Electrifying the Roads: The ID.BUZZ Microbus, a Classic Reimagined for the Future

A remarkable event in the history of cars has occurred on the first-ever International Volkswagen Bus Day with the return of the microbus after a 20-year break. The T4 model was the last of these iconic vehicles sold in America, and now the electric ID.BUZZ has taken over. This is a significant milestone for the automotive industry.

Designer: Volkwagen

This vehicle is unique, unconventional, and breaks expectations. Its design stands out from other vehicles. The microbus is not just about looks but has an efficient layout. Despite its small size, the interior is surprisingly spacious, thanks to the rear engine placement.

Piloting a microbus can be equated to asserting a commanding presence on the road. One of the key characteristics is the wheel placement, which is extended to each corner of the vehicle. This design aspect improves driving dynamics, rendering the ID.BUZZ to be more agile and enhances visibility. The extensive glass enclosure around the cabin allows a panoramic, crystal-clear view of the surrounding environment.

This legendary vehicle’s rebirth tailors it for North American consumers. Given this market’s propensity for larger vehicles, the wheelbase has been expanded by 10 inches, an extra row of seats has been added, power output has been boosted, and a larger battery has been integrated. The extended wheelbase fosters improved driving dynamics and a roomier interior.

This newly designed vehicle has a powerful performance drive unit that provides 282 horsepower to the rear wheels. There is also an all-wheel-drive version with approximately 330 horsepower available. The vehicle’s lithium-ion batteries are integrated into the floor, which results in a low center of gravity and improves the overall driving experience.

In terms of dimensions, the two-row European version of the microbus is roughly the same length as a Tiguan but shares an Atlas’s width. With an extra 10 inches added to the wheelbase for the North American market, the microbus deftly balances the proportions of a compact and a midsize SUV. This distinct blend results in a maneuverable and manageable vehicle, yet it offers significantly more interior space than comparable SUVs.

The North American version of the vehicle has an updated look with new color options for both the exterior and interior. The iconic VW logo is illuminated, and color choices include the original European hues such as orange, yellow, dark blue, and bright green, as well as three new options: silver, cabana blue, and grey. This wide range of colors allows each owner to create a unique vehicle that reflects their individual personality.

The North American microbus’s interior outshines its competition. Three unique, custom interiors are available, each designed to captivate and cater to individual preferences. Whether it’s the urban ambiance with dark brown seats and blue door inserts, the coastal theme’s light tones, or the ’70s retro-inspired cognac brown seats with yellow piping, and there’s an interior to suit every preference.

Inside the microbus, comfort and utility reign supreme. Seven seats are standard, with the option to swap out for captain’s chairs, reducing the seat count to six. Standard leatherette seats come with heated and ventilated functionality that features 12-way power adjustment, memory function, and massage, and all are included as standard amenities. As a passenger vehicle, ensuring the comfort of occupants is paramount.

The seating layout is versatile and designed to accommodate various needs and purposes. The middle row, a 60/40 split-fold seat, can also slide forward by approximately 20 centimeters. The third row follows a similar design but adds the convenience of being removable, ensuring that additional cargo space can be made available when needed.

At a height of 6’2″, there was plenty of space for both my legs and head in the second and third rows. I found it much easier to get in and out of the third row compared to any minivan or SUV I’ve tried before. This makes the ID.BUZZ one of the most versatile vehicles for moving people in any consumer class.

In the ID.BUZZ, I found it very simple to remove the third-row seats. A quick tug on a string released the latch, allowing the seats to easily slide back. Additionally, the seats had a carrying handle for convenient transport and storage. Reinstalling the seats was just as easy, with a straightforward reverse process. The ID.BUZZ’s design and execution is notably thoughtful, especially when compared to traditional minivans that have captain’s seats.

The ID.BUZZ also introduces a new 12.9-inch infotainment display, equipped with illuminated sliders for temperature and volume control and a dedicated climate document. The vehicle boasts features that amplify convenience and comfort, most of which are standard in the entry model. Highlights include power sliding doors, a power horizontal sliding second-row window, a power tailgate with a kick-to-open function, three-zone climate control, and minimal optional equipment.

Additional optional features include a panoramic electrochromic roof that considerably opens up the cabin, and a pre-heated windshield, among others.

Safety, convenience, and driver assistance are all consolidated under the IQ Drive umbrella. A standout feature of this suite is the travel assist functionality, which blends adaptive cruise control and lane assist. As long as drivers maintain slight contact with the steering wheel, the vehicle handles the rest, making the journey both comfortable and enjoyable. Other IQ Drive features include Remote Parking, Head Up Display, and an area view.

The return of the microbus is more than just a nostalgic comeback; it represents a complete rethinking of what a vehicle can be. It blends the best of both worlds, with a mix of classic design and modern functionality, creating a perfect balance of style and practicality. This vehicle is more than just a means of transportation; it offers a unique experience, makes a statement, and owning one means possessing a piece of history while traveling into the future. The wait has been long, but the consensus is that it has been worth it. Having had the chance to test drive the European version of the ID.BUZZ, I am eager to share its unique appeal and the joy of operating such a distinctive vehicle—the ID.BUZZ will be available on the market next year, with pricing details yet to be released.

The post Electrifying the Roads: The ID.BUZZ Microbus, a Classic Reimagined for the Future first appeared on Yanko Design.

Volkswagen meets a low rider van to give you the best of both worlds!





Volkswagen has turned out to be the perfect canvas for tuning upgrades and fusion looks, but this concept takes things to the next level – fusing a VW van face with a low-rider van, giving you those must have pickup truck vibes.

The South American artist Rob3rt Design has rendered this ultra-low body stance Volkswagen pickup that is making me literally weak in my knees – it’s that cool. The wide fenders and the huge fat wheels give it a muscle car character that’s somehow reminiscent of the Porsche racing cars. But there the similarity ends, as this is a niche low rider designed for the flamboyance of the highest degree.

Whether you love sports car, muscle beasts or elegant circuit racers, this concept dubbed VOLKSWIDE Kombi Pick Up appeals to a wide section of the picky audiences. The large cargo bed of this VW can be used to haul anything from woodworking items, surfboards to two-wheelers or anything else that fits the space. The low ground clearance, barely enough to fit a bill – gives the vehicle assuring stability even at high speeds. But would it be feasible for streets filled with speed breakers and potholes I’m not sure?

That said, the designer has infused this incredible fusion of a Volkswagen Kombi Pickup and a modern truck to perfection. Combining the retro element of the classic VW pickup (the front suggests that fact) and intertwining it with a modern car DNA is a work of pure genius I can’t stop looking at. And that video rendering of the design is absolutely perfect. I already want to take this four-wheeler for a spin, for now, in my daydreams of course!

Designer: Rob3rt Design





VW Microbus Igloo Coolers: The Party Bus Has Arrived!

Inspired by the classic look of vintage Volkswagen Type 2 microbuses, Igloo has released three limited edition coolers, each resembling one of the 1950s and ’60s vehicles. Available on Amazon in red and orange large sizes and a blue mini size (affiliate links), they’re the perfect coolers for bringing a few cold drinks to the beach. I mean, provided your actual VW bus makes it without breaking down on the side of the road.

The larger red and orange coolers hold around twelve cans, and the smaller blue bus around six, although both carry a few less with ice added. Granted they’re not this over-the-top VW microbus cooler, but they’re also not $500. That means there’s a lot of money left over for keeping the coolers stocked with cold drinks. Shoot, if I spent $500 on a cooler I wouldn’t even be able to afford drinks until next year.

I remember my uncle had an old VW microbus he used to haul all us cousins around in on weekend car trips. I also vividly remember the engine catching fire one morning while he was trying to get it started in his yard. It still got us to the river that day though. Didn’t get us back, but it got us there.

[via DudeIWantThat]

1969 Volkswagen Beetle turned camper design for a nostalgic vibe is actually available for sale!





Camper trailers come in all options, sizes, and shapes – but rarely does one come across a camper that’s not only different from the conventional ones popular these days, it also has that retro classic vibe to it. One the same lines, this custom build 1969 Volkswagen Super Bugger Camper based on the 1969 VW Beetle is a rarity. The mere presence of the iconic yellow-colored Beetle on the front lends this camper its weight worth in gold. All the power for the four-wheeled house on wheels comes courtesy of the 1600cc 1973 super beetle engine.

The VW camper has preserved a good condition thanks to the upbeat maintenance by the owner who hasn’t changed for more than five decades. Nor has the original builder of the camper been altered. Most of the parts of the vehicle are in their original state – the interiors too can claim that laurel. Including period-correct nostalgic things like the AM/FM CB radio. To make things as comfortable as possible, some parts have been replaced by newer components. The original tires have been replaced by Continental wide tires for better handling and stability. The same goes with the suspension which had to be upgraded due to the requirement of accommodating two people on board.

To ensure you don’t miss anything on the classic camper while on an adventure, there are things like an outside stove and a propane set. The camper is fitted with all the basic amenities and the interior is planned out well for a road trip for two individuals. That said, don’t expect it to go fast on freeways or you may even find yourself struggling to climb steep hills. Anyways, the Volkswagen Super Bugger Camper nice nostalgic camper in its original condition, up for grabs – complete with all the paperwork. Perfect for laid-back trips to the city outskirts for a week or two!

Designer: Mecum

VW shows its mobile EV charging robot in action

It’s now clearer how VW’s prototype EV charging robot will work in practice. VW has offered its first real-world glimpse of the mobile charger bot in action. It’s not just helpful for charging EVs away from dedicated spaces, it’s cute — the prototype...