The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van is one of the most anticipated vehicles of the year. It's a symbol of freedom and adventure for generations of travelers. But unlike its air-cooled ancestor, the ID. Buzz is powered by a cutting-edge battery-electric drivetrain that promises zero emissions, high performance, and long range.
The ID. Buzz is part of Volkswagen's ambitious plan to launch a whole family of electric vehicles based on a modular platform called MEB. The first model to arrive in the U.S. was the ID.4 compact SUV, which impressed us with its spacious interior, smooth ride, and intuitive technology. The ID. Buzz will be the second model to debut here, followed by the ID.5 coupe-like SUV and the ID.6 three-row SUV.
But the ID. Buzz is more than just another electric vehicle. It's a statement of Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability, innovation, and fun. It's also a tribute to the brand's heritage and a nod to its loyal fans who have been clamoring for a modern Microbus for years.
What It Looks Like
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is instantly recognizable as a descendant of the Microbus, with its boxy shape, two-tone paint scheme, round headlights, and large VW logo on the front. But it also has some futuristic touches, such as LED lighting, sliding doors, and a panoramic glass roof.
The interior is equally retro-modern, with a minimalist dashboard that features a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen infotainment system. The steering wheel is also digital, with touch-sensitive controls and a retractable column that allows for autonomous driving modes.
The ID. Buzz will offer seating for up to seven passengers, with flexible configurations that can create more cargo space or even a lounge-like area. The seats will be mounted on rails that can slide and swivel, and some of them will be able to fold flat or turn into tables.
The ID. Buzz will also have some clever storage solutions, such as a front trunk (or frunk) under the hood, a center console that can move between the front and rear seats, and a rear hatch that can open partially or fully.
How It Drives
The ID. Buzz will be available in two versions: a rear-wheel-drive model with a single electric motor that produces 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque and an all-wheel-drive model with two electric motors that deliver 302 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque.
Both versions will use an 82-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of 300 miles on a single charge. The battery can be replenished at fast-charging stations that can restore 80 percent of the capacity in about 30 minutes.
The ID. Buzz will also have some advanced driving features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It will also have an optional feature called ID.Pilot that can take over the steering, braking, and acceleration in certain situations.
The ID. Buzz will be not only efficient and smart but also fun to drive. It will have a low center of gravity thanks to the battery placement under the floor, which should improve handling and stability. It will also have a responsive throttle and regenerative braking that can recover energy and extend the range.
Why It Matters
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is more than just a nostalgic tribute to the past. It's a forward-looking vehicle that showcases Volkswagen's vision for the future of mobility.
The ID. Buzz is designed to appeal to a wide range of customers who value practicality, versatility, and personality in their vehicles. It's also aimed at attracting new buyers who are interested in electric vehicles but want something different from the typical sedans and SUVs on the market.
The ID. Buzz is also an important step for Volkswagen's reputation and image after the diesel emissions scandal that tarnished its credibility and trustworthiness. By investing heavily in electric vehicles and renewable energy sources, Volkswagen hopes to regain its customers' confidence and loyalty.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is expected to go on sale in the U.S. in late 2023 or early 2024, with prices starting around $50,000. It will compete with other electric vans and minivans, such as the Mercedes-Benz EQV and the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid.
The Mercedes-Benz EQV is a luxury electric van that can seat up to eight passengers and has a range of 213 miles on a single charge. It's based on the V-Class van and features a sleek design, a high-quality interior, and a host of advanced safety and convenience features. The EQV is already available in Europe, but it's not clear if it will come to the U.S. anytime soon.
The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid electric minivan that can travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone and has a total range of over 500 miles with a full tank of gas. It can seat up to seven passengers and has a spacious and versatile cabin with Stow' n Go seats that can fold into the floor. The Pacifica Hybrid also offers a smooth ride, a user-friendly infotainment system, and many standard driver-assist features.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will have some advantages over these rivals, such as a longer electric range, a faster charging capability, and a more distinctive style. It will also have some unique features, such as an augmented-reality head-up display, a solar roof that can generate extra power and a camper version that can sleep four people.
The ID. Buzz will appeal to customers who are looking for an electric vehicle that can serve as a family hauler, a road-trip companion, or a mobile office. It will also attract fans of the original Microbus who want to relive their memories or create new ones with an eco-friendly twist.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is one of the most exciting electric vehicles of the year. It's a modern reinterpretation of the iconic VW Microbus, a symbol of freedom and adventure for generations of travelers. But unlike its air-cooled ancestor, the ID. Buzz is powered by a cutting-edge battery-electric drivetrain that promises zero emissions, high performance, and long range.
If you're interested in the ID. Buzz, you can sign up for updates on Volkswagen's website or visit your local dealer for more information.
Country
- Log in to post comments
