German automotive giant Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new ID. BUZZ and ID. BUZZ Cargo microbus EVs for the European market. The ID. BUZZ will arrive as an all-electric passenger van whereas the ID. BUZZ CARGO will cater to the commercial sector. Volkswagen describes the two variants of the ID. BUZZ as ‘near-production’ concepts that utilise the ID.range modular MEB platform. The standard-wheelbase model of the ID.BUZZ will go on sale in Europe during Q3 of 2022.
Inspired by the iconic design of the 1950 T1, the ID. BUZZ is a modern-day re-interpretation of the van. The electric van features a short overhang on the front and rear with a giant VW logo at the centre. Further enhancing the uniqueness is the V-shaped front panel along with the ‘IQ. Light’ LED Matrix headlamps with LED DRLs. The front of the ID. BUZZ also features the diamond-pattern grille element on the bumper, flanked by vents on either side.
Volkswagen will offer the electric microbus with 18,19,20, and 21-inch wheel sizes with 4 dual-tone and 7 single-tone colours. The single-tone colours include Candy White, Mono Silver, Lime Yellow, Starlight Blue, Energetic Orange, Bay Leaf Green, and Deep Black. Meanwhile, Lime Yellow, Starlight Blue, Energetic Orange, and Bay Leaf Green are the dual-tone colours in combination with Candy White. Volkswagen states that it will announce an extended-wheelbase trim of the ID. BUZZ for the US market by 2024.
Volkswagen has equipped both variants of the ID. BUZZ with an 82 kWh battery that powers the 150 kW motor. This allows the ID. BUZZ to put out 200 PS of power and 310 Nm of torque via its rear wheels. The automaker has ensured to position the battery, deep down within the sandwich floor to increase interior cabin space. Additionally, the lightweight electric drive system results in a good distribution of weight and a low vehicle centre of gravity.
Volkswagen will offer a ‘bi-direction’ charging feature on the European-spec ID. BUZZ that helps in stabilising the charging power. This feature also requires the installation of a DC bi-directional wall box that offers 170 kW of charging power. Therefore, the ID.BUZZ can charge from 5-80% within 30 minutes and can also support AC charging of 11 kW. Using the latest ID. software, the model line will also offer the ‘Plug & Charge’ function in the future via updates.
Both interiors of the respective ID. BUZZ variants will sport vegan-based elements and leather replaced by synthetic materials. The interior will also consist of materials derived from recycled materials, for example, the steering wheel is made from polyurethane. Other examples include the seat covers, floor coverings, and roof liner incorporating a Seaqual yarn made from recycled materials. Both ID.BUZZ variants measure 1,985mm in width, 4,712mm in length, and 1,937mm in height with a 2,988mm wheelbase.
The cabin of the passenger variant features plenty of colourful elements in comparison to the all-black theme of the Cargo. VW has equipped the ID. BUZZ with a 10-inch Digital Driver’s display with an optional 12-inch, touchscreen infotainment system. Other features of the interior include the touch-sensitive HVAC controls, wireless charging as standard, and multiple USB-C ports. In terms of practicality, the standard ID. BUZZ sports 2-row seating with a large storage area in the boot.
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