VW ID. Buzz resurrects the iconic Bus with passenger and cargo models

Only a few cars ever made it to the elite class of common vehicles. The Mini, VW Beetle, Citroen 2CV are among a few that succeeded in making a name for themselves. For a commercial vehicle to replicate this act was even more difficult. The VW T1, or VW Bus, or Microbus was one that did it so gracefully. Now it is back as the VW ID. Buzz, and it is electric.

The launch of the VW ID. Buzz has been a long time coming. The concept for this new van was unveiled back in 2017.  Since then, speculations took centre stage, until now. The VW ID. Buzz comes with a futuristic yet familiar face that draws inspiration from the original VW T1.  The key design elements like short overhangs are retained from the original Bus, helping the VW ID. Buzz increases the passenger room inside.

Another iconic VW Bus trait is dual-tone paint, giving the VW ID. Buzz a vintage vibe. Lighting is all modern, with LEDs on all ends. The taillights are also connected with an LED strip, keeping up with the latest trends in that department.

The interior of the VW ID. Buzz is where the party is. It builds on the brand’s MEB architecture, helping it utilize every bit of room inside. As standard, the VW ID. Buzz comes with five seats in its standard length format. Another six-seat version will be added later on. In the United States, an extended-length version will be sold with 7 seats as standard, with a 2+3+2 format. With the rear seats down, this version can gobble up to 1,121 litres of cargo.

If cargo hauling is your priority, the VW ID. Buzz also brings in a model for you. The cargo version of the van is sold only in Europe with 2 or 3 seats in them. This version can eat up to 650 kilos of cargo. The total capacity is 3,000 kgs. There is an array of lashing rings and rails in the cargo bay to secure your luggage. Opting for the 2 seater version can also give you a removable 1.4-litre storage unit between the seats.

Equipment inside the VW ID. Buzz is no less than a car. There are two large screens as standard, both at 10-inches. While one of them sits behind the steering, acting as a digital instrument cluster, the other handles the infotainment duties. The infotainment screen can be upped to 12-inches if needed. Optional equipment includes exterior ambient lighting, matrix LED headlights, an electric tailgate, and a bunch of other items, even in the cargo model.

The power for the passenger and the cargo models comes from a 210 hp electric motor that also churns out 310 Nm of torque. The battery is a single 82.0 kWh setup that can be charged at a maximum AC power of 11 kW. Plug it into a fast-charging DC station, it can juice up at speed of up to 170 kW, filling in enough charge to go from 5 to 80 percent battery capacity in just 30 minutes. The European models also support bi-directional charging, allowing customers to power their homes from the vehicle.

The range numbers of the VW ID. Buzz is not announced yet. The launch of the VW ID. Buzz in Europe will happen by the third quarter of 2022. This will be the standard-wheelbase format. The European long-wheelbase model and the even longer US model will debut in 2023, and 2024 respectively.