With the decision to place a retro bus on the electric MEB platform, Volkswagen is on the one hand making the leap into a conceptually different world, but on the other hand building a bridge to the much-loved rear-engined models. The ID Buzz also has a rear-mounted drive. However, while the first three Bulli generations were equipped with characteristically rattling boxer engines, albeit mounted far away from the driver, the ID. Buzz gets to work almost silently.

The lively temperament of the ID. Buzz is convincing, as we discovered during a prototype drive, accentuated by a surprisingly firm suspension. The 77 kWh battery, which can be charged quickly at up to 170 kW, feeds the well-known 150 kW (204 hp) electric motor, which propels the battery-powered vehicle to a relatively fast 145 km/h. Maximum torque is 310 Newton metres. The maximum torque is 310 Newton metres. A range of around 500 kilometres should be possible. Later, the People variant will also be available with a longer wheelbase, seven seats and a larger battery. A GTX version with around 220 kW (300 hp) is also conceivable. The Cargo range, on the other hand, will be extended downwards in the future with a smaller and thus undoubtedly more environmentally friendly battery.

With a length of 4.71 metres, a width of 199 centimetres and a height of 194 centimetres, the ID Buzz is not exactly a compact car, but it is by no means beyond the scope of what is usual for MPVs and vans. Numerous cameras and assistance systems not only help to keep the ID bus on track in dynamic borderline situations, but also make it easier to circle it elegantly through the city and into parking spaces. The turning circle is only 11.1 metres.

In the cargo version, a very practical and hard-wearing cockpit with large storage areas extends in front of the driver. Two individual seats or a driver's seat plus a double bench seat can be mounted on the right at the front as required. The People version, on the other hand, shines with an airy, colorful interior with fabric or imitation leather armchairs and a dashboard that has many overlaps with ID 3, ID 4 and ID 5. The rear and loading compartments are accessible via side sliding doors and a large tailgate, which can be substituted for the Cargo with swing doors that swing open to the side. The amount of space is impressive: With the rear seat folded down, 2,205 liters of luggage fit in the People, and the Cargo has a whopping 3.9 cubic meters of storage space.

Pre-sales are scheduled to begin as early as May, and the market launch will take place in the fall of this year. (Jens Meiners, cen)