VW has unveiled the next model in its “all-electric future” – the ID. Buzz minibus.
The ID. Buzz is the modern interpretation of the iconic VW T1 bus from the 1950s, with the “super short overhangs” and a V-shaped front panel being two of the most noticeable design pillars carried through the generations.
The two-tone paintwork is another heritage-inspired element, but buyers will need to pay extra for their Buzz to sport this look.
European pre-sales of the ID. Buzz will start in May. The electric van has not yet been confirmed for a South African introduction.
ID. Buzz features
Due to its sleek design and long wheelbase, the new ID. Buzz is the first MPV to offer the drag coefficient of a car – 0.285 to 0.29 – allowing for reduced energy consumption and increased ranges, said VW.
The interior is designed to provide a spacious feel and “lounge-like” atmosphere, with room for up to five passengers and 1,121 litres of cargo at the same time.
For the utility-focused ID. Buzz Cargo, owners have the choice of a two-seat or three-seat layout in the front of the cabin, while a fixed partition separates the rear to offer up to 3.9m³ – or 3,900 litres – of cargo space, which is enough for two 1,200mm by 800mm pallets.
The two Buzz models measure 4,712mm long and at least 1,937mm tall – with the 1,985mm width making the electric MPVs 81mm wider than the petrol-powered VW T6.1 Kombi.
“The turning circle of 11.1 metres, meanwhile, is unusually small,” said VW.
Moving to the inside, the ID. Buzz boasts the latest-generation ID. software and assistance features.
Included as standard in both derivatives is the “Car2X local warning system” – a programme that utilises signals from other vehicles and transport infrastructure to spot hazards in real time, said the manufacturer.
Additionally, the range offers front emergency braking – while the passenger-aligned Buzz also gets a lane-keeping assistant.
Optionally available is VW’s “travel assist with swarm data” and a memory function for the automated parking abilities.
The former “facilitates partially automated driving across the entire speed range and, for the first time, assisted lane-changing on the motorway.”
New charging tech
The ID. Buzz range is equipped with an 82kWh battery with a 77kWh usable portion.
The power source provides current to a 150kW electric motor that drives the rear wheels.
“The position of the battery, integrated deep down in the sandwich floor, and the lightweight electric drive system result in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity,” said VW.
“Both factors optimise the handling and agility.”
Up to 170kW direct-current charging is supported in this VW, which sees charge levels rise from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes.
In addition, the electric MPV features bidirectional vehicle-to-home charging to feed unneeded energy from the battery into your home network.
“Using the latest ID. software, the model line will also offer the Plug & Charge function in the future,” said VW.
“Via this function, the ID. Buzz authenticates itself at compatible DC rapid-charging stations via the charging connector using the ISO 15118 standard.”
Unfortunately, the maximum driving range and performance figures of the ID. Buzz range have not yet been revealed.
Photos of the VW ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo can be viewed below.
VW ID. Buzz
VW ID. Buzz Cargo
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