Volkswagen unveils ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo

Described by Volkswagen as a “genuine icon for the electric era,” the new ID. Buzz made its global debut at an event in Hamburg, Germany on 10 March 2022. The launch marks a significant milestone in the development of VW’s camper, and its timely introduction could also turn out to be a stroke of genius.

“The T1 – an icon of the 1950s – enabled people to gain mobility and freedom,” says Jozef Kabaň, head of Volkswagen Design. “With the ID. Buzz, we are transferring this T1 DNA to the present day and thus into the era of electric mobility. The ID. Buzz brings a lot of sympathy and proximity to people back to the road.”

Comparing the ID. Buzz alongside grainy images of the T1, it is immediately clear that Kabaň’s team were tasked with creating a functional EV design while simultaneously paying homage to the past – the idea being to ensure the ID. Buzz is functional as well as capable of evoking a strong emotional connection. But the similarities are subtle, as many of the key elements of the T1’s design have been changed entirely.

The body is split into two parts, the upper and lower, and is marked by two different colours. At the front, the upper section extends down beyond the headlamps and VW badge to create a V-shape – much like on the T1. On the sides, the three horizontally stacked inserts on the C-pillar hint at the air vents that featured lower down on the T1. Everything is kept neat and tidy at the rear, with simple horizontal elements that feel familiar and two small reflective rectangles on the bumper that resemble the rear brake lights on the T1. The greenhouse is also close to that of the original, with narrow pillars to maximise the view of the outside for occupants.

Proportionally, too, the ID. Buzz retains some of its grandparent’s characteristics. “In the T1 you are practically sitting on top of the front axle – there’s no front overhang.” says Kabaň. “For all its safety relevance and technology, the ID. Buzz has super short overhangs.” Some of the key differentiators on the exterior include the slope of the front end, necessary for both aerodynamics and safety, the shape of the lights, and the inclusion of air intakes on the front bumper.

Although evidently modernised, the interior of the ID. Buzz also hints to its heritage with the horizontal IP layout and two-tone finish that mimics the exterior, but the similarities stop there. The ultra-large and slim steering wheel of the T1 that extends from the floor is gone, replaced by a more conventional one. Behind it sits a small digital driver cluster, with a larger infotainment screen in the centre of the IP. The wooden veneer shelf, chrome strips and various fabrics bring a level of refinement, while the many storage compartments add to functionality.

Key to the ID. Buzz is its space and layout flexibility. Its wheelbase measures 2,988mm – just shy of the T6, which comes in at 3,000mm. But the new model is 81mm wider than the T6, which, VW says, makes the interior feel roomier. Boot space is ample, measuring at 1,121 litres with the second row of seats up and 2,205 litres with them down. Customers that opt for the ID. Buzz Cargo can choose to have two or three seats up front, as well as a fixed partition to separate the cargo space.

“The ID. Buzz is timeless, sustainable and yet also extremely functional – that makes it unique,” Kabaň suggests. However, at a time when everyone and their dog is eager to live the “van life” and demand for the vehicles is so high, the launch of the new ID. Buzz is very timely indeed.