royce Phantom Dragon Is A One-Off Masterpiece For The Year Of The Dragon

Even a car as luxurious as the Rolls-Royce Phantom can be made even more extraordinary, and that’s exactly what happened with the one-off Phantom Dragon. This customized Phantom was created for

AutoExpert
Alpina Unveils Exclusive B8 GT For 60th Anniversary - Photo
Car News
Alpina Unveils Exclusive B8 GT For 60th Anniversary

Alpina is celebrating its 60th anniversary in style with the exclusive B8 GT, an updated version of the BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe. This high-performance grand tourer, limited to just 99 units, sets new

AutoExpert