Volkswagen ID. Buzz: the return of the mythical Combi in electric

Almost 72 years to the day after the presentation of the mythical Combi, Volkswagen unveiled the production version of the ID last night. Buzz, announced by a concept almost five years ago. This electric van plays on the heritage of the Combi, which is quite popular for retrofit operations.

A neo-retro style

If the wait was long, we can rejoice that Volkswagen has kept the lines of the concept. Thus, the style is quite minimalist and the MEB platform has made it possible to find a silhouette reminiscent of the Type 2 (T1, T2 and T3). Its nose is much shorter than a T6.1 or a Multivan, for example. The available two-tone liveries also make it possible to recall the Combi.

Despite its shoebox physique, the drag coefficient (C_x) of the ID. Buzz is honorable, at 0.285. It is only 4.71 m long, 1.94 m high and 1.99 m wide. It is therefore 26 cm shorter than the Multivan (in the short version), but only half of this difference is in the wheelbase. The ID. Buzz also benefits from a short turning circle of only 11.1 m between curbs, or 1 m less than the Multivan.

Different configurations are possible, with at launch only a five-seater version, but six and seven-seater versions will follow with the arrival of a long version. Volkswagen did not opt ​​for individual seats in the back, but for a more classic bench seat. The interior is dressed in recycled materials and the leather used is vegan.

The dashboard is reminiscent of the other models in the ID. range, with a central screen in 10” or 12” tablet format, touch controls and “digital” instrumentation on a small 5.3” screen.

In addition to color elements, details similar to easter eggs help make this ID nice. buzz.

Its cargo volume reaches 1121 l and up to 2205 l by folding the rear seat, but the seats cannot be removed.

A single version at launch

The ID. Buzz is launched in a single version equipped with a useful 77 kWh battery (total capacity of 82 kWh). The exact WLTP range is not known, but Volkswagen told us it should be around 400 km.

For recharging, it is possible up to 11 kW in alternating current and 170 kW in direct current, allowing to go from 5 to 80% of charge in approximately 30 min. The ID. Buzz is compatible with the Plug & Charge function, which allows the vehicle to communicate with compatible terminals so that the driver does not have to authenticate. Invoicing is then automatic via Volkswagen’s We Charge offer.

Finally, the ID. Buzz is compatible with bi-directional charging, allowing the vehicle to supply a home with energy (V2H). In the future, it could also participate in the stability of the electricity network (V2G).

Four-wheel-drive versions with two motors or with a smaller battery could see the light of day. However, higher capacity batteries will not arrive until later. If Volkswagen doesn’t offer one at launch, it may be because the ID payload. Buzz is already very limited (650 kg for the lighter Cargo version). Pending an improvement in the energy density of the batteries, a larger battery capacity would therefore further limit the payload for passengers and their luggage.

On the engine side, the ID. Buzz develops 150 kW (204 hp) and 310 Nm of torque. The engine is at the rear and the ID. Buzz is a propulsion, like the old Combi (Type 2).

A Cargo version for the transport of goods

The ID. Buzz Cargo is at Transporter what the ID. Buzz is at the Multivan. It is therefore intended to transport goods by freeing itself from the back seat of the ID. buzz. It is available with three front seats or two as an option.

Its loading volume reaches 3.9 m³ and can load two europallets. However, the GVW of 3 t limits the payload to 650 kg.

The ID. Buzz will be marketed by both Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. It will be marketed from autumn 2022, just like the ID. Buzz Cargo. Its prices are not yet known, but could be around €60,000. It will come in particular to compete with the electric vans of the Stellantis group, as well as the Mercedes EQV.