The all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz will finally break cover in March 2022 in full production form. Volkswagen has been teasing the revival of the iconic Bus for decades now. The Bulli concept in 2011 was followed by the Budd-e concept of 2016. The German auto giant has finally stopped with the foreplay and will introduce the new VW Bus. In an all-electric form, the VW ID. Buzz will debut at the South by South West (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas.
The ID. Buzz will be resurrecting the iconic VW Bus that has been loved by many around the world. One of the most impressive collections of classic VW buses is owned by famous comedian – Gabriel Iglesias. But as the all-new modern electric model is around the corner, here’s what we can expect from the upcoming VW ID. Buzz.
The Power Source Of The ID. Buzz
Naturally, the ID. Buzz will be based on VW Group’s MEB electric platform. It will share many components with the ID.3 and ID. 4 models. VW has remained silent in regard to the powertrain of the ID. Buzz. However, the van is expected to come offered with single or dual-motor configurations, the latter offering all-wheel-drive. The single motor option is likely to produce 268 horsepower. The higher-end dual-motor option would be around 369 horsepower. However, rumors suggest, VW is working on a powerful 400 horsepower version of the electric microbus as well.
Reportedly, the battery capacity of the ID. Buzz is expected to be a 77 kWh lithium-ion pack for the rear-wheel-drive model. The all-wheel-drive dual-motor configuration is expected to use a 111 kWh battery pack. The range on a single charge is expected to be in the realm of 270–350 miles.
To help boost the range, VW is also expected to offer a solar panel roof option for the ID. Buzz. It would allow for a small amounts of recharging, or help reduce strain on the main battery to power ancillary components in the vehicle. This helps improve the range for the van.
The Many Styles Of The ID. Buzz
Volkswagen confirmed on Twitter that it will reveal two versions of the ID. Buzz at the SXSW in Austin. The ID. Buzz and the ID. Buzz Cargo will make its debut on March 9. Interestingly, it will be in European spec.
Overseas, VW will offer the electric microbus in short and long-wheelbase options and multiple variants. Standard passenger versions will be available, while an option with extra seats will be offered for commercial (Taxi/Ridesharing) applications. The Cargo model would be solely offered for commercial purposes, likely to use a closed rear cabin design. The US is expected to receive a single 3-row passenger van option. VW’s commercial division is also working on a special ‘Camper’ model of the electric VW bus.
The Clever Tech On Board The ID. Buzz
Being based on the same platform as its crossover sibling, the ID. Buzz is expected to feature a dash and cabin design largely similar to the ID. 4. While the driver will get a small floating digital gauge cluster. The center of the dash will feature another floating touchscreen infotainment system which is significantly larger. The operating system will probably be borrowed from other VW electric models.
VW had also previewed the tech they plan to load onto the ID. Buzz in the past. Thanks to the German automaker’s partnership with tech-giant – Nvidia. The electric microbus may feature AI technology with voice recognition, and gesture control functions. The other notable tech on board will be the autonomous driving system. While the company previewed a highly advanced self-driving model in the past, it is unclear if it will make it to production or to what extent the vehicle can operate autonomously.
Might Be An ID. Buzz Kill
It is not all psychedelic colored rainbows and patterns with the ID. Buzz we are afraid. Firstly, the name of the model might not be the ID. Buzz. Volkswagen may announce a new official name for the production model when it debuts in Austin in March. The next piece of bad news involves its US market launch. The electric microbus will go on sale in Europe by the end of this year. The ID. Buzz is expected no sooner than early 2023 in its 2024 model year in the North American market.
Finally, earlier projections estimated that the ID. Buzz would cost around $40,000-45,000. However, reports are coming in claiming that the electric microbus would be much dearer at around $63,000-68,000 in American money. That is a lot for an electric van, no matter how nostalgic things get.
Source: Motor1, Jalopnik