VW turns to the future with the new all-electric ID. Buzz

Last week, VW presented the ID. Buzz to the world at SXSW in Austin. We already had the chance to have a closer look at it, as well as to make a test drive. The ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo are Europe’s first all-electric MPV and van range, and are set to launch to market in Europe in 2022, followed by North America in 2023. This constitutes an important step for the VW Group, who have described the ID.Buzz as the new face of an intelligent, future-oriented, sustainable form of mobility. 

VW brings back an iconic design

With the all-electric ID. Buzz, VW is bringing back an iconic design paying homage to the T1. In the 50’s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion. The ID. Buzz now picks up on this attitude and transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and ready for the next big chapter – autonomous driving.

The exterior design

The exterior design of the ID. Buzz definitely reminds of the first T1 bus generation. The characteristic front shield with the V-shaped indentation was already one of the most striking design elements back then and is also thematised in the new edition. The new ID. Buzz has also the iconic two-tone paint, as well as short overhangs, large windows and as well the large logo at the large VW logo at the front. With state-of-the-art technologies and a flexible space concept, the ID. Buzz provides mobile comfort that sets new standards. It is available as a five-seater or as an electric "Cargo" van version with two or three seats and a large cargo area.

Form follows function – this central tenet of automotive construction also applies to the design of the ID. Buzz. The iconically clear forms are accompanied by outstanding aerodynamics: the ID. Buzz has a drag coefficient of 0.285, the ID. Buzz Cargo of 0.29. That reduces energy consumption and increases range.

The interior design

Inside, the ID. Buzz offers plenty of space – space for every situation in life. You are welcomed by the typically Bulli-like interior with high seat positions, comfortable armrests and lots of space, combined with high-tech interior. The colours of the exterior are being picked up again. Everything is very coherent. The interior design is exactly how we like it, minimalist and neatly arranged. Some little surprises are hidden inside. You will come across seven easter eggs, such as the smiley in the driver's door.

Sustainability and materials

With the ID.Buzz, VW takes an important step towards more sustainable practices. Leather is being replaced with non-animal material. The materials used for some seat covers, floor coverings and for the roof liner include materials created from recycled products. For instance one fabric is made of so-called SEAQUAL® yarn, the fibres of which consist of 10 percent of collected ocean plastics and about 90 percent Polyester, made of recycled PET bottles.

Besides, VW promises to take back the high-voltage batteries at the end of their automotive life cycle and to prepare them for a second use, e.g. as energy storage for a building’s solar panel system.

Connectivity and technology

The ID.Buzz is highly connected – its driver assist and information systems, coupled with over-the-air updates of the software and compatibility with new mobility concepts all integrate perfectly within its ‘Digital Cockpit’. The large display also includes full smartphone integration and infotainment, providing opportunities for some fun for longer trips. 

The key piece of technology within the ID.Buzz is the Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB), the world’s first scalable large production-run platform for all-electric cars, which provides the basis across brands for all sorts of different models. Last but not least, the vehicles will be manufactured in Hannover, Germany, guaranteeing high quality and safeguarding jobs, which is an added bonus.

The ID. Buzz is definitely suitable for everyday use. We were highly impressed by the compact proportions while still having plenty of space inside. What really caught our eye was the small turning circle, so you can perfectly go around in the city with the bus. It’s really fun to drive the all-electric ID. Buzz and we would love to spend our next roadtrip with it.

Tech specs

Drive system and driving performance
– Type: all-electric rear-wheel drive
– Max. power: 150 kW
– Max. torque: 310 Nm
– AC charging power (alternating current): 11 kW
– DC charging power (direct current) at quick-charging stations: up to 170 kW
– Top speed: 145 km/h, electronically limited
– Turning circle: 11.1 metres

Pictures: VW for ellectric
Text: Britta Reineke