VW I.D. Buzz electric MPV, the microbus of the new age

Zero emission, all-wheel drive, 600 kilometers of range, eight seats and space for bikes and surfboards, this will be the Volkswagen Transporter for the new age, a worthy successor of the Volkswagen Van and Microbus.

The I.D. BUZZ concept vehicle demostrates how rich in features the electric mobility of tomorrow will be - an all-wheel drive spatial marvel with electric motors on front and rear axles, a fully automated driving mode (I.D. Pilot) and a new generation of indicators and controls. Its electric range as per the NEDC is up to 600 kilometres and it will take on new energy inductively or from a charging station. At a charging power of 150 kW, it takes around 30 minutes to charge up to 80 per cent.

The new I.D. BUZZ is now the first MPV with which that is possible: all that is needed is a gentle push on the steering wheel and it instantly moves back, melts into the cockpit and switches the I.D. BUZZ from manual into the fully automated 'I.D. Pilot' mode (envisaged as of 2025). Now, the driver's seat can be turned around and the driver can face the passengers in the back. Laser scanners, ultrasound sensors, radar sensors, area-view cameras and a front camera scan the surrounding area, with other traffic data being received via the Cloud.

In the I.D. BUZZ the conventional cockpit no longer exists. The MPV instead projects the key information by means of an AR (augmented reality) Head-up Display into the driver's field of vision - in 3D, in virtual format onto the road. Features such as the infotainment and air-conditioning functions are operated via a removable tablet. The main controls for driving, meanwhile, are located on the steering wheel. Its inner section is not - as is normal today - fitted with spokes and buttons, but rather has a kind of touchpad with capacitive fields, thus turning the traditional steering wheel into a multi-functional touch-sensitive steering wheel. Thanks to the extended MEB XL platform, this 4,942 mm long, 1,976 mm wide and 1,963 mm high concept vehicle provides what for its class are extraordinary spatial dimensions inside as well.

However, the I.D. BUZZ is not just a giant in terms of space: by virtue of its design it also becomes one of the world's most comfortable cars. At 3,300 mm, it has an extremely long wheelbase. Located in between in the vehicle floor is the battery. It lowers the centre of gravity and ensures perfect weight distribution. The suspension of the I.D. BUZZ, with its electronically regulated shock absorbers, additionally ensures top-class comfort. The zero emission all-wheel drive system with output power of 275 kW / 374 PS (electric motors front and rear each delivering 150 kW) is the perfect match for the car's dynamic character. The version of the I.D. BUZZ presented in Detroit reaches 100 km/h in 5 seconds; its top speed is restricted to 160 km/h.