The MPV used to be cool some time ago. But SUVs are all the rage these days. However, as Volkswagen is looking to revive the iconic VW bus that dates back 75 years, it might be bringing MPVs back in fashion. The all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz will make its debut in March 2022. VW will reveal the ID. Buzz at the South by South West (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas. However, before the arrival of the modern electric model, we now have a clearer picture of its technical specifications.
The VW ID. Buzz: Platform, Motor Specs
The VW ID. Buzz will be based on Volkswagen’s MEB electric platform. The same platform that is used for the ID.4 electric crossover model. The ID. Buzz will feature a 77 kWh battery pack that is capable of DC fast-charging up to 135 kW. This allows it to charge up from 10-80% in just 30 minutes. Volkswagen estimates that it will do 250 miles on a single charge, going up to 342 miles for the top-of-the-line models. A solar roof option will be made available to help increase vehicle range, either by running in-vehicle accessories or reducing strain on the main battery of the vehicle.
The ID. Buzz will come with a standard single motor set up with rear-wheel drive. It is capable of 204 horsepower and 228 pounds-feet of torque, claims VW. Additionally, there will be a dual-motor option for the ID. Buzz that will offer around 300 horsepower. It is suggested that an even more powerful 400hp model is also in the works.
Regular vans use rudimentary rear suspension setups. But as the ID. Buzz is based on the ID.4 crossover, it features an improved and modern rear suspension design. That means it will be easier and more comfortable to live with every day on the road.
The In-Cabin Experience Of The ID. Buzz
Volkswagen is not revealing much regarding the interior design of the ID. Buzz at the moment. However, it is reported that the model will feature some comfortable and supportive seats, a small digital gauge cluster for the driver, and a touchscreen infotainment system similar to what we find on the ID.4. Other features and elements on the ID. Buzz are likely to be borrowed from other electric VW models as they share the same underpinnings.
The rear cabin will be available in quite a few configurations. But the standard ID. Buzz will feature a three-seat bench for the rear, while a seven-seat model with a third row will be available as an option. Open the electrically operated sliding rear doors, and you will be greeted to a spacious interior. The rear seats all fold down completely flat.
The Multi-Faceted VW ID. Buzz
As we established, the standard ID. Buzz will be a five-seat model, and a 7-seat option will be offered. When the model makes its debut in Austin, VW will also introduce the ID. Buzz Cargo, a commercial van designed to carry goods with no rear seats. The ID. Buzz will have a hatch-style trunk door, where as, the Cargo model will feature a split door design.
However, VW is taking into account the wishes of original VW bus aficionados all around the world. a Camper model is also expected to arrive soon. The US market is likely to receive the 5-seat model as well as the Cargo. But a detailed plan is yet to be announced by VW.
The ID. Buzz Will Be Intelligent
Volkswagen will ensure the model will be safe on the road. The German automaker showcased many driver aids with the ID Buzz concepts and test mules in the past. In addition to all the standard safety features, some newly developed systems are expected to make it to production.
The AI technology in the electric microbus could include speech recognition and gesture control. The autonomous driving system will be the other interesting technology on board.
What To Expect From The VW ID. Buzz
The Volkswagen ID Buzz will make its debut in Austin, but it will be in Euro-spec for the moment. The ID. Buzz will go on sale in European markets later this year itself. However, the US market will only get the ID. Buzz in 2023. It is also possible that Volkswagen revises the name once it goes on sale. Something we witnessed with the ID. Cross that evolved into the ID. 4.
But more interestingly, the new all-electric VW bus will not be cheap. It is reported that the ID. Buzz will start from $68,000. That is SUV money for a van. The ID Buzz has big shoes to fill in a market dominated by SUVs and trucks. However, if it can live up to expectations and make MPVs cool again, VW might upset the apple cart.