FYI: The Volkswagen ID.Buzz has raised eyebrows by omitting cup holders for second-row passengers in its U.S. model, sparking interest and creative solutions among its American owners.
The Cup Holder Conundrum: Volkswagen ID.Buzz’s Second Row Challenge
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz, a vehicle celebrated for its innovative design and family-friendly features, surprisingly lacks cup holders in the second row of its U.S. model. While this omission seems odd for a family-oriented van, it has become a talking point among owners and automotive enthusiasts alike.
European vs. American Models
Interestingly, European models of the ID.Buzz feature airline-style tray tables integrated into the back of the front seats, complete with cup holders. Unfortunately for U.S. customers, this practical feature didn’t make it across the Atlantic. The oversight leaves second-row passengers without a secure spot for their beverages, a significant convenience miss in a market that values on-the-go refreshments.
Exploring Alternatives
Volkswagen enthusiasts and journalists, including popular figures like Doug DeMuro, have highlighted this peculiar absence. Although a part number (1T3061129) for a cup holder attachment exists in VW’s parts catalog, it’s currently unavailable for order in the U.S., and details about its design and functionality are scant.
Creative Solutions from Owners
Despite the inconvenience, some ID.Buzz owners have devised clever workarounds. Innovations range from 3D-printed cup holder attachments originally designed for the Rivian R1 to affordable clip-in holders available on platforms like Amazon. These solutions offer varying levels of success, enabling owners to securely house their drinks without relying on the ill-fitting octagonal recess in the center console.
The Financial Aspect
Adding another dimension to the issue, some owners have resorted to purchasing additional center consoles from dealerships, hoping to improvise cup holders. However, this option is neither cost-effective (priced over $440) nor entirely practical, as the console’s recess is not designed to securely hold beverages.
Conclusion and Outlook
For a vehicle priced between $60,000 and $70,000, this lack of standard cup holders in the second row is puzzling. As of now, Volkswagen has not clarified if the unavailable part will become a viable solution. In the meantime, ID.Buzz owners continue to explore improvised alternatives as they await a more permanent fix.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
