2017 Detroit Motor Show: Volkswagen ID Buzz revives Kombi styling

The influx of electric concepts continues in Detroit, this time with Volkswagen re-invigorating ghosts of cult-classics past in the I.D. Buzz.

The fully electric mini-van is inspired by the VW Kombi of old, while showing off brand-new tech as part of Volkswagen’s push into the electric vehicle market.

The I.D Buzz is claimed to have an electric range of 434-kilometres. However, as a concept car, this isn’t going to be put to the test by consumers any time soon.

Power will be sent to all four wheels through two different electric motors, producing a combined 275kW.

The van has room for nine people, with modular seating allowing for the interior setting to be adjusted into a number of configurations.

Volkswagen claims the ID Buzz is the world’s first multi-purpose fully autonomous vehicle. It says the “I.D. Pilot” mode “could make it into production by 2025”.

The exterior styling of the Volkswagen ID Buzz is inspired by the classic Kombi Microbus. However, Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen Head of Design, says it’s not a throwback, but an evolution.

“The I.D. BUZZ is not a retro design on 22-inch wheels; rather, we have taken the logical next step forward in development using what is in all likelihood the most successful design of its kind in the world,” he said.

“The entire design is extremely clean with its homogeneous surfaces and monolithic silhouette. The future and origins of Volkswagen design DNA combine here to create a new icon.”

While it’s not likely go into production the I.D Buzz signals Volkswagen’s intention to launch a “big electric offensive, which Dr Herbert Diess, Chairman of the Board of Management for the Volkswagen brand, says will begin in 2020 with completely new vehicle architecture.

“That is when we will be launching an entirely new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles to the market,” Dr Diess said.

“By 2025 we want to be selling one million of these vehicles annually. We are making electric mobility the new trademark of Volkswagen.”