ID.Buzz Could Get Compact Sibling As VW Evaluates New EV Plans
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is one of the most cheerful new family vehicles you can buy, but its starting price of $59,995 limits its appeal. That's still far more expensive than conventional gas or hybrid minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica. However, it looks like a smaller, cheaper ID.Buzz sibling could be on the way, based on a new report by Autocar.
The report suggests that the new VW would replace the Touran, an MPV that has never been sold in the United States, given our market's preference for SUVs. Currently being internally reviewed by Volkswagen, the potential Touran replacement could draw inspiration from one of the brand's most exciting concepts.
The Budd-E was the first VW model to be based on the MEB modular platform that now underpins models like the ID.4, ID.7 and ID.Buzz. The electric minivan concept still looks ultra-modern today, with its wraparound windshield, two-tone body, and bold face with sleek lighting.
It's this concept that could inspire the Touran replacement, but this is just one of several older MPV concepts VW is reviewing. The minimal overhangs and flat floor will maximize interior space but keep the proportions tight, which is exactly why this type of vehicle excels. According to insiders, new sliding door and seat designs are being considered to make this vehicle as versatile as possible.
Powering the Touran replacement could be a choice of single or dual electric motors. To keep the price low enough, an output of around 200 to 250 hp seems reasonable, given that the larger ID.Buzz manages between 282 and 335 hp. The ID.Buzz and ID.4 are rear-wheel drive as standard, but its smaller sibling may rely on front-wheel drive as standard.
Battery capacities of 60 to 80 kWh have been suggested as likely. EVs of this size would be expected to have a range of at least 240 miles or so to be competitive.
At this point, it seems unlikely that a smaller version of the ID.Buzz would be sold here. Such a vehicle would clash with the ID.4 in terms of price - the priciest ID.4 starts at just below the price of the ID.Buzz. Besides this, few Americans choose SUVs over minivans or MPVs.
The smaller and cheaper ID.Buzz is expected to be launched by 2027 at the earliest, assuming Volkswagen does decide to put it into production. If it has the same nostalgic styling and clever versatility of the ID.Buzz, but at a lower price, it'll be one of VW's top EVs.
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- USA Today
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