I love road trips. I've done them in all kinds of vehicles, from gas-guzzling muscle cars to electric hatchbacks. But nothing compares to the thrill of driving a van across the country. There's something about the spaciousness, versatility, and freedom of a van that makes it the ultimate road trip machine.
That's why I'm excited about the 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the electric reincarnation of the iconic VW Microbus. This is not just a nostalgia trip, this is a glimpse into the future of mobility. The ID. Buzz is more than a van, it's a smart, connected, and autonomous vehicle that can take you anywhere you want to go with style and comfort.
The ID. Buzz is part of Volkswagen's ambitious plan to launch a whole range of electric vehicles based on its modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform. The MEB platform allows for different body styles, battery sizes, and powertrains to be built on a common chassis, reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will be available in two versions: a passenger model with seating for up to seven people and a cargo model with more space for luggage or equipment. Both versions will have a rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, and a 77-kWh battery pack that provides an estimated range of 300 miles on a single charge.
But that's not all. The ID. Buzz will also have an optional front-mounted electric motor that adds another 100 horsepower and 111 pound-feet of torque, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle with a total output of 301 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque. That's enough to propel the ID. Buzz from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds, and reach a top speed of 99 mph.
The 2023 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will also have a fast-charging capability that can replenish 80% of its battery in just 30 minutes using a 150-kW DC charger. That means you can stop for a coffee break and get back on the road with plenty of juice left.
But what really sets the ID. Buzz apart from other vans is its advanced technology and features. The ID. Buzz will have a futuristic cockpit with a minimalist dashboard, a heads-up display that projects information onto the windshield, and a steering wheel that can retract into the dash when not in use.
That's right, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz will have a Level 4 autonomous driving system that can take over most driving tasks in certain conditions, such as highways or parking lots. The driver can activate the autonomous mode by pressing a button on the steering wheel and then relax or enjoy the view.