The new Buzz Cargo has been presented as a stylish all-electric entrant into the commercial and people mover space for Volkswagen. Described as “near-production” concepts, they’re built on VW’s modular MEB platform that underpins the rest of the ID. rank.
The standard-wheelbase model introduced this week will go on sale in Europe in the third quarter of this year, with an 82 kWh battery and five seats for the passenger version, while the ID. Buzz Cargo features the same specs in a more utilitarian electrical panel truck package. US customers will have to wait until 2024 to get their Buzz version, which will be offered only in an extended-wheelbase version next year. There are no plans to sell the variant of this truck in North America, at least not yet.
Cargo and short wheelbase versions
The new Buzz model will initially be offered in Europe in a five-seat (two-row) configuration. The manufacturer says that a six-seater (accommodating three rows of two seats) on the standard wheelbase is scheduled for release at a later date. The extended-wheelbase version will land in Europe next year and will be offered as a seven-seater, with a 2/3/2 configuration. The Cargo variant is offered with a driver’s seat and a two-seat passenger bench in the front, or two individual seats.
Both the ID. Buzz and the ID Buzz Cargo measure 1,985 mm (78.2 in) wide and 4,712 mm (185.5 in) long, some 192 mm (7.6 in) shorter than VW’s T6.1 station wagon. Both the ID. Buzz and the T6.1 also share the same 2,988 mm (118 in) wheelbase. Buzz’s height is 1,937 mm (76.3 in) for the passenger version and 1 mm taller for the cargo variant due to differences in the chassis.
One battery option for now
Volkswagen has not yet revealed an estimated driving range, but they have indicated that this new model will feature an 82 kWh battery (77 kWh net) for the initial European launch. It will provide power to a 201 horsepower (150 kW) electric motor with 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque. The motor is connected to the rear axle. A larger range of battery options with different power outputs will be available next year, but Volkswagen has yet to reveal any details.
European models will be able to take advantage of “two-way charging”, a feature that the Buzz model feeds into the mains stabilizing power, although this will require the installation of a two-way wall box. When it comes to conventionally recharging the electric van, the ID. Buzz can handle AC power at 11kW or DC fast charge at 170kW, enabling a recharge from 5 to 80 percent in 30 minutes.
More charging systems
When it goes on sale, the new truck will also take advantage of VW’s “Plug & Charge” system, which aims to eliminate the hassle of entering payment information or requiring users to carry credit cards. With Plug & Charge the DNI. Buzz can be connected to a compatible fast charging station, where all authentication and identification material will be exchanged directly between the connection point and the van. Billing is done through the ‘We Charge’ contract with Volkswagen. and it is said to take seconds, with multiple service providers already registered.
A retro-modern aesthetic
The Buzz model is set to change the heritage of Volkswagen’s T1 Microbus, with short overhangs at the front and rear and retro-inspired design elements. The large VW logo, stacked taillights and wide V-shaped hood do their best to evoke memories of the iconic predecessor, albeit the lower grille grille and optional dynamic “IQ”. Light” Matrix LED lights frame a design of the future.
The ID.Buzz features bright two-tone paint options, although a range of unique colors are also available. The spectrum consists of a total of eleven color variants, seven single color options namely ‘Candy White’, ‘Mono Silver’, ‘Lime Yellow’, ‘Starlight Blue’, ‘Energetic Orange’, ‘Bay Leaf Green’ and ‘Deep Black’?and four two-tone options. The upper section of Buzz models, including the roof and hood, are always finished in Candy White, while the lower area can be ‘Lime Yellow’, ‘Starlight Blue’, ‘Energetic Orange’ or ‘Bay Leaf Green’ ‘.
Higher-spec passenger versions of the ID.Buzz will ride on aluminum-alloy wheels in the 18- to 21-inch range, though base passenger and Cargo variants will have 18-inch steel wheels.
Inside is a colorful place
The new Buzz is the vegan kind, with leather replaced by synthetics, and a portion of the interior derived from recycled materials. The steering wheel is covered in polyurethane that is said to look and feel like leather, while the materials used for the seat covers, floor coverings and headliner incorporate s Seaqual yarn, which is made up of a 10 percent ocean plastic collected and 90 percent recycled PET bottles.
The cabin features a 10-inch digital screen paired with a 10-inch infotainment system that can be replaced with an optional 12-inch unit. Sliders and touch buttons are used to operate the HVAC controls. There is an outlet near the center rear view mirror to power a dashcam.
Higher trim levels will feature electrically adjustable seats with memory and massage functions. With the extended wheelbase, the vehicle on which the North American model will be based, a seven-seat configuration in a 2/3/2 layout will also be available.
Practicality remains a priority
Being a minivan, attention has naturally also been paid to practicality. The rear features an upward-opening hatch, and both sides of the passenger version include sliding doors. The three-person rear bench seat can be split 40:60 and slide back and forth to increase rear luggage space, which stands at 1,121 liters (39.6 cu ft).
There is also an optional removable center console that has been developed by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, but is available in both passenger and cargo versions. This multifunctional box features storage compartments (in the case of the Cargo, a cup holder), a 1.4-litre flip-top compartment for a water bottle and a 5-litre drawer to accommodate tablets or laptops.
European customers will have it later this year
The new Buzz will be produced by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at its main plant in Hannover, starting in the first half of 2022. Pricing is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
