Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz Just Unlocked Some New Adventure Van Potential

Seasoned van specialist Seikel previews a new option that’s set to give the VW EV some improved trail capabilities.

Front view of a silver Volkswagen electric vehicle with blue circuit-like patterns and a German license plate on a dirt road.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

Published 2 hours ago

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Although Volkswagen didn’t design the ID. Buzz as an overlander from the factory, the aftermarket has been eager to reinvent the platform.

After all, from lifts to full-on camper conversions, the electric van has already inspired a host of upgrades for excursions beyond the pavement. The right kit can give it a lot of promise.

Front view of a blue Volkswagen electric van with headlights on, driving on a narrow forest trail. — Seikel has given the ID. Buzz a few choice additions to make it happier on the trail.

The latest of such options comes from a German off-road specialist named Seikel, as surfaced by Inside EVs. It’s far from a comprehensive overhaul, but it nevertheless provides the ID. Buzz with much-improved adventure potential.

A light off-road redux

If you’re not already familiar with Seikel, the company is well-steeped with off-road and VW expertise. It first set up shop in 1949, and it’s been dabbling with Volkswagen vans since the ‘80s.

In any case, the outfit’s ID Buzz kit keeps a similar tune to its various Transit and Transporter options. Along with some new KW dampers, it rides on Eibach springs and a set of rugged 20-inch wheels shod in chunkier BFGoodrich Trail Terrain rubber.

On the road, Seikel says this results in an increase in height of roughly 30mm (roughly 1.2 inches). While that hardly elevates the ID. Buzz to a true high-rider, the conversion does at least come with some added protection.

Aluminum skid plate installed under a vehicle, covering the front suspension and frame area. — Metal skid plates protect the front and rear drive units, as well as the radiator assembly.

Specifically, in the form of a pair of aluminum skid plates fitted front and rear. In addition to protecting the VW’s front and rear drive units, Seikel also replaces the plastic trim covering its radiator assembly.

As you can see from the video, the changes do appear to make the ID. Buzz more trail-friendly, but they obviously don’t turn it into a true off-roader. Seikel’s kit leaves the powertrain stock.

Ready for the job

Still, there are some qualities about the Volkswagen that already make it adventure-worthy, even ignoring any updates to the undercarriage.

Front view of a blue Volkswagen electric vehicle with circuit-like patterns on the hood, driving on a gravel path. — Though it’s not a true off-roader, 4Motion all-wheel drive does give the ID. Buzz the right attitude.

For instance, the 4Motion trim gives the van a dual-motor setup for all-wheel drive. While it doesn’t offer a dedicated mode for off-pavement excursions, it does bring 335 horsepower (and more optimal delivery) compared to the 282-pony rear-wheel-drive model.

Moreover, across the pond, VW’s newly updated ID. Buzz now supports bidirectional charging. In other words, it’s basically capable of serving as a huge mobile powerbank for your devices.

We’re still not getting that functionality here in the States, but the new Tourer trim option does unlock some serious camping support. Notably, it gets an “Overnight” mode that provides a fully climate-controlled interior for up to 48 hours.

Blue and silver Volkswagen van with Seikel branding and circuit board graphics parked on grass with autumn trees in background. — Seikel’s efforts also give the ID. Buzz some burlier wheels and tires.

Beyond those kinds of creature comforts, it also brings sleeping essentials like a stowable folding mattress, opaque privacy shades, vent grilles for the windows and even an outdoor dinette complete with a pair of chairs.

Availability and pricing

Seikel could have gone taller in ride height and larger in tire size, but ID. Buzz owners do have to take things like efficiency and driving range into account more than those with gas-powered rigs. For that reason, the kit seems to strike the perfect balance.

At this stage, Seikel is only offering the front and rear skid plates (priced at ~$1,600 together), though it has stated that the lift kit components will be available soon.

Blue and gray Volkswagen electric van with Seikel branding parked on gravel near a dirt embankment.

Seikel Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Learn More

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.