ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
Almost 72 years after German carmaker Volkswagen first launched the first iconic Kombi Transporter Type 1 (T1), also known as the Bulli or Microbus, it has now officially debuted the electric future of flower-power transport in the form of the ID.Buzz.
After weeks of pre-launch hype, including some early reviews and a peek at the ID.Buzz interior, the ID.Buzz has landed, and with no small amount of reputation to live up to. If anything is going to represent the electric and environmental revolution outside of Tesla, surely this is it.
The ID.Buzz electric micro-bus is the first contribution from Volkswagen’s light commercial vehicle arm to the new ID series, and it will at first be used as a platform for VW’s autonomous driving developments.
There are also high expectations of demand from customers – from May in some countries Volkswagen will start taking orders ahead of a market launch in the northern Autumn. While word is that there are no plans for the ID.Buzz to be sold in Australia, VW has said that US and Canadian drivers can expect an appearance on auto markets there in the future.
Ralf Brandstaetter, chair for Volkswagen Passenger Cars described the new ID.Buzz as “a genuine icon for the electric era” that takes the Kombi’s original gift of automotive independence and “transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and now ready for the next big chapter: autonomous driving.”
ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo. Source: Volkswagen
ID.Buzz specs and pricing
European pricing was also revealed alongside the global launch overnight: available in both a passenger format as well as the ID.Buzz Cargo, the base model for the five-seater will start at around 55,000 Euros, which on a pure euro for dollar conversion comes to around $A83,000, but you will need to add transport costs and local taxes.
Market launch pricing however will be more expensive, because initially VW will offer the higher “Pro” equipment with a 204 hp drive. The “Pure” basis with an entry-level battery will be added later.
Specifications include an 82kWh battery (77kWh usable capacity) coupled with a 150kW electric motor on the rear axle, while charging can be done at a top rate of 11kW on AC chargers and 170kW on DC public fast chargers, enabling 5-80% top-ups within 30 minutes. While driving range has not been divulged, expect 400km or so.
Visually, the design of the ID.Buzz is strongly based on the first generation of the VW Kombi bus: the characteristic front shield with the V-shaped indentation was one of the most striking design elements of the original Kombi and is hinted at on the front of the ID.Buzz.
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
The bus is also available with the iconic two-tone paintwork with white roof for an additional charge, and while the overhangs are as expected short, the window areas are large, as is the logo on the front.
The pattern on the front apron consists of air intakes that gain height on the outside, and above this the LED headlights are connected to one another by a light strip – both reminiscent of the other ID series vehicles.
Looking at the dimensions, the 4,712mm electric bus is shorter and lower than a current T7 Multivan; nevertheless, the wheelbase remains roughly the same at 2,988mm and gives a 11.1 turning circle. The width of the bus is greater than the T6.1 measuring eight centimetres more than the Multivan.
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
As with the original Kombi, the side and back entrance to the ID.Buzz are both easy to step into. The two electric sliding doors greatly facilitate access to the rear and show that the passenger version of the ID.Buzz was designed for urban environments with little space to get in and out.
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
Adding to the sense of freedom, free of guilt in contributing further to tailpipe carbon emissions, Volkswagen says the new ID.Buzz also does away completely with animal-sourced products, and that manufactured and shipping of the ID.Buzz will be carbon neutral. As noted in our report on Tuesday, by using recycled materials such as plastic bottles in interior components, related CO2 emissions can also be improved by more than 30 percent.
Behind the steering wheel is a small digital instrument cluster, while a 12-inch infotainment screen docks flush with the dashboard between the driver and passenger. Staying true to original Kombi style, the gear selector is placed on the steering column.
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
There are also various assistance systems on the list of option, including “Travel Assist” with swarm data, in which the ID.Buzz also uses data from other vehicles to enable semi-autonomous driving.
In this way, the electric car can recognize and stay in its lane even on roads with only one lane marking. There is also a lane change assistant for the motorway for the first time. However, it only works up to 90 km/h.
There is a new memory function for the parking assistant: you can use it to save a specific route, so that the car can move, e.g. B. maneuvered into your own carport or on the underground parking space
ID.Buzz Cargo van specs and pricing
For the cargo variant, pricing is expected to start at 48,000 euros (around $A72,500 at today’s rates), but this will also only be available at first in a premium offering.
While the exterior design is largely the same, there is no window in the rear and just the two seats at the front. The 3.9 cubic metre cargo space is separated from the driver’s cab by a fixed partition, with a window or through-loading option available at an additional cost.
Inside, the stylings are more conventional than the fun and funky passenger bus.
ID.Buzz Cargo. Source: Volkswagen
Two Euro pallets fit into the loading space. With a permissible total weight of three tonnes, and maximum payload of 650 kilos, the floor is equipped with lashing eyes for load securing, and lashing rails in the side walls are also available on request.
The ID.Buzz Cargo is equipped as standard with a sliding door on the passenger side and a normal tailgate; a second sliding door and a wing door for the rear are available for an additional cost.
ID.Buzz Cargo. Source: Volkswagen
All-electric Kombi campervan
VW has announced that it will also bring a camper version of the ID.Buzz, dubbed the ID.California, replete with pop-up roof, kitchen and cupboards. However, pricing is as yet unknown and unfortunately, there will be a wait for it. A definite timeline was not on the menu, other than that it will be available sometime after 2025.
Technical data at a glance:
• Power: 150 kW (204 hp) • Max. torque: 310 Nm • Drive: rear wheel drive • Top speed: 145 km/h (electronically limited) • Battery capacity: 82 kWh gross (77 kWh net) • Length: 4712mm • Width: 1985mm • Height: 1937-1938 mm (depending on equipment) • Wheelbase: 2988mm • Trunk in the ID.Buzz: 1121-2205 litres
• Loading volume in the ID.Buzz Cargo: 3.9 m³
Keyword: ID.Buzz: Volkswagen launches details and pricing of long awaited electric Kombi