By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com
Back in the 1960s-70s, the counterculture generation quickly took to the quirky and boxy VW Type 2 or Microbus for its enormous space and collective atmosphere. Before long, the idiosyncratic ride was a tremendous success earning the title “Hippie Bus.”
Nearly 20 years later and staying true to the original’s iconic soul, the Microbus has been electrified as the ID.Buzz invoking the retro design of yesteryears, notably the rear air vents similar to the Bus’ cooling slots. Our six-passenger test-drive version was equipped with dual motors putting out 335 horsepower and 413 pounds-feet of torque. Getting power to the ground is a single-speed transmission. In the underbody is the 91kWh lithium-ion battery pack. But range is just around 231 miles on a full charge. It must be noted that the vehicle is not eligible for a federal tax credit. It is compatible with Level 1 (120 volt) and Level 2 (240 volt) chargers, as well as DC fast charging station (up to 80 percent in just 30 minutes). Buyers can join the Electrify America Pass+ membership plan for three years to get special per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) rates. Eco, comfort, sport and custom modes are at the driver’s fingertips.
Its shape is an attention-getter, stops you in your tracks! And there are plenty of reasons to. Up front and rear on the unitary structure of the ID.Buzz sits an illuminated light bar with a centered and oversized VW emblem, surrounded by LED projector headlights. Our ride came with an eye-appealing and attractive two-tone Mahi green and candy white interior. As soon as the driver settles into the 12-way power heated/cooled synthetic leather seats (as does the front passenger), he is greeted by a configurable digital display or what the carmaker calls an ID.Cockpit. We enjoyed the gorgeous Dune cabin combined with the piped light gray seats and clay door inserts. A 12.9-inch touchscreen for infotainment control sits atop the dashboard. Passenger volume at 160.1 cubic feet is quite creditable with plenty of bins (hidden in cargo area too) and cubbies throughout. And “Easter eggs” that you will find in the ID.Buzz are: “Play” and “Pause” symbols on the stainless-steel pedal caps; removable center console dividers that serve as an ice scraper and a bottle opener; umbrella and Bus silhouette under the rear wiper blade; winky smiling faces molded on screw covers; passenger assist/coat hangers; world map etched on drawer in center console; fold-out cupholders; and second-row windows that open like small portholes!
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags, rearview camera, front/rear park distance control, electronic stability control, rearview camera, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights along with the IQ.Drive, which fetches you forward collision warning and auto brakes with pedestrian detection, blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control.
The Woodstock-era vehicle pays a tremendous tribute to the dated but inimitable design of the original Bus! The only difference is that the all-new ID.Buzz with robust acceleration, impressive handling and steering feel has gone fully electric. So, charge it up, embrace the open road, roll under the stars and enjoy your time in this vehicle, reminiscent of yesteryears!
ID.BUZZ PRO S PLUS (AWD)
Tires: 235/50R20
Wheelbase: 127.5 inches
Length: 195.4 inches
Width: 78.1 inches
Height: 76.2 inches
Suspension: Strut-type front, multilink rear
Steering: electric power
Weight: 6,197 pounds
Tow capacity: 3,500 pounds
City/hwy/comb: 87, 74, 80 MPGe
Base price: $67,995
Price as tested: $70,540
Web site: www.vw.com
