Cars

VW ID.Buzz (2022): the electric Bulli with T1 genes

Price and market launch: The ID.Buzz can be ordered from May 2022

A Volkswagen icon is being electrified: the Bulli. The VW ID.Buzz is visually based on the first bus generation T1with short overhangs, two-tone paint and large logo. Like its ancestor, it also has rear-wheel drive. It is available as a five-seater or as an electric transporter version “Cargo” with two or three seats and a large cargo area.

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According to VW, the first units are to be delivered in Europe as early as September 2022, and it can be ordered from May. The prices for the ID.Buzz should start at around 55,000 euros for the base. At the market launch, it will probably be a bit more expensive, because initially VW wants to offer the higher “Pro” equipment with a 204 hp drive. The “Pure” basis with an entry-level battery will be added later.

For the cargo variant, we expect at least 48,000 euros, here too the stronger version will initially be available at the market launch in September. In 2023, the window bus and the delivery van variant will also be available with a long wheelbase. Of the vans and the new Multivan with a combustion engine, which will not be presented until 2021, will initially be offered in parallel.

Appearance and dimensions: ID.Buzz wants to be close to the original Bulli

The design of the ID.Buzz is strongly based on the first generation of the VW bus, the T1. The characteristic front shield with the V-shaped indentation was one of the most striking design elements back then and will also be a theme in the new edition. The bus can also have the iconic two-tone paintwork for an additional charge. The overhangs are short, the window areas are large, as is the logo on the front. The ID.Buzz bears the largest VW emblem in the current model range. The indicated air inlets in the D-pillar have nothing to do with the T1. You cite the “ears” that were used in the T2 and T3 series, among other things for the air intake of the engine (T3).
VW ID. buzz

Two-tone paintwork, large window areas and short overhangs as a tribute to the T1.

The pattern on the front apron consists of air intakes that become smaller towards the outside LED headlights are connected by a light bar – both are reminiscent of the other ID series. Even the largest representative is only available with matrix LED technology at an additional cost. The light signature at the rear seems to be adapted to the current VW car models. This is mainly due to the shape of the taillights: instead of being high as before, they are very flat and wide and also connected to each other by an LED strip. Since the third generation, the rear lights were designed vertically.

Wheelbase in line with the current Multivan, despite the shorter exterior length

Looking at the dimensions, the electric bus is shorter and lower than a current T7; nevertheless, the wheelbase remains roughly the same. However, the width of the bus is increasing, measuring eight centimeters more than the Multivan.

Dimensions at a glance

• Length: 4712mm
• Width: 1985mm
• Height: 1937-1938 mm (depending on equipment)
• Wheelbase: 2988mm
• Trunk in the ID.Buzz: 1121-2205 litres
• Loading volume in the ID.Buzz Cargo: 3.9 m³

Interior: generous space in the electric Bulli

The ID.Buzz wants to be a real Bulli, which is why the entrance is pleasantly high. The short snout suggests a manageable distance from the driver’s seat to the end of the vehicle – unfortunately, this impression is not true when trying the seat. Due to the bulky dashboard, the bus is less easy to assess from the front. Who through that to that T1 If you were hoping for the cab-over-handle feel based on the design, you will be a bit disappointed here. Otherwise, the ergonomics of the cockpit are already familiar from other vehicles in the ID family. The ID.Buzz also has the current multifunction steering wheel with touch surfaces.

VW ID. buzz

Lots of shelves and USB-C connections: The VW ID.Buzz combines commercial vehicle virtues with modern functions.


Behind it is the small digital instrument cluster, with the gear selector moving to the steering column. The up to 12-inch infotainment screen docks flush with the dashboard, which makes operation somewhat difficult for the driver. VW relies on a fresh interior for the electric bus, which, however, still contains a lot of hard plastic. Nice details are intended to distract from this: there are small VW bus pictograms distributed all over the vehicle, which actually give the buzz a fresh breeze.

Rear: The second row of seats is close to the first

In the second row, the space with a short wheelbase is very reminiscent of a minivan. The legs have plenty of room for the first row of seats. The right bus feeling doesn’t really come up, however, as the row of seats would have to be placed much further back. But the lavishly dimensioned trunk scores points in everyday life. The two electric sliding doors greatly facilitate access to the rear and show that the passenger version of the ID.Buzz was designed for urban environments with little space to get in and out.

Summary by Andreas Huber: Visually, nothing in the interior is reminiscent of the ancestors of the ID.Buzz. The electric bus is also modern and different from its predecessors when it comes to the interior concept and seating position. The overview has fallen by the wayside, and VW still uses a lot of hard plastic for the Bulli.

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VW ID Buzz (2022)


Versions: Also available as a “Cargo” transporter version right from the start

In addition to the window bus, there is also a direct commercial variant. It bears the suffix “Cargo” and does not have a window in the rear. The ID.Buzz Cargo has three seats as standard, i.e. the driver’s seat and a double seat bench; the Transporter is also optionally available with two seats. The 3.9 cubic meter cargo space is separated from the driver’s cab by a fixed partition (with a window or through-loading option at an additional cost).
VW ID. Buzz CARGO

The electric transporter version ID.Buzz Cargo comes standard with three seats and 3.9 m³ of cargo space.


Two Euro pallets fit into the loading space. The permissible total weight is three tons, the maximum payload is 650 kilos. The wooden floor is equipped with lashing eyes for load securing, lashing rails in the side walls are also available on request. The ID.Buzz Cargo is equipped as standard with a sliding door on the passenger side and a normal tailgate; a second sliding door and the wing door for the rear cost extra.

A Camper ID.California has already been announced

VW has announced that it will also bring a camper version of the ID.Buzz, the ID.California. However, not right from the start. As far as the market launch is concerned, the announcement is more than vague: the electric campervan should be available in the second half of this decade. The magazine “Carscoops” assumes that VW will use the MEB platform with a long wheelbase for the ID.California in order to create a lot of interior space. In addition, it should only be offered with a large 111 kWh battery. Their electricity could then also feed the camping equipment. As standard, VW should equip the car with a pop-up roof, kitchen and cupboards. VW has also already shown a fully autonomous version of the ID.Buzz, which is scheduled to go into service for the ride pooling provider MOIA from 2025.

VW ID.Buzz (2022): Bulli – Test – Bus – Premiere – Electric

In the E-Bulli over the Reeperbahn


Technology and range: initially with 150 kW and rear-wheel drive

At the market launch, VW will initially equip the ID.Buzz and the ID.Buzz Cargo with an electric motor on the rear axle with an output of 150 kW (204 hp) and delivers 310 Nm of torque. Since memories are awake, because the ancestor T1 also relied on rear-wheel drive. The top speed is limited to 145 km/h. For starters, it will bus also only with a battery variant. It has a capacity of 77 kWh, but VW has not yet revealed the resulting range. We assume 400 to 450 kilometers. The battery should be charged from five to 80 percent in 30 minutes. Later, VW wants to offer a model with a smaller battery.
VW ID. buzz

At the market launch, there is only a 77 kWh battery. A smaller power storage unit for the entry-level model will follow later.


Optionally, all-wheel drive would also be conceivable, the performance of the e-machines is pure speculation. Among the other models based on the MEB electrical kit, the most powerful all-wheel drive model has an output of up to 306 hp.
The MEB floor group also serves as a substructure for the VW ID.3, Skoda Enyaq and Audi Q4 e-tron, but the ID.Buzz is the largest model on this platform. A variant with a larger battery and thus more range would also be possible; since VW arranges its power storage in a frame between the axles, a longer wheelbase means more possible battery cells.

Features: Thanks to other cars, the electric bus recognizes the lane

In addition to the optional two-tone paintwork, in which the roof is always white, there are also various assistance systems on the list of options. These include “Travel Assist” with swarm data, in which the ID.Buzz also uses data from other vehicles to enable semi-autonomous driving. In this way, the electric car can recognize and stay in its lane even on roads with only one lane marking. There is also a lane change assistant for the motorway for the first time. However, it only works up to 90 km/h. There is a new memory function for the parking assistant: you can use it to save a specific route, so that the car can move, e.g. B. maneuvered into your own carport or on the underground parking space.

Prototype driving report: 500 kilometers in the camouflaged ID.Buzz

How To Cars has already driven the electric Bulli. The test drive took AUTO BILD from Copenhagen to Hamburg, initially silently through the wide streets of the Danish capital. When we wanted to take a street again and turned briefly, the surprise: thanks to the eleven meter turning circle, it worked in one go! Our test car has 204 hp on the rear axle and is therefore rear-wheel drive, like the Beetle used to be. A 77 kWh battery is installed in the underbody, which should result in a range of between 400 and 450 kilometers. In practice, we deduct a good 20 percent, and even more in this cold weather.
VW ID. Buzz prototype

Suitable for long distances: The ID.Buzz should be able to travel 400 to 450 kilometers with the 77 kWh battery. In practice it should be less km.

The chassis is consistent

The electric Bulli has no adjustable chassis, he doesn’t need that either, the Wolfsburg-based company has it so coherently bus Voted. It floats gently over the asphalt, the steering offers perfect feedback. Overall, it doesn’t give you the feeling of sitting in a chunk that weighs well over two tons.

At the first charging stop near Kolding, there were still 250 kilometers on the clock and 17 percent electricity in the tank. After 29 minutes, the Bulli had charged to 80 percent, sometimes with 156 kW, and later even with 170 kW at the second charging stop. That’s pretty fast for a car that doesn’t have 800-volt technology on board! VW promises: from 5 to 80 percent always under 30 minutes.

Technical data of the VW ID.Buzz

• Power: 150 kW (204 hp)
• Max. torque: 310 Nm
• Drive: rear wheel drive
• Top speed: 145 km/h (electronically limited)
• Battery capacity: 82 kWh gross (77 kWh net)

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