After nearly 20 years of teasing, Volkswagen has finally introduced the all-new ID. Buzz. The iconic VW microbus has been reborn as a new all-electric model, and it is everything we expected it to be. The original Volkswagen Bus was essentially a van-like body built around the platform of a Beetle, powered by an air-cooled flat-four engine at the back. The all-electric 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz has been revealed, and it can draw a few parallels along similar lines. We can’t help but get excited about the resurrected new ID Buzz, and here is everything we love about it.
VW ID. Buzz: The Shared Platform And Performance
The philosophy behind the new ID. Buzz is similar to the Beetle-based original. Underneath, the ID. Buzz uses a rear axle electric motor built on the same MEB electric architecture as the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV. There will be multiple versions of the ID. Buzz. They include the standard wheel-base model, a long-wheelbase model that is bound for the US, and a Cargo model.
The electric powertrain in the ID. Buzz is also similar to the ID.4. It uses the same 77-kWh usable lithium-ion battery pack placed flat under the floor. The standard model gets a rear-mounted permanent-magnet electric motor that generates 201 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque. The long-wheelbase model is expected to feature a larger battery with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option using an efficient AC induction motor to the front axle. Power output for that version would be offering 295 hp and 339 pound-feet of torque.
VW also claims that the battery pack is completely free from the controversially sourced metal — cobalt. Additionally, the automaker is promising to take back the batteries at the end of their life and recycle them for a second use life. However, VW is not talking about the range capabilities of the ID. Buzz at the moment. The standard model’s EPA rating is said to be 280-miles, however, we await a final confirmation.
ID. Buzz: Modern Take On The Iconic Styling
VW seems to have worked hard to make the ID. Buzz resembles a lot like the original. However, modern safety standards meant that the famous forward-control proportions have been the required compromise.
Despite that, the ID. Buzz looks very cool that combines classic VW Bus styling with their modern electric VW design language. The vintage touches are quite evident. Front and center is a massive VW logo. A wide LED light bar connects the pair of sharply styled headlights. Lower down is the front bumper, with some interestingly designed vent patterns. Like the original, the ID. Buzz is available in a split-tone color option.
Along the side, the number of windows is not as many as it was offered in the older days. However, the daylight opening is still quite impressive. The rear doors are powered and the sliding type. The wheels as standard are 18-inch, but they can be specced-up to the optional 21-inch. Around the back, the rear door on the ID. Buzz opens as a hatch. It features a full-width LED taillight. The ID. Buzz without any shadow of doubt looks exceptionally cool.
The ID. Buzz Features A Contemporary Interior Design
The cabin of the ID. Buzz is draped in animal-free material for the upholstery and trim. Furthermore, the VW has extensively used recycled plastic for the panels. The cabin will be available with some contrasting color options that match the exterior. However, the design of the interior is largely contemporary. The dashboard will feature a large 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the driver will have a 10-inch digital instrument cluster. Storage is plenty in the front with multiple cubbyholes, and the center console features dividers that work as a bottle opener or an ice-scraper. Around the back, the ID. Buzz will be made available as two, three, five, and six-seat configurations. However, the US-bound LWB model may be available with a seven-seat option.
ID. Buzz: What’s The Buzz Word?
The modern car market is dominated by SUVs. There seems to be no recess in the popularity of SUVs in the near future. With the ID. Buzz, VW is attempting to make vans cool again. From the way it looks, the German automaker might just make it happen. A California Camper model is also in the works, which we are also very excited about.
For the time being, the ID. Buzz will go on sale in Europe first. It is not expected to arrive in the US before 2023 in its long wheelbase form as a 2024 model year. It is expected to cost up to $60,000 for a fully loaded version. That is a lot for a van, but can you put a price on those looks?