Volkswagen Id.buzz
The time has nally come for VW’S classic campervan to be reborn as an all-electric people mover or a commercial van
SHAKESPEARE’S PLAYS HAVE been reimagined countless times over the years to suit new audiences; there was even a gnome version of one of his works (Gnomeo and Juliet, in case you were wondering).and in much the same way, Volkswagen is planning to bring one of its own classics up to date, with the upcoming Id.buzz an all-electric take on its iconic campervan from the 1950s.
Retro details include a two-tone paint scheme, (fake) vents on the rear window pillars and sliding rear doors on each side. Meanwhile, the boxy, upright design should help to maximise interior space, just as it did in the original.
On the other hand, the interior itself will be thoroughly modern, featuring the same digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system as other Volkswagen ID models.the dashboard is likely to incorporate so-called ID Light strips, which can illuminate in different patterns to subtly alert you to everything from an incoming phone call to the direction in which the sat-nav system wants you to turn.
The Id.buzz will be available as both a commercial van and an eight-seat people carrier, with the former expected to take loads of up to 800kg, compared with the 595kg of the conventionally powered Ford Tourneo Courier. For added convenience, it will also have a 230-volt power outlet at the back and a fold-out work bench.
Both single and dual-motor variants of the Id.buzz will be available, with the latter bringing four-wheel drive, while versions with the biggest battery available should be able to cover more than 350 miles between charges.as strange as it seems, volkswagen is even planning a GTX performance model, which is likely to have 369bhp, sports suspension and beefed-up looks.
Expect the entry-level passenger version to be priced from around £60,000, making it more expensive than Volkswagen’s plug-in hybrid T7 Multivan but a lot more affordable than the fully electric Mercedes-benz EQV.
A version capable of autonomous driving is being developed in partnership with US rm Argo AI, with its sensors said to detect hazards more than 400 metres away. However, this won’t go on sale until 2025.
‘In contrast to the boxy, retro exterior, the Id.buzz’s interior will be thoroughly modern’