Pretty much every respectable car manufacturer has added at least one or two fully-electric vehicles to their lineup, and even though new EVs hit the market every other day, there still aren’t many options in the form of minivans and buses. German carmaker Volkswagen plans to change that with the upcoming ID. Buzz Microbus, and it definitely looks good on paper.
Featuring retro styling cues that nod back to the iconic classic VW kombi microbus, the ID. Buzz presents an enticing resume composed of practicality, range, and quirky features. The EV minivan has already proven to be a massive success, and it’s already sold out in Europe even though delivery hasn't even begun.
Units will begin to reach European dealerships by the end of this year, while UK buyers will have to wait till early 2023 for right-side steering configurations. As for the U.S., well, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz will supposedly arrive in 2024, but you can rest assured that it’ll be more than worth the wait. Here’s why the ID. Buzz has the potential to become the ultimate camper van.
The ID. Buzz Will Come In Multiple Configurations
Despite its unique appearance, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz actually shares the same platform found in the ID.4 Crossover, and parent company brother, the Audi e-Tron. Upon release, European versions will come in two spec options: a regular 5-seater with ample cargo space in the rear, or an industrial version dubbed the ID. Buzz Cargo, which will feature 3 seats up front and a massive storage cavern behind.
Later on, Volkswagen will also add a long-wheelbase version with 3 potential rows of seats and all-wheel-drive, and that will be the only spec to reach U.S. shores.
It’s already clear that Volkswagen’s intent is to make the ID. Buzz as versatile as possible, and we’ll probably see plenty in the form of family vans, airport taxis, corporate cargo haulers, and of course, camping minivans.
The ID. Buzz Cargo Will Be Ideal For Camping
Camping enthusiasts might already be salivating at the possibilities offered by the ID. Buzz Cargo’s cavernous area behind the front row seats, and rightfully so. That amount of space should be large enough to accommodate an entire bed and other camping amenities if constructed correctly.
For those unwilling to take on such a project themselves, Volkswagen has announced a version of the ID. Buzz that will feature a drop-down mattress that will be large enough to accommodate two large adults. Furthermore, they have also confirmed plans to develop a camp-ready variant called the ID. California, which will come straight from dealerships as a fully-equipped camper van.
Performance Isn’t The ID. Buzz’s Priority, But It Promises Linear And Comfortable Driving Experience
Once more, Volkswagen and camping enthusiasts meet eyes when it comes to the ID. Buzz’s powertrain and performance capabilities. Instead of making their electric van fast and dynamic, VW rightly focuses on delivering a linear and comfortable driving experience, based on stress-free simplicity.
The base-level I.D Buzz will come with a single rear-mounted motor capable of producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, allowing the electric van to run from 0-60 mph in 10 seconds while on its way to a top speed of 90 mph. The AWD version bumps up the power output to 295 horsepower, but again, don’t expect it to deliver impressive performance.
The Front Row Of The ID. Buzz Is A Joyful Place
Volkswagen must have imagined cinematic landscapes when they designed the cabin of the ID. Buzz, because it provides a glorious outside view and immensely comfortable seating in what makes for one of the most relaxing driving experiences imaginable. The windshield is tall and wide, complemented by tasteful quarterlights and large door windows that translate to unrivaled outward visibility.
Furthermore, the soundless cabin features a comfortable seating position, armrests, and a far-away dash that is all but intrusive. Tech-wise, the ID. Buzz comes with a digital driver’s display that sprouts directly from the steering column, and a center-mounted infotainment screen. VW will also offer an array of optional amenities, such as massaging front seats, interior ambient lighting, a 12-inch infotainment screen as opposed to the regular 10-inch version, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot.
That’s about all we know about the upcoming Volkswagen ID. Buzz for now, but it’s enough to prove that the future EV minivan will hit the ground running. It showcases a different take on the EVs that are currently on offer today, and the revolutionary step taken by Volkswagen might just lead competitors to follow its lead.