The long-awaited battery-electric revival of the classic VW microbus has finally arrived with the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ concept. Originally debuted at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in January 2017, the production models are now making their way to US customers and reviewers nearly eight years later.
With a design that pays homage to the first-generation VW bus from 1949-1987, Volkswagen is banking on nostalgia to win over customers. The throwback styling of the ID.BUZZ has been met with mixed reactions on American streets, but overall, the design has garnered a 75/25 percent love/hate ratio. Despite the strong feelings on both sides, the majority of people seem to appreciate the neo-hippie bus aesthetic.
However, the experience of interacting with the ID.BUZZ is not without its quirks. The physical door handles, a rarity in many EVs, produce a disappointing tinny sound when opened. The ride quality of the ID.BUZZ is tall and bouncy, a result of stiff springs supporting a heavy battery pack. This bounciness can exacerbate motion sickness, a common issue with EVs due to their abrupt acceleration and deceleration.
Acceleration in the ID.BUZZ is respectable, with the ability to apply up to 335 horsepower through all four wheels to reach 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. The rear-seat passengers may find relief from motion sickness by opening the windows, but the unique sliding windows of the ID.BUZZ may not provide the desired ventilation.
Interior usability also presents challenges, with capacitive-touch switches and a volume slider that can be frustrating to use while driving. The 91 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides a driving range of 231 miles for the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive model, and 234 miles for the single-motor, rear-drive model.
Despite these quirks, the ID.BUZZ offers a unique driving experience and a level of nostalgia that is sure to appeal to fans of the classic microbus. As the production models make their way to US customers, it will be interesting to see how the market responds to this modern interpretation of a beloved classic.
The Volkswagen ID.BUZZ is a modern take on the iconic VW Bus, offering a stylish electric vehicle with plenty of practical features. One standout feature of the ID.BUZZ is the ease of loading large objects into the vehicle. The rear sliding doors have inset windows that slide sideways to provide a small opening, making it easier to slide large objects into the VW. However, for those looking for even more space for loading bulky items, a minivan with seats that stow away in the floor may be a better option due to its lower surface for loading.
Another unique feature of the ID.BUZZ is its driving position, which may take some getting used to for drivers coming from SUVs or minivans. The front seats are positioned far from the door-mounted armrests, prompting VW to include outboard armrests on the front seats for added comfort. However, forgetting to flip the outside armrest up before exiting the vehicle could result in a sharp jab in the ribs.
The ID.BUZZ also boasts a flip-down hitch receiver, making it easy to hitch a trailer when needed. With a towing capacity of 2,600 lbs, the ID.BUZZ is suitable for towing various items such as dirt bikes, personal watercraft, or small campers.
In terms of performance, the ID.BUZZ offers good steering and a tight turning radius, making it easy to maneuver through tight spaces. The LED headlights provide excellent visibility, with adaptive front lighting that bends the beam into corners and “Poor Weather Lights” for enhanced visibility in foggy conditions.
When it comes to range and charging, the ID.BUZZ performed well during a test drive, with a 255-mile drive consuming 90% of its estimated driving range. VW claims that the vehicle can recover to 80% battery in 26 minutes using a 200kW charging station. However, charging times may vary based on the charger used.
Priced at $63,495 for the base model, the ID.BUZZ is in line with other electric vehicles on the market. While the price may seem steep compared to plug-in hybrid alternatives, VW’s market research shows that consumers are drawn to the ID.BUZZ’s retro-futuristic design and electric powertrain. Overall, the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ offers a unique blend of style, practicality, and modern technology for those looking for a distinctive electric vehicle experience. As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves in a familiar predicament: what to get for our loved ones? If you’re tired of resorting to last-minute gift cards, look no further than PopSci’s comprehensive gift guides. Our team has curated a selection of recommendations that are sure to impress even the most discerning recipients.
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