HIGH ROAD

HIGH ROAD Magic BUZZ

VOLKSWAGEN’s upcoming ID Buzz people carrier captures the groovy vibe of the original

By Howard Walker

Pull out your favorite psychedelic tie-dye, baggiest boho harem pants, and round sunglasses à la John Lennon because the VW bus is back. And I tell you, daddy-o, it’s really far-out.

Volkswagen has reinvented the iconic, beloved, hippy-dippy Microbus. It’s called the ID Buzz and it’s all-electric.

My reaction in four words? What took so long?

This is an aesthetic masterpiece—a lofty-roofed people mover that captures the born-to-be-wild look and spirit of the original. Even better: It brings the design up to date with some very cool technology.

The ID Buzz is based on the same electric “skateboard” platform used in VW’s new ID.4 electric crossover. When it lands on U.S. shores, it should have a range of around 300 miles and charge from 5 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.

But it’s the design that’s so fun and funky. Google the boxy ’60s Microbus, and all the visual homages are there: the V-shaped front panel, that pizza-sized VW logo, the towering windshield up front, the two-tone paint—it even has its motor in the back. And it’s still as square as a loaf of bread, with mile-high sides and lots of windows. Sadly, there are no plans for the eight rooftop windows that came with the old Samba bus. However, a California camper is in the works, complete with a stove, sink, and lift-up tops for those nights in the woods or trips to Woodstock.

Around back, that high-lifting tailgate is more upright than a barn door, with plenty of bodywork to attach that “If this bus is a-rockin’, don’t come a-knockin’!” sticker.

The ID Buzz pictured here is the short-wheelbase Euro version. Nose to tail it’s about the same length as a Mercedes C-Class sedan, with just

POWER FILE

two rows of seats. We’ll be getting a stretchedwheelbase Buzz, with room for three rows of pews and a bigger battery under the floor for a longer range and zippier performance. There will also be optional all-wheel drive courtesy of an extra electric motor up front. But if you think the exterior is hip, wait until you step into the driver’s seat. Think of it as Ikea meets the Apple Store, with all-vegan fabrics, cool dashtop displays, and driftwood-like veneer. Those front seats are more like Barcaloungers, with twin armrests, grippy bolstering, and elevated, see-the-world positioning. Orange upholstery? Yeah, we’re digging it.

PRICE: TO BE ANNOUNCED ENGINE:

Back in the second row there’s terrific legroom

SINGLE OR DUAL

and headroom, and the seats can glide backward

ELECTRIC POWER:

and forward for added flexibility. Flip the backrests

201 HP TORQUE: 229

forward to reveal one of the Buzz’s best features:

LB-FT (EURO VERSION)

storage space. This thing is as cavernous as a Pods

TRANSMISSION:

SINGLE-SPEED 0-60: unit, with a high roof and flat sides and floor that 9.0 SECONDS (EST.) TOP make it an ideal load-hauler. SPEED: 90 MPH This dedication to storage is visible throughout LENGTH/WIDTH: 185/78 the cabin. It might be something as simple as the small pocket in the INCHES WEIGHT: 4,600 back of the front seats that’s the exact size of a cell phone, or the overPOUNDS (EST.) WHY WE size center console that’s big enough for a laptop.

LOVE IT: BECAUSE IT'S A

All this happy, smiley joy over the arrival of the all-new ID Buzz is

MODERN TAKE ON THE

tempered by one heart-wrenching revelation: We won’t be getting this

ICONIC ’60S MICROBUS.

adorable magic bus until 2024. It seems initial production will be for

YEAH, BABY.

the short-wheelbase model, primarily for an eager European market. U.S. drivers will have to wait for the stretched-wheelbase version. Don’t expect it to be cheap either. VW’s smaller ID.4 compact SUV kicks off at $40,760, so I reckon a base price of $48,000 to $50,000. But the chance to cruise around in a modern-day version of one of the «swinging sixties’ hippest and hippiest rides? Well, that’s priceless.

By HOWARD WALKER

Palm Beach Illustrated’s Automotive Editor

Visit the Luxury Auto feature in the “The Wheel World Blog” on

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