It is less striking with monochromatic paint and smaller wheels.
As you probably know, automakers show the most expensive cars when they debut. The 2023 ID is a good example. This week, Buzz for Europe unveiled a fancy two-tone paint job that combined Candy White and Lime Yellow. It rides on 21-inch wheels. Our spy photographers have captured a new batch of images that shows the electric Microbus in a less-expensive configuration.
The ID has been subject to final testing in northern Europe. Buzz has shed all camouflage and now sports a monochromatic paint job with smaller 19-inch alloys. Mismatched wheels are not uncommon on prototypes. This is the case for the passenger model, as it has all the glass windows. The Cargo model has all of the side glass replaced aft by opaque panels to conceal the valuable items within the large load area.
The test vehicle is finished in Candy White and features some of the largest VW badges we’ve ever seen. However, the LED bar at its front isn’t lit up. The Euro-spec ID. Buzz reports that it has a standard wheelbase of 2,988 millimeters (117.6 ins), while the one going to the United States will have a longer distance between the axles. The front layout appears to be two-seat, with a three-seat option. The company intends to increase the seating capacity of the line-up with six and seven seats in the medium term.
It doesn’t look nearly as exciting as the nameake concept five years ago. However, production versions don’t often look that good. It is still unknown how many people will purchase the van instead of the ID.4 or ID.5 electric SUVs. Buzz shared the MEB platform. The US will receive the LWB passenger model, as the SWB or utilitarian Cargo have been ruled-out.
The ID. Although the Buzz concept was officially introduced in January 2017, many will recall that VW has teased the return of the T1 since over 20 years. The Microbus concept was presented at IAA 2001, before the Bulli at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The BUDDe was introduced at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. This was before the ID. Buzz was landed one year later, and the ID. Buzz Cargo in late 2018.
The EV family hauler has finally arrived in production form, 2022. The EV family hauler will be manufactured in Germany by VW Commercial Vehicles, Hanover, beginning in the first half of 2019. It will then go on sale in Europe in the fall. In select countries, preorders will be available starting in May. The ID can be stretched. The Buzz for North America is coming next year. Sales will begin in 2024.