It has been years since the concept and months since the prototype and now, finally, the 2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz has been announced. There is a snag in the details as things can still change, Volkswagen is calling the EVs “near-production concepts”. Regardless, things can’t change much now and it’s likely called that because all of the tech needs to be finalised.
“The ID. Buzz is a genuine icon for the electric era. A car, the likes of which only Volkswagen can build. In the 1950s, the Volkswagen Bulli stood for a new feeling of automotive freedom, independence and great emotion. The ID. Buzz picks up on this lifestyle and transfers it into our time: emission-free, sustainable, fully networked and now ready for the next big chapter: autonomous driving.” – Ralf Brandstätter, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Passenger Cars
Volkswagen kept the cool looks for the ID Buzz.
At all stages of its design and concept, the Volkswagen ID Buzz was a looker. It almost looks better now that we know to expect it soon. In the images, we see both the MPV (Yellow) and commercial van (Blue), both with the standard-wheelbase variant.
These are the options that will become available at launch, but customers will have the option of a long-wheelbase variant too. More options include a five-seater, six-seater and two-seater. The long-wheelbase model will have seven seats.
Volkswagen Europe says the launch edition ID Buzz will be available before the end of 2022 while the long-wheelbase models will arrive in 2023. There has been no announcement for South Africa yet, but we do know that the company has a launch plan for EVs in our country.
As for the cabin, Volkswagen has kept the simple and minimalistic approach but now we get to see more of the tools and buttons scattered around. The company has made an effort to use sustainable materials for the cabin as well as recycled plastic on the floor, roofline, and seat covers.
What we know so far for performance.
As with all of the brand’s EVs, the ID Buzz is built on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform. The launch edition model will come packed with an 82 kWh battery that powers the rear wheels with a, 150 kW and 310 Nm, single motor. Volkswagen has kept quiet about most other details including the expected range. We do know that we can expect a 145 km/h top speed.
When it comes to charging, the company is offering bi-directional charging. This means the car can both charge and feed into the grid. The ID Buzz will support 170 kW fast charging which will get the battery from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes. Someone really ought to standardise this battery charging time statistic, starting at 5% makes it really difficult to compare.
We are just as excited to see this car come to the roads as we were before. Even if it is not our roads, yet. Here’s hoping that VW will start sending them to our local shores soon.
Source: Cars | Volkswagen