After more than two decades of concept cars and teasers, Volkswagen is finally ready to launch a new Microbus.
The all-electric ID Buzz will officially be revealed on 9 March 2022, following five years of development.
Before its debut, Volkswagen has taken disguised pre-production versions of the ID Buzz on a European tour to test public reactions.
London, Paris and Amsterdam
Volkswagen originally displayed a Microbus concept at the 2001 Detroit Auto Show. This was followed by the electric Bulli concept in 2011 and the Budd-e of 2016.
The 2017 Detroit Auto Show saw the reveal of the ID Buzz concept, created on Volkswagen’s all-electric MEB platform. In 2018, the ID Buzz Cargo van was displayed at the IAA Mobility Show in Hannover.
Both prototype versions of the five-seat ID Buzz passenger model, and the Buzz Cargo van, are taking part in Volkswagen’s road-trip. Test runs have been conducted in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Hamburg and Hannover.
Despite the European focus for final testing, Volkswagen will sell the ID Buzz in the United States. The company notes that fans in San Francisco are likely to be excited about the return of the iconic ‘hippy’ van.
Retro styling, modern construction
Although the design of the ID Buzz is a deliberate homage to the original Microbus, the engineering underneath is all new. Volkswagen will use the MEB platform, which already underpins the ID.3, ID.4 and multiple other models.
An 82kWh battery pack will supply power to a 150kW electric motor. Like the classic version from the 1960s, the ID Buzz will be rear-wheel drive. Top speed is limited to 90mph, but instant torque should make it feel more sprightly than the air-cooled original.
Like the rest of the ID family, the Buzz will benefit from over-the-air software updates, automatic parking capability and crowdsourced data for traffic hazards.
Following its public debut in March, production of the ID Buzz begins in the first half of 2022. A European launch will follow in September.
The incredible cars of ‘Mr. Volkswagen’
Classic Golf GTIs: driving Volkswagen’s hot hatch heroes