The Volkswagen ID.Buzz, a vehicle seemingly designed with family and comfort in mind, presents a perplexing anomaly for the U.S. market: the absence of cup holders in the second row. This omission, starkly highlighted in my upcoming InsideEVs review, poses a practical challenge for passengers accustomed to enjoying beverages on the go. Whether opting for the bench seat or captain’s chairs, second-row occupants find themselves without a designated space for their drinks, a puzzling oversight for a van intended to comfortably accommodate six or seven individuals. Imagine embarking on a road trip, only to realize you must clutch your “big gulp” for the entire journey. It’s a scenario that raises the question: how could such a fundamental convenience be overlooked in a vehicle of this caliber?
The lack of second-row cup holders in the Volkswagen ID.Buzz has not gone unnoticed. From the moment the vehicle was launched, journalists and influencers were quick to point out this surprising deficiency. Doug DeMuro, known for his insightful and often humorous car reviews, brought considerable attention to this issue during his ID. Buzz walkaround. This widespread acknowledgment underscores the unusual nature of this omission, solidifying the fact that the absence of cup holders in the second row is not merely a minor inconvenience but a significant design quirk that impacts the user experience.
The absence of cup holders in the second row of the U.S.-market Volkswagen ID.Buzz becomes even more puzzling when considering the features offered in the European version. Across the Atlantic, the ID.Buzz comes equipped with airplane-style tray tables integrated into the backrests of the front seats, complete with built-in cup holders. This thoughtful design provides a convenient and practical solution for rear passengers, enhancing their comfort and overall experience. The decision to exclude this feature from the U.S. model raises questions about the rationale behind tailoring the vehicle’s amenities to different markets.
Adding to the confusion, the movable center console in the ID.Buzz features an octagonal-shaped recess that bears a striking resemblance to a cup holder. However, this is a deceptive illusion. In reality, the recess is incapable of securely holding a drink, even during gentle maneuvers. As I discovered firsthand, attempting to use this space as a cup holder can lead to unfortunate spills, potentially staining the vehicle’s interior. While the console can be moved to the second row, this merely shifts the location of the impending spill, offering no real solution to the lack of dedicated cup holders. This design misstep further emphasizes the need for a more practical and reliable solution for securing beverages in the rear of the vehicle.
Faced with the absence of factory-installed cup holders, resourceful Volkswagen ID.Buzz owners have begun seeking aftermarket solutions. Some have discovered a part number (1T3061129) in VW’s online parts catalog that suggests the existence of an add-on cup holder and smartphone holder for U.S.-market vans. However, these parts are currently listed as “not currently available,” leaving owners in a state of anticipation. The lack of images or detailed information about this potential solution only adds to the mystery.
In the meantime, ID. Buzz owners are displaying remarkable creativity in addressing the cup holder dilemma. One particularly clever solution involves utilizing 3D-printable cup holders originally designed for Rivian vehicles. These custom-made accessories clip securely onto the sides of the bench or captain’s chairs, providing a stable and reliable platform for various drink sizes, including large Stanley thermos-style cups. Other owners have turned to online retailers like Amazon, exploring clip-in or headrest-hanging options, with varying degrees of success. As the search for the perfect cup holder solution continues, I have reached out to Volkswagen for clarification. The question remains: will the mystery part become available, and what will it look like? The VW community is eager for answers.
