Volkswagen is betting on electric cars with the charm of a throwback Thursday, and modern features will capture its new “ID” EV subbrand in the heart and driveway of America.
Good news: The first photo of VW ID Buzz made almost everyone smile.
Bad news: It’s a minivan, probably the least stimulating type of vehicle.
The ID Buzz, which is conscious of the style similar to the VW minibus that became an icon of counterculture in the 1960s, will be released in Europe this fall and in the United States in 2024. VW will sell both cargo and passenger models.
Buzz’s nostalgic looks include a smiley face-inspired front end, an upright profile, two-tone paint, and a minibus-inspired window.
Buzz shares its structure and powertrain with the VWID4 SUV. “ID” is a sub-brand VW created for the new family of EVs. VW builds a buzz in Hannover, Germany. Most of the EV components are also built in Germany, many of the VW factories as automakers are trying to manage unemployment due to the low number of EV parts and labor requirements.
Prices and driving ranges have not yet been announced.
Larger models are coming to the United States
VW manufactures buzz for both passenger and commercial vehicles. The first European version is 185.5 inches long, about 20 inches shorter than the typical size of an American minivan, and seats five. The 117.1 inch wheelbase promises ample cargo space for the commercial version. It accounts for the largest sales in Europe. The stretch version (wheelbase and TBA with other dimensions) is scheduled for production in 2023.
The US version gets a longer wheelbase and probably offers a third row of seats to compete with family carriers such as Chrysler Pacifica, Honda Odyssey, Chiasedona and Toyota Sienna.
VW will display the US model of Buzz in 2023.
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A single electric motor drives the rear wheels, producing 201 horsepower and 229 lb-foot torque. Buzz shares an 82kWh lithium-ion battery and electric motor with ID4.
The EPA estimates that the rear-wheel drive ID4 can travel 280 miles on a single charge. Its blocky profile can increase wind resistance that damages the driving range, but it’s not unreasonable to expect similar numbers from the buzz. — Also plays an important role.
Using DC Fast Charge — VW does not specify a level, but can handle up to 170 kW — Buzz’s battery will charge 5% to 80% in 30 minutes. VW did not provide an estimate of charging time at 240 volts. The level that most EV owners use at home.
Various battery sizes and power outputs are working.
VW has developed a MEB architecture that supports Buzz and 4, supporting a wide range of EVs. Like the latest EVs, the battery fits under the floor, contributing to a spacious interior.
Sustainable “vegan” interior
The passenger model interior features front bucket seats and rear bench seats. The 6-seater version of the short wheelbase model will be released at a later date and has three rows of seats.
The controls seem to include a 10-inch or 12-inch touch screen and mechanical sliders for volume and temperature.
There are also steering wheel controls for volume, tuning, voice recognition and adaptive cruise control. There are 8 USB-C ports and charging of wireless devices.
The Euro model features a leather-free interior with recycled materials for upholstery, headliners and floor coverings. Interior materials in the United States may vary.
The removable center console provides storage.
VW’s “ID light” across the windshield base is lit to complement navigation and safety alert instructions.
The driver assist functions are as follows.
- Collision warning
- Automatic braking
- Automatic high beam
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane keeping assist
- Blind spot alert
- Parking assist
Those interfering kids and their dogs!
The baby boomers are always wise and morally convinced that they are the most interesting people in the room, but attempts by Buzz to win support by evoking the image of a tie-dye shirt or a Grateful Dead concert are It may not be straightforward.
I asked Gen Z’s focus group, well known as my niece Emily and my nephew Cormac, about their reaction to ID Buzz’s styling, and they immediately got the answer.
“It looks like it’s about to become a modern mystery machine. LOL”
Oh, oh.
I don’t know if anyone in VW’s German styling department grew up watching the cartoon heroes of “Scooby Doo” save the day from greedy adults and strange phenomena, but their mystery machines are on the minibus. It was a mashup of American panel vans.
“That’s all good. A product that combines emotional response with new technology helps to be accepted,” said Stephanie Brinley, senior analyst at IHS Markit.
We know that VW received a message when Buzz’s two-tone paint scheme grew to include the mystery machine’s light blue and electric green.
VWID buzz at a glance
All numbers are for Euro short wheelbase models.
Electric rear-wheel drive passengers and cargo vans
length: 185.5 inches
Wheelbase: 117.6 inches
width: 78.1 inches (excluding mirrors)
height: 76.3 inches
Cargo space: Passengers: 39.6 cubic feet; Cargo: 137.7 cubic feet
Power: 201hp; 229 lb-foot torque
Battery capacity: 82kWh
charging time: TBA
range: TBA
Maximum charging current: 170kWh DC
maximum speed: Electronically limited to 90 mph
Turning circle: 36.4 feet
Assembly site: Hanover, Germany
