The Volkswagen ID Buzz : Finally Unveiled!

Rumors about the ID Buzz can finally be put to rest as the iconic homage to the original Bus was finally unveiled by Volkswagen. More than two decades ago Volkswagen began floating the idea of reviving its most famous people carrier as it unveiled its Microbus Concept at the 2001 NAIAS Auto Show. Other concepts followed, with the Bulli Concept in 2011, the BUDD-e concept in 2016, and finally the ID Buzz in 2017. 

Two decades after the original seed was planted, the wait is over as Volkswagen’s nostalgic-but-futuristic van is a reality. With soft touches that harken back to the van’s flower power heydays Volkswagen managed to mix in hardware that’s definitely next-generation. Underpinned by Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive (MEB) platform, the ID Buzz not only shares its architecture with the successful ID 4, but also with Audi’s Q4 and Q5 e-Tron EVs. Propulsion is generated by a rear-axle electric motor that generated an impressive 2021 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. Power is drawn from a floor-mounted 82-kWh battery, the very same that falls in line with the ID 4’s base configuration. 

DC fast-charging is supported up to 170 kW, meaning that when the ID Buzz is plugged into a Level 3 Charger it can achieve an 80 percent charge in only 30 minutes. As with other competitor EVs, such as the Ford F-150 Lightning, the ID Buzz will feature bidirectional charging that allows the van to exist as backup power for homes during power outages. For the time being, information about the van’s performance or overall range is unavailable. What is known so far is that the ID Buzz is electronically limited to a top speed of 90 miles per hour. Compared to its conventional ancestor, 90 miles per hour is quite good when it comes to conquering freeway speeds. 

Volkswagen is also expected to deliver additional powertrain and battery combinations in the coming years. In the existing ID 4 model, Volkswagen has added all-wheel drive variants that feature an AC induction motor on the front axle and bring overall output to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Experts believe that a similar setup should be coming the ID Buzz’s way in the not-too-distant future. 

On the inside, the ID Buzz is more conventional with its 10-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Volskwagen will offer an optional 12-inch version as well. Cubbies, pockets, and other storage solutions, as well as many USB-C charging ports are all part of the perks expected in the ID Buzz. Knowing the ID Buzz is the modern version of the hippie van, it comes as no surprise that Volkswagen incorporated many forward-thinking manufacturing practices into its design. On the outside, the ID Buzz sports an organically-based exterior paint coat, while in the cabin there are vegan materials and recycled plastics. Its cobalt-free battery pack is guaranteed for up to eight years or 100,000 miles in Europe, whichever comes first. Additionally, Volkswagen vows to recycle these battery packs at the end of their service life. 

The ID Buzz launches in Europe first later this year either as a short wheelbase variant or a tow-row passenger van. Stay tuned on Sunrise Volkswagen social media to be the first to know when Volkswagen announces its US plans for the all-new ID Buzz. In the meantime, explore the brand’s futuristic output behind the wheel of the ID 4 here at Sunrise Volkswagen. Browse out the latest Volkswagen inventory and schedule your test drive today! 

Photo Source/Copyright: Volkswagen