Volkswagen Is Reviving An Old Classic In A New Innovative Way
See the modern spin Volkswagen put on the revival of one of its most iconic classic cars.
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Almost seventy years after the first model drove off the factory floor Volkswagen is reinventing its legendary Microbus as an electric vehicle. Dubbed the ID Buzz, the new model is being billed as a symbol of the hippy movement for today’s climate-conscious generation. So far we’ve seen renderings and a few concept creations. But now the German motor vehicle manufacture is showing off the real thing. Take a look.
Volkswagen’s ID Buzz made its debut on Wednesday and does an amazing job of blending modern design elements with classic nostalgia aesthetics. However, the European version will be is slightly different from the models available in the United States which will have a few size tweaks.
According to CNET, Europe’s short-wheelbase version of the Buzz is as wide as the Atlas SUV and matches a three-row Tiguan in length. Volkswagen also confirmed that the US-spec ID Buzz will have a longer wheelbase and three rows of seats. Leaning into the vintage look, the Buzz boasts massive VW badges and comes with two-tone paint options and stylized trim on the rear pillar.
The ID Buzz interior gets the balance between practical and whimsical just right, with smiley face screw covers and embossed vans in the armrests. There are also bright color inserts that complement the exterior color. The overall layout is practical, with plenty of headroom for taller drivers and passengers. Volkswagen also says that there’s lots of space in the second-row for occupants of all sizes. Moreover, the interior fabrics appear to be hard-wearing and easy to clean.
Technically, the Buzz is based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform. This means there aren’t many changes from the company’s ID 4 EV production. There are several USB-C ports throughout the cabin as well as storage spaces and cubbies. The Buzz also comes with a standard 10-inch infotainment. But a 12-inch screen will be available as an added option, along with massaging front seats.
Based on the MEB platform, the mechanics of Volkswagen’s ID Buzz isn’t unfamiliar. The vehicle is equipped with a single-motor configuration with 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque at the rear axle. The motor is combined with an 84-kilowatt-hour battery (77 kWh of which can be used). This should give folks a driving range close to the ID 4’s 268 miles.
Volkswagen’s ID Buzz will be available in Europe with bidirectional charging. This is very cool because that means your car could essentially power your home if the electric grid went down. The electric van can also fast charge at speeds up to 170 kWh, which should let you go from a 5% charge to 80% in about 30 minutes. The carmaker will also reportedly, offer a dual-motor version of the SUV soon after its launch.
The Buzz is part of the flagship ID line with which the company is leading a multi-billion-euro charge into the electric car market. Speaking about the launch during a Reddit Q&A (via ENCA), CEO Herbert Diess said reviving the iconic SUV was a priority. While the European version of the ID Buzz should be on sale in a few months, Volkswagen will launch the U.S model in 2023 and have it in production and at dealers in 2024.
