ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
The long wait is over: Volkswagen will this week start pre-sales for what is sure to become an iconic vehicle, the ID.Buzz, and has released pricing and specifications for the electric Kombi van.
Known as a Bulli or Microbus in other markets, the Kombi was a favourite of 1960s hippy and surfing culture. Now reborn as a fully electric vehicle, it aims to win the hearts of a new generation.
Available in a five-seater ID.Buzz Pro or ID.Cargo van configuration, the former is priced from €64,581.30 in Germany (about $A97,000). Likewise, the electric cargo van is available from €54,430.60 in Germany (about $A82,000).
Volkswagen released the expected pricing and some details in March. Now, VW has provided information on the range of the vehicles for the first time. According to the WLTP testing cycle, the ID.Buzz Pro can travel 421 km on one battery charge and the cargo version can go 424km.
This means energy consumption according to the WLTP test cycle of 20.6kWh/100km, with the cargo version a little lower at 20.4kWh/100km.
VW offers the ID.Buzz Pro with a 150-kilowatt rear-wheel drive with a torque of 310Nm, and a 82kWh battery that has a net capacity of 77kWh.
At an AC charging station the ID.Buzz can charge with at a top rate of 11kW. While fast-charging, the DC top rate is 170kW, which means the ID.Buzz can recharge from five to 80 percent in half an hour.
The new ID.Buzz enters a new age for EV charging (at least, outside the world of Tesla). Equipped with secure and encrypted comms in accordance with the ISO 15118 standard, owners can plug it in and costs will be billed automatically from the owner’s nominated bank account.
VW offers the ID. Buzz Pro in mono silver metallic as standard and optionally in ten other colour variants. These include white, four two-tone colour schemes, as well as four metallic options and a pearl black.
ID.Buzz interior. Source: Volkswagen
Driver assist features
While the original Kombi was known for its heavy steering and box-like handling, the new ID.Buzz gets all sorts of high-tech driver assist technologies.
These include the ability to warn drivers about upcoming hazards (such as hidden traffic jams around a bend), and a somewhat alarming but probably helpful “swerve support”.
This, Volkswagen says, will help the ID.Buzz avoid obstacles when braking, and can also brake when turning to avoid oncoming traffic. It can also proactively close windows before a potential accident, which we imagine could possibly be slightly annoying if it doesn’t work as expected.
Other standard inclusions include autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, dynamic road sign display, and parking distance control.
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
ID.Buzz and ID.Buzz Cargo. Source: Volkswagen
Removable centre console
One quite cool feature is the ability to remove the centre console. This can allow extra room for handbags, oversize gear or even your favourite furry companion.
The comfort package also includes additional USB-C charging sockets in the rear as well as heated steering wheel, windscreen and seats.
Comfort package plus includes a variable loading floor (Multiflexboard). “Using the Multiflexboard, a continuous loading level can be created from the folded rear seat bench to the tailgate,” writes VW.
The external features of the ID. Buzz Pro includes two smooth-running sliding doors, tinted windows in the rear and 19-inch black alloy wheels.
Also included as standard are LED headlights and ambient lighting including logo projection in the area of the front doors.
The second row of seats can slide as well as fold down in a ratio of 1/3 to 2/3. According to VW, the backrests can be folded down separately or adjusted in inclination.
ID.Buzz. Source: Volkswagen
Tow hitch and capability
Optional extras include a foldable trailer hitch with electrical unlocking. According to German news site Golem, a spokesperson for Volkswagen said that the ID.Buzz is rated in Europe to will one tonne, and the hitch costs an additional 952 euros.
Also: “The maximum payload for both models is 650 kilograms. For comparison: Depending on the version, the payload of the Multivan 6.1 varies between 655 and 770 kg according to ADAC information,” Golem wrote.
ID.Buzz Cargo. Source: Volkswagen
Infotainment
A 5.3 inch digital cockpit and 10-inch infotainment screen allow access to the car’s controls. Smartphone connectivity comes in the form of Apple Carplay and Android Auto, and there are two USB-C ports on the right of the steering wheel. A third one can be found under the passenger door trim.
Navigation however may be wanting. Golem reports that a VW spokesman confirmed route planning with loading stops is not included in the standard scope. Also, Discover Pro navigation system – standard in the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5 passenger car models – is an optional extra.
ID.Buzz Cargo. Source: Volkswagen
Keyword: VW reveals final pricing for electric Kombi, the ID.Buzz, with sales sset to open