2022 will mark the return of an icon as Volkswagen is finally bringing back the Microbus. However, the van is going to eschew the combustion engines of the past to embrace the inevitable EV era. It’s been teased relentlessly since the concept premiered four years ago. Even so, we still have to wait some more. Premiering March 9, the zero-emission people mover is back in a 17-second preview.
The teaser video on Twitter gives us an up-close look at the ID. Buzz, stubbornly carrying the colorful camo. VW claims the electric family hauler is going to have an “aerodynamic shape,” which is a surprising statement given the boxy silhouette. The closed-off wheel design does hint at a sleek design to maximize efficiency for greater range.
The #VWIDBUZZ is coming soon! We have adapted a true Volkswagen classic to the challenges of modern mobility. Behind its aerodynamic shape hides a smart high-tech #EV which will take the #eMobility game to a whole new level 🔥 Watch the video and get excited! #WayToZero pic.twitter.com/z7CnKYcwXQ
— Volkswagen News (@volkswagen) January 18, 2022
As with previous teasers, the latest preview depicts the passenger version. VW has confirmed there will be a cargo model, plus a camper. The latter will be called California and won’t arrive before 2025. An autonomous derivative is also in the offing, plus different wheelbase configurations for the passenger model.
With the ID. Buzz, VW aims to “take eMobility game to a whole new level.” The new arrival will complement the T7 Multivan plug-in hybrid launched last year. It should ride on the same MEB platform as the ID.3 hatchback. The ID.4, ID.5, and ID.6 SUVs use the same dedicated underpinnings. Cheaper ones could make do with a RWD setup while an AWD, dual-motor flagship is planned.
VW Commercial Vehicles will take care of production beginning later this year by making the ID. Buzz at the Hanover plant in Germany. Europe will be the first to get the model in 2022, with the US having to wait until next year. The US-spec ID. Buzz will be sold exclusively in the passenger variant with the longer wheelbase, or so we’ve heard.
Source: Volkswagen News / YouTube
