Volkswagen ID.Buzz: just the beginning
Volkswagen unveiled the North American version of the ID.Buzz a few days ago. We now know some of its technical characteristics and we especially know how it is configured. However, what we discovered is only the tip of the iceberg.
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Other engines?
For now, all options are still on the table at Volkswagen. After all, the first examples built in Hanover, Germany, will not reach our shores until the end of the second half of 2024. So there are still several things that can be developed.
At this time, Volkswagen will only offer the long-wheelbase, two-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive version. While the power of the front engine is not yet known, we know that the rear one will develop 282 horsepower. Volkswagen estimates the total power of the AWD version at 330 horsepower, but this measurement may change.
Between two sentences, Volkswagen representatives hinted that a performance version might be possible. After all, there is nothing simpler than replacing an electric motor with another or, even, simply changing its programming.
Return of the Westfalia
When it comes to accessories, Volkswagen is strongly considering a camping version sooner rather than later. This model would be the spiritual heir of the Westfalia even if it is highly unlikely that Volkswagen will still do business with this equipment supplier in which Mercedes-Benz holds a good part of the shares.
Anyway, we do not yet know the name of this version, but it would be logical that we adopt the same name as in Europe, California. What the features will be, we don’t know, but the alcove (pop-up) roof will certainly have to be part of the equation.
Still speaking of the roof, the ID.Buzz comes with the largest panoramic roof in the history of the Volkswagen Group, it measures 67.4 inches by 40.8 inches. For the moment, it is in glass, but who says that it could not receive a canvas on slides like on the Type 2 of 1D generation?
For all sports
The accessories will be numerous and for all types of activities. There is, of course, camping, but biking, outdoor activities like kayaking and surfing, and just about every other sport are considered in the accessorizing possibilities. Having a 5, 6 or 7-seater configuration makes it possible to modulate the interior layout. However, you should know that if you opt for the 5-seater, it will not be possible to buy the 3 later.e seat, the rails will not be integrated.
Other bodies?
Initially, only the long wheelbase is planned. Regarding the short version launched in Europe, Volkswagen maintains that the Americans do not want it. After all, the phrase “Bigger is Better” comes from the United States. Europeans will also probably be entitled to a van version like the one unveiled by a sketch from Volkswagen several months ago.
Will we have it? Not at the moment, for the simple reason that the Americans, in their protectionist obsession, still impose the famous “Chicken Tax” which surcharges imported vans by 25%. It’s the same story for the commercial version Cargo which is still forbidden to us.
However, a non-negligible fact must be taken into consideration. At the Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, the ID.4 is produced, which shares the same platform as the ID.Buzz. It would then be possible to believe that Volkswagen could transfer part of the production or certain versions to North America to circumvent the regulations.
Moreover, in the event that electrification becomes very popular at Volkswagen, the manufacturer still owns a large piece of land right next to the Tennessee plant. It will then be easier for Volkswagen to expand its production capacity. Consequently, the marketing of the short wheelbase, the Combi and the pickup truck will be considerably more financially viable.
Conclusion
With the ID.Buzz, VW sets its first milestones. When we consider the enthusiasm of enthusiasts for the model, it is obvious that Volkswagen will not stop there. We already know that the base of the Buzz will remain the same for several years, and it’s part of Volkswagen’s strategy to constantly offer new features on the model to keep it alive.
It is rare to see vehicles with so much market potential. After all, the original version of the Type 2 was released in more than 23 different conversions. It remains to be seen how quickly Volkswagen will give us these sweets and, above all, at what price.
