Volkswagen has finally unveiled the production version of the ID.Buzz: a new electric version of the iconic VW microbus that now lives a segment of its own in the growing EV market.
But will it be loved as much as the original version?
We have been teased about VW relaunching its famous minibus as an electric vehicle for years now. The German automaker unveiled the ID.BUZZ electric microbus in Detroit back in 2017.
At first glance, it looked like just one more cool electric vehicle concept that Volkswagen was teasing but would never bring to market. However, the company surprised many by stating that it was serious about bringing the vehicle to market by 2023.
The company even invested in the production of the electric microbus in the US. Now, production is expected to start within the next year, both in the US and Germany.
Leading up to the start of production, several new prototypes of the ID.BUZZ have been spotted in the wild.
We noted that the electric vehicle seems to have been heavily updated with the production version and looked ugly – but it featured some significant camouflage that could be deceiving.
It got us worried, but the automaker has now fully unveiled the production version today and it got rid of most of our concerns.
The production version is certainly toned down from the original prototypes, but it looks more palatable than the recently seen prototypes.
The automaker only talked about European versions of the ID.Buzz, which are going to be equipped with a decent size 82 kWh battery pack as previously expected:
“The first European versions of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo will come to market with a high-voltage lithium-ion battery providing gross energy content of 82 kWh (77 kWh net). With its twelve modules, the battery system supplies a 201 horsepower electric motor, which drives the rear axle. Maximum torque of 229 lb-ft is instantly available and the top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph. More battery versions with various power output levels are expected to follow in 2023.”
While the automaker was willing to release the details of the powertrain, it didn’t want to release any figures when it comes to the range just yet.
The price has yet to be announced – though there have been reports stating that the electric minibus could start for less than $50,000.
The original VW microbus was so popular for its versatility and owners would modify the interior to their specifications.
Volkswagen will enable you to do that since you can even buy a “cargo version” that is bare inside:
As for the regular ID. Buzz, Volkswagen says that it will at first be only offered in a 5-seat configuration:
“The standard length ID. Buzz will launch with five seats. Driver and front-seat passenger sit on individual seats with adjustable armrests (standard on the inside, optional on the outside). Integrated into the backrests of each front seat is a side thorax airbag, and in the driver’s seat there is also a center airbag, which in the event of a crash protects the driver and front-seat passenger from hitting each other. In top trims, the seats are completely electrically adjustable and have both memory and massage functions. Front seats can be adjusted up to 245 mm (9.6 in) forward and aft, and 61.5 mm (2.4 in) in height. A three-person bench seat in the rear can be folded down completely or split 40:60, and it can be moved lengthways a total of 150 mm (5.9 in). A love for detail is reflected in the stylized vehicle silhouette that is embossed in the lower side seat trim, and the fold-down tables located in the backs of the front seats. Wholly practical, by contrast, is the optional height-adjustable trunk floor, which creates a level load space surface. The upward-opening rear hatch reveals 1,121 liters (39.6 cu ft) of luggage space. Two side sliding doors are fitted as standard.”
VW says that a six-seat configuration with three rows of 2 seats will come later along with also an extended wheelbase version that will allow a seven-seat configuration in a 2/3/2 arrangement.
The ID.Buzz is coming to Europe later this year with sales starting in May. However, it sounds like the launch in the US has been delayed to 2024.
VW ID.BUZZ Specs:
European models
Important anticipated dates
Technical platform
External dimensions
Length: 4,712 mm (185.5 in)Wheelbase: 2,988 mm (117.6 in)Load sill:Cargo space
Drive system
Driving performance and turning circle
Sustainability
Production site
Colors
Fun Facts
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