In addition to the Beetle, the Bulli is the big figurehead in VW model history. Now there is a new edition – with modern drive technology.
The VW Bulli is coming back – as an electric car. With the retro-futuristic ID. buzz in the style of the classic Transporter T1, Volkswagen will be adding a predestined sympathizer to its range at the end of the year. At first there is only one drive variant, but as a passenger car and as a commercial vehicle.
Less than 150 km/h in the Bulli
Like the other ID electric models, the bus is also based on the group's MEB architecture, which allows for various battery and motor sizes. Initially, VW is limited to a 77 kWh (net) storage device that supplies power to a 150 kW/204 hp electric motor on the rear axle. VW has not yet said anything about the range of the Buzz, which is limited to a top speed of 145 km/h, but it should be in the middle to upper 400 km range, based on the data from the somewhat streamlined and smaller SUV ID.4. Other variants are to follow. Charging is done with an 11 kW on-board charger, up to 170 kW are possible with the fast charger. For a typical charge from 5 to 80 percent, the manufacturer specifies a duration of 30 minutes.
Visually, the five-seater is closely based on the study first shown in 2017. Above all, the strong bonds to the legendary original Bulli T1 have been retained, for example in the form of the friendly-looking front end or the very short body overhangs at the front and rear. The two-tone finish and the extra-large brand logo are also reminiscent of the former hippie bus. Visually a little more sober than the car painted cheerfully in sun yellow, VW is presenting the Buzz Cargo delivery van variant with a panel van body. With a length of 4,71 meters, both versions are comparatively manageable, remaining slightly below the conventionally powered cousin VW T6.1.
Also as a transporter
The passenger bus will initially be available as a five-seater, later a seven-seater version with a long wheelbase will be available. Two side sliding doors are standard from the start, the luggage compartment has a capacity of 1.121 liters with full seating and increases to 2.205 liters with the second row folded down. The three-seater van comes without a rear bench and can carry up to 3.900 liters of cargo. The permissible total weight is 3 tons, the payload is limited to 650 kilograms.
Technically everything included
The cockpit follows the sober, modern style known from the other ID models, but for the first time the interior is completely vegan. Instead of leather, for example, a plastic is used, fabrics and carpets are made of recycled material. In terms of connectivity, the bus offers everything that the group's infotainment and connectivity shelf has to offer - including over-the-air updates, plug-and-charge functions for convenient charging and automated parking. In addition, there is ambient lighting with up to 30 colours, optional massage seats and a removable storage compartment called "Buzz Box", which can be latched between the driver's and front passenger's seat.
VW does not name official prices for its new E-Bulli. However, a starting amount of around 60.000 euros for the car has already been leaked. After deducting the almost 10.000 euros environmental bonus, the Buzz would then only be slightly more expensive than the conventional T7 Multivan, which costs around 45.000 euros. In the future, the two will form the North German MPV program, while the Buzz Cargo has its counterpart in the current VW T6.1. The latest ID model cannot and should not completely replace the existing bus transporter family.
