The electric Kombi has arrived! 2023 Volkswagen ID Buzz with retro engine and van but new zero emission power

The ID Buzz is available in both people and van options.

Volkswagen has brought the Kombi back to life with the introduction of the ID Buzz, a new all-electric model available both as a van and as a van, the latter dubbed the Cargo.

ID Buzz has been in the making for a long time, teased in concept form back in January 2017, and luckily for fans, there wasn't much time in the transition to series production.

This means that the ID Buzz replicates the iconic Kombi of yesteryear with its distinctive exterior design that is also closely related to other members of Volkswagen's new ID family, including the ID.3 small hatchback and the ID.4 midsize SUV.

However, it's inside that ID Buzz's influence is most noticeable, as evidenced by the shared touch-screen steering wheel, small digital instrument cluster and floating touch-screen infotainment system. It also does not contain genuine leather.

Based on Volkswagen's fast-growing MEB platform, the ID Buzz features a rear-mounted 150kW electric motor and an 82kWh lithium-ion battery (77kWh used).

In terms of charging, 11kW AC charging with Type 2 plug is supported, as well as 170KW DC fast charging with Type 2 CCS port. The latter can increase battery capacity by 80 to 30 percent in about 2 minutes. Bi-directional charging (VXNUMXL) is also available.

It should be noted that the passenger van is available with five seats in two rows, and its trunk offers 1121 liters of cargo capacity, although it can increase to 2205 liters with the rear sofa folded down.

Cargo offers two or three seats in the front row with a fixed partition behind it separating the cab from the 3.9 cubic meter cargo area – enough space for two cross-loaded Euro pallets.

For reference, both the People Mover and the Cargo are 4712mm long (with a 2988mm wheelbase), 1985mm wide and 1937-1938mm high. Their turning circle is 11.1 m.

Shipments of the ID Buzz will start in select European markets in late 2022, but potential Australian buyers shouldn't hold their breath as it's not yet locked in for a local launch.

As reported, Volkswagen Australia hopes to introduce its first ID model in 2023, and the aforementioned ID.3 and ID.4 models all but confirmed that they are the first vehicles to be released in this ranking. Keep for updates.