After some five years speculation and a drip-feed of artists’ impressions, sketches and snippets of information, Volkswagen has finally taken the wraps off it's fully-electric ID. Buzz – to critical acclaim.
The ID. Buzz and its commercial version, the ID. Buzz Cargo, have been eagerly awaited since a concept version was revealed in 2017. Now it’s a production reality, with claimed retro looks certain to make it one of the most exciting new vehicles launched in 2022. It’s also an important addition to Volkswagen’s ID range of electric vehicles, which uses its Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) platform for zero emissions while driving.
Production models have retained the retro-styling of the concept, which directly links back to the iconic VW Transporter (later named the T1), from 1950. Like the original T1, the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo have a long wheelbase of 2988 mm and minimal front and rear overhangs to maximise the interior space while delivering a tight turning circle of 11.1 m. The ID. Buzz Cargo has a capacity of 3.9 cubic metres and is able to carry two Euro pallets.
Volkswagen says, “The ID. Buzz takes seven decades of Microbus expertise into the future. It’s packed with the latest state-of-the-art technology and systems, including Travel Assist with Swarm Data, over-the-air software updates, ‘Plus and Charge’ technology and Bidirectional charging (vehicle-to-home).
At 4712 mm the ID. Buzz is slightly shorter but wider than the current VW Transporter T6.1, which measures 4904 mm. Crucially, like the T6.1, the ID. Buzz is less than 2 m high.
A Volkswagen spokesperson confirmed that the California campervan will continue to be based on the T6.1 for at least a couple of years and that there are no plans for a California version of the ID. Buzz until into the second half of this decade.
According to an early drive report from the European launch, “We’ve waited a long time for a true rear-wheel drive successor to the original Volkswagen Kombi. The ID. Buzz does not disappoint. Its size and electric driveline clearly won’t suit everyone, but its sheer functionality and practicality bring great appeal. It is a pleasing car to drive with both brisk and agile qualities in everyday driving. It also offers outstanding refinement and a comfortable ride. After over four years of development, it feels very complete and well-engineered”.
Full details of pricing and specifications are due to be announced in May, with first deliveries of both the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo due to reach European customers in autumn, unless any of the current issues with the supply chain cause delays. The ID. Buzz is produced in the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles plant in Hannover, where it has built every version of the Transporter since 1950. Volkswagen Australia is eager for both versions of the ID. Buzz to arrive on our shores, but at this stage there are no confirmed plans or timing for its local release