AutoSpias has had the opportunity to attend the presentation of the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz, an electric van with a retro design inspired by one of the German company’s best-remembered classics: the T1 from the 50s and 60s, immortalized in the collective imagination for its association with the hippie movement.
The new model will be manufactured in Hamburg, a German city where the presentation event has also taken place. the ID Buzz will share the factory with the current T6.1 (Caravelle, Transporter, California) and T7 (Multivan) with internal combustion engines; however, the newcomer will most likely end up outliving her thermal sisters.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has a striking and retro-futuristic aesthetic. Its One Box design and its proportions are extremely reminiscent of those of its illustrious predecessor, maintaining key details such as the vertical V-shaped hood or the practical absence of overhangs; however, the classic round headlights have given way to sharper optics similar to those of other models in the ID range.
The floating A-pillar and forward windshield set the ID apart. Buzz of rivals such as the Peugeot e-Traveller / e-Expert, while the horizontal lights linked by an LED bar across the width of the tailgate bring its image closer to that of a technological minivan rather than that of a van to use. In the C-pillar Volkswagen has decided to include three decorative moldings, which mimic the ventilation grilles of the T1, whose engine was located on the rear axle (something that, as we will see, also happens with the new model).
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be a very customizable vehicle
Its body can be painted in eleven shades, including four two-tone schemes that will combine white for the roof and hood with yellow, blue, orange, and green in the rest of the areas. In addition, these latest models will have interior trim to match the exterior, which will give them a more casual touch. The offer of tires will go from 19 to 21 inches.
Even though it is a relatively compact van (measuring 4.71 meters long), thanks to the use of the MEB modular platform it offers a wheelbase of 2.99 meters, similar to that of the T6.1, which gives it will give equivalent habitability despite measuring about 20 centimeters less. In addition, its turning radius will be just 11.1 meters.
In the cabin, the leading role falls on the 5.3-inch Digital Cockpit, on the 10- to 12-inch touch screen, and on the digital buttons that allow you to control functions such as the temperature of the air conditioning or the volume of the sound system. The selector lever becomes anchored to the steering column, which improves ergonomics, and we find practical elements such as a wireless charger for smartphones, up to seven USB sockets distributed in the center console and doors, and the ID. Interactive lights.
Volkswagen has placed special emphasis on the sustainability of the vehicle: the steering wheel rim is made of polyurethane, with an appearance, quality, and feel similar to leather, while the different upholstery will use fabrics of recycled origin (for example, the well-known SEAQUAL yarn used in the seats of the CUPRA Born, which is made up of 10% plastic recovered from the ocean, while the remaining 90% comes from recycled PET bottles). According to the brand, this allows a saving of carbon dioxide emissions of 32% compared to other materials.
77 kWh battery
The perceived quality is above ID.3 and ID.4, and although there are hardly any soft plastics, the use of imitation wood and aluminum moldings give it a more refined touch. The interior follows an Open Space concept, prioritizing habitability and passenger comfort. Initially, it will be offered exclusively with five seats, the rear ones folding asymmetrically.
The rear bench can be moved 15 centimeters longitudinally, and the trunk of up to 1,121 liters will have a practical double bottom as an option. Six and seven-seater versions will be added later, as well as an extended-wheelbase variant and even an ID camper version. Calif. Of course, we can’t forget about the ID either. Buzz Cargo, intended for the transport of merchandise.
This latest model will have a single row of seats with three seats, although you can optionally choose an individual seat for the passenger. It will be able to carry up to 645 kg of weight, will offer a useful space of 3.9 cubic meters, and will be capable of transporting two Euro pallets. It will have a sliding door on the right side as standard, with the left being optional (both will be standard on the passenger ID. Buzz).
The launch version will be equipped with a 204 hp (150 kW) and 310 Nm engine associated with a 77 kWh battery pack. Although its official autonomy has not yet been revealed, it is expected to be around 400 km WLTP. As for the load, you can access maximum powers of 11 kW in alternating current and 170 kW in direct current, going from 5 to 80% in just 30 minutes.
Volkswagen is already planning new versions of the ID. Buzz
Other battery options (one smaller and one more capable) and more power levels will be added in 2023, with it highly likely that all-wheel-drive versions up to 299 hp (220 kW) will also be launched. It is interesting to note that the ID. Buzz will be the first vehicle of its kind manufactured with a neutral balance of carbon dioxide emissions.
A novelty of interest will be bidirectional charging, which will allow powering electrical equipment and even pouring energy into the network. In addition, it will have the new Plug&Charge function, which will simplify the charging process: the user will only have to connect the vehicle to the station, and the validation and payment will be carried out automatically without the need for apps or membership cards. Initially, it will be compatible with networks such as IONITY, BP, or Iberdrola, but the inclusion of other large providers is already being negotiated.
In terms of technological equipment, the Car2X system should be highlighted, which allows communication between vehicles to share, for example, warning messages, as well as the new generation TravelAssist, which in addition to longitudinal and lateral guidance will now also include an assisted lane change from 90 km/h. On the other hand, it will take into account traffic data in real-time.
The early sale of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz will start in May, while the first installments will take place in the fall. Although its rates have not yet been revealed, the 204 hp, 77 kWh model is expected to be priced similarly to the Multivan in Germany, so it should be around €60,000 before aid in its home market.
