Battery-powered dual-cab pick-up could be called the Volkswagen ID. Streamback
The classic Volkswagen Kombi ute has been reborn for the modern era, this one based on the recently-revealed VW ID. Buzz electric van.
The curious vehicle was created by the Volkswagen Group’s head of design, Klaus Zyciora, who posted an image of the electric pick-up on Instagram to celebrate World Design Day earlier this week.
The design reveals an intriguing dual-cab set-up with two rows of seats and the practicality of a rear tray for bulky cargo, along with new-look wrap-around LED tail-lights and even a small foot step behind the rear doors to improve access to the tray.
Unlike the regular VW ID. Buzz people-mover, which is based on the same MEB dedicated electric platform as all of Volkswagen’s upcoming EVs, the sliding rear doors have been replaced by conventional hinged units, while the front-end design appears largely unchanged.
Volkswagen has made no secret of its desire to be a major force in the EV world with its ID electric sub-brand, and this could be a precursor to the first ID ute, but there’s nothing official from Volkswagen at this stage.
However, Volkswagen’s rich history of Kombi and Transporter vans could be tapped to make a vehicle like this a reality.
Mid-way through the 20th century the classic Volkswagen Kombi was offered with a similar four-door, tray-back layout and, while VW hasn’t promised to make a vehicle like this a reality, the brand has expressed a desire to expand the ID. Buzz van range.
“Designers do have the ability to create new product visions, today we celebrate World Design Day with a picture of an unseen variation of the ID. Buzz,” said VW’s design chief.
He posed the question: “Shall we bring it to the next level?”
The upcoming VW ID. Buzz is powered by a rear-mounted electric motor that drives the rear wheels, generating 150kW and 310Nm. It’s good for a top speed of 145km/h and leverages a 77kWh lithium battery pack for energy, and should cover around 400km before needing a top-up.
Volkswagen Australia wants to bring the ID. Buzz to Aussie showrooms but is yet to confirm its local release. If it does get the go-ahead for the local market, expect to see the long-wheelbase version with a bigger 111kWh battery pack and a greater range.
A Volkswagen ID. California has also been mooted, turning the ID. Buzz into an electric camper van, plus an ID. Buzz Cargo commercial version, which deletes the rear seats and opens up almost 4000 litres of cargo space – enough room to fit two Euro-spec pallets.
However, the signs are promising for a pick-up version of the ID. Buzz to reach production – and it would almost certainly come to ute-mad Australia if the German car-maker gives it the green light.
Volkswagen has just filed two separate trademarks for the ‘Loungeback’ and ‘Streamback’ nameplates, both of which are touted to be future ID. Buzz variants.
It’s the latter nomenclature that’s most relevant here, with online chatter out of Europe suggesting ‘Streamback’ could be the name given to an ID. BUZZ-based pick-up.
The Streamback application was initially filed with IP Australia on January 5 before being formally accepted on Wednesday, but the trademark has been in the public eye in Europe since July last year, along with the Loungeback and ‘ID. LIFE’ nameplates.
At around the same time, Automotive News published a report claiming the ID. BUZZ line-up would consist of three core body styles; a six-seater MPV, a four-seater with two rear-facing seats designed for ride-hailing and a commercial van.
With only four seats on offer, it stands to reason the ride-hailing version would end up being labelled the ‘Loungeback’ on the basis it’s reportedly being designed for individuals and or small groups to be ferried around in, so a comfortable lounge-style seating arrangement in the rear would make perfect sense.
But this still begs the question, what does the Streamback name refer to?
There’s certainly a precedent for a Kombi-based ute as mentioned above and an open-air load-lugger would no doubt complement the sealed-up Cargo, but for the time being we’ll just have to wait and see.
Volkswagen Group Australia has made no secret of its desire to bring the ID. BUZZ to Australia at some point, so perhaps these two new trademark applications are the first concrete signs of progress beyond the ID.4 and ID.5 mid-size electric SUVs, and the Golf GTE plug-in hybrid, all of which have been confirmed for local release in 2023, followed by the ID.3 electric hatch in 2024.
For reference, the ID. BUZZ nameplate was trademarked here back in September 2019.
Keyword: Volkswagen Kombi EV ute revealed