Volkswagen ID. Buzz unveiled — the Microbus is back!

About five years in development, there’s been quite a lot of buzz around the Volkswagen ID. Buzz (see what I did there?). In fact, it was even thought to be dead at one point of time, but as always, time changes a lot of things. Volkswagen has finally removed all wraps off the ID. Buzz, which is among one of the most significant unveils from the German carmaker in recent times, who now intends to embrace the world of electrification with its electric ID lineup. Let’s look at what the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is all about.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Design

Another reason why the Volkswagen ID . Buzz is significant is because it reimagines the original Microbus and the T1 for the 21st century in an all-electric avatar, and that is reflected clearly in its design. The presence of safety norms dictate the presence of some amount of overhangs, which were minimal on the original Microbus, but it captures the spirit of the old Microbus almost perfectly. The dual-tone paint schemes are optional, and they will certainly remind older audiences of the hippie era, especially in the yellow and orange shades which look striking. The headlights are connected to the big VW logo via a light strip, while a full-length strip runs along the tailgate connecting the tail lights.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Powertrain, Battery and Charging

Built on the MEB platform for electric vehicles, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is powered by an electric motor which feeds power to the rear, producing 201bhp and 310Nm of torque. This setup is backed by a 77kWh Lithium-ion battery pack which can be charged via either a 11kW AC wallbox charger, or a 170kW DC fast charger. Volkswagen hasn’t revealed any details on the driving range, but it says the fast charger will provide a 5 to 80 per cent charge in just 30 minutes, and it also receives bi-directional charging.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Interiors and Equipment

Similar to the interiors, the dual-tone funky theme continues on the interiors of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz as well, with a combination of white and whatever colour the MPV receives. The interiors of the ID. Buzz incorporate easter eggs, serving as a throwback to the original T1, such as the Microbus mascot and emojis. These interiors are also leather-free, instead making use of recycled synthetic material and a special fabric called Seaqual yarn. A point to note here is that the interiors of the ID. Buzz cargo will feature a black and grey theme with a partition separating the front and second rows.

Talking about the equipment, the ID. Buzz gets two infotainment systems to choose from — a ‘Ready to Discover’ 10-inch touchscreen, and a ‘Discover Pro’ 12-inch touchscreen, both of which feature smartphone connectivity with LTE, along with OTA updates, ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel, a nine-speaker sound system, voice commands, and an auto-dimming IRVM among others. Look closely and you’ll notice the absence of a gear lever — the automatic transmission can be operated via a switch near the steering. It also receives a 10-colour ambient lighting setup, with a 30-colour system available optionally, along with as many as eight USB C-type charging ports as standard.

Safety kit on the ID. Buzz includes adaptive cruise control, reverse parking camera, lane keep assist, travel assist with automated lane changing, park assist with memory function, an ID light setup which alerts the driver and also works in tandem with the travel assist system, and more.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz — an India launch on the cards?

While we would love to see the ID. Buzz appear on Indian roads, Volkswagen hasn’t said anything on that note, and it seems unlikely that the ID. Buzz will reach Indian shores anytime soon.

Speaking of things happening here, Volkswagen recently unveiled its second offering on the MQB-A0-IN platform, the Virtus, which will be launched later this year. Check out our walkaround video and tell us what you think in the comments section!