Volkswagen will bring back a Microbus based on the iconic 1949 Type 2 van, that inspired a generation of wanderers. We got ID Buzz (what Volkswagen intend to call their new generation microbus ) at the Detroit motor show earlier this year. Volkswagen who had initially said that it was just a showcase kind of concept, turned tails on their statement after receiving a barrage of emails and letters from existing and prospective customers who pleaded with them to bring the Microbus concept into reality. Volkswagen has also announced that the Micro bus will first make its way to Europe than the US and China in 2022 the back of public demand. The catch is this is going to be no hippie strip down, post world-war van, the ID Buzz is an all-electric capable of autonomous driving. And that means that while the styling may have been inspired by 1949 everything else in the car is from 2050, the van will have autonomous driving at level-3 all wheel drive powered by two electric motors producing a totally absurd 347hp! Sending the power to the four wheels will done through an electric prop shaft, Volkswagen say that the van will hit the 100 kmph in a blistering 5 seconds! With the top speed being limited to a decent 160 kmph.
The 111kWh battery will also allow for a 430 km range. The batteries are built into the floor to maximise interior space. Which means the 4922mm long Van will be able to seat up to eight people, depending on what interior type you choose. The concept even ditches the ORVMs and will use external camera whose images will be displayed on an e-Mirror screen where the mirror is traditionally located. The ID Buzz will be a part of the firm electric 2025 policy that involves a 7.5 billion pound investment (Rs 62,000 crore) and will see the addition of 30 all-electric cars by 2025 to VW’s portfolio.