Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz breaks cover

With Kombi DNA and Volkswagen’s expertise in modern EV architecture, the ID. Buzz is an exciting new take on the world’s most beloved people mover.

Mar 23, 2022

‘Plug & Charge’ technology enables the ID. Buzz to be easily charged while out and about with up to 170 kW

The face of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ electric ID. range has made its global debut.The electric all-rounder transfers seven decades of Kombi know-how into the future via a five-seater passenger version (ID. Buzz) and also a transporter version (ID. Buzz Cargo). Both models will be coming to New Zealand next year.

 

The ID.Buzz is packed full of state-of-the-art technology, including a touchpad in the steering wheel with just a ‘light touch’ sufficient to operate its functions. A state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) projection shows directional arrows for the driver exactly where the vehicle is about to drive courtesy of an AR heads-up display that projects the navigation directly in front of the car onto the road. Also included as standard is the ‘Front Assist’ emergency braking function and, in the MPV, the ‘Lane Assist’ lane-keeping assistant.

The ID range also offers ‘Plug & Charge’ functionality. This is a new bi-directional charging function which allows the ID. Buzz to serve as an energy storage device. This means customers can power their home (vehicle-to-home) and charge other EVs (vehicle-to-vehicle). Bi-directional charging can also come in handy during camping trips to power external equipment like speakers, cooking appliances, or spotlights.

ID.Buzz occupants can expect a very stylish and spaciously designed interior. The layout is very clean with lounge-like, friendly ambience in the MPV version, five people have ample room for travelling and for their luggage (1,121 litres of capacity). If the second row of seats is folded down, the load capacity increases to up to 2,205 litres. Two or three seats up front, as the customer desires, and a fixed partition separating off the 3.9 m3 cargo space are distinctive features of the ID. Buzz Cargo.

The technical architecture of the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo also nod to their Kombi forebear, with the motor being at the rear, and the rear axle providing drive. The synchronous motor generates 150kW peak power and 310Nm of torque. Top speed is restricted electronically to 145km/h.

Production of the ID. Buzz is set to start in the coming months for launch in Europe later this year and New Zealand is expected to see the ID. Buzz sometime in 2023.