Volkswagen is betting that an electric vehicle with Throwback Thursday appeal and modern features will earn its new “ID” EV sub-brand a place in American hearts and driveways.
The good news: The first photos of the VW ID Buzz made everyone smile.
The bad news: it’s a minivan, arguably the least exciting type of vehicle.
Consciously designed to resemble the VW Microbus that became a counterculture icon in the 1960s, the ID Buzz will go on sale in Europe this fall, in America in 2024. VW plans to sell both cargo models and passengers.
The nostalgic look of the Buzz includes a front end reminiscent of a smiling face, a straight profile, two-tone paint and windows reminiscent of the Microbus.
The Buzz shares its structure and engine with the VW ID4 SUV. “ID” is the sub-brand created by VW for its new family of electric vehicles. VW will build the Buzz in Hannover, Germany. Most of the electric vehicle’s components are also made in Germany, many of them in VW factories, as the automaker tries to manage job losses due to fewer parts and lower vehicle labor requirements. electrical.
There’s no word yet on pricing or battery life.
A larger model is coming to the US
VW will build passenger and commercial versions of the Buzz. The initial European version is 185.5 inches long — about 20 inches shorter than typical American minivans — and seats five. Its wheelbase of 117.1 inches promises generous cargo space for the commercial version likely to represent the most sales in Europe. A stretched version – wheelbase and other dimensions to be determined – should be produced in 2023.
The US version will get the longer wheelbase and likely offer a third row of seats to make it competitive with family haulers like the Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Kia Sedona and Toyota Sienna.
VW will present the American model of the Buzz in 2023.
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A single electric motor drives the rear wheels. It generates 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The Buzz shares its 82kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor with the ID4.
The EPA estimates that a rear-drive ID4 can travel 280 miles on a charge. It’s not unreasonable to expect similar numbers from the Buzz, although its blocky profile likely increases wind resistance at the expense of range. The weight of the Buzz – also TBA – will also play an important role.
Using DC fast charging – VW doesn’t specify the level, but it can support up to 170kW – the Buzz’s battery can go from 5% to 80% charge in 30 minutes. VW didn’t offer an estimate for charging times at 240 volts, the level most EV owners use at home.
Different battery sizes and output powers are in preparation.
VW has developed the MEB architecture that underpins the Buzz and 4 to support a wide range of electric vehicles. As with most advanced electric vehicles, the battery tucks under the floor, contributing to a spacious interior.
Sustainable and “vegan” interiors
The interior of the passenger model includes front bucket seats and a rear bench seat. A six-seat version of the short-wheelbase model will come later and feature three rows of seats.
Controls appear to include a 10- or 12-inch touchscreen and mechanical sliders for volume and temperature.
There are also steering wheel controls for volume, tuning, voice recognition and adaptive cruise control. There are eight USB-C ports and wireless device charging.
European-spec models will feature leather-free interiors that use recycled materials for upholstery, headliner and floor coverings. Interior materials for the United States may vary.
A removable center console offers storage.
VW’s “identification light” at the base of the windshield illuminates to supplement navigation instructions and safety alerts.
Driver assistance features include:
- collision alert
- Automatic braking
- Automatic high beams
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Blind Spot Alert
- Parking assistance
These disruptive children and their dog!
While baby boomers remain morally certain that they are still the smartest and most interesting people in the room, the Buzz’s attempt to curry favor by conjuring up images of tie-dye shirts and Grateful Dead concerts could be overstated.
When I asked my Gen Z chat group – better known as my niece Emily and my nephew Cormac – their reaction to the style of ID Buzz, the response was immediate:
“Looks like it’s trying to be a modern Mystery Machine. MDR”
Spirit, spirit.
I’m not sure anyone in VW’s German styling department grew up watching “Scooby-Doo” cartoon heroes save the day from greedy adults and weird freaks, but their Mystery Machine was a mashup of American vans , not a Microbus.
“All is well,” said Stephanie Brinley, senior analyst at IHS Markit. “A product that combines an emotional response with a new technology can help it gain acceptance.”
We’ll know VW got the message if the Buzz’s two-tone paint schemes expand to include the Mystery Machine’s Light Blue and Electric Green. And maybe some flower decals.
VW ID Buzz at a glance
All figures are for the Euro-spec short wheelbase model.
Rear-wheel drive electric passenger and utility van
Length: 185.5 inches
Wheelbase: 117.6 inches
Lenght: 78.1 inches (excluding mirrors)
Height: 76.3 inches
Cargo space: Passenger: 39.6 cubic feet; cargo: 137.7 cubic feet
Power: 201 hp; 229 lb-ft of torque
Battery capacity: 82kWh
Loading time: To be determined
Vary: To be determined
Maximum charging current: 170 kWh DC
Top speed: Electronically limited to 90 mph
Turning circle: 36.4 feet
Assembly site: Hannover, Germany