Volkswagen ID. Buggy, an electric tribute to the Beetle in Geneva

The Volkswagen ID. Buggy has just been unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. This new electric concept of Volkswagen is based on the famous MEB platform, the one Volkswagen uses for all of its electric cars. The German brand’s goal is to take this new electric model into production, but it is most likely to be sold to order in a limited series.

The goal of the new Volkswagen ID. Buggy is to show other manufacturers the possibilities of the MEB platform and thus offer it to them so they can develop new electric cars.

Ralf Brandstätter, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen, has highlighted that “the ID. Buggy demonstrates the wide spectrum of emission-free mobility that can be achieved with the MEB platform within Volkswagen. However, it also has potential in the hands of third-party companies.”

A modern Beetle

The designers of the Volkswagen ID. Buggy say they were inspired by the already legendary Volkswagen Beetle of 1938 to bring this new futuristic concept to life. The Volkswagen Buggy concept measures 4,064 mm long and 1,889 mm wide. It has room for two passengers, but everything points to it being offered in a 2+2 version.

It is equipped with 18-inch wheels in a staggered fitment. Its interiors are specifically designed to withstand all kinds of weather without suffering aesthetic damage. Both the chassis and the interiors are made of plastic, steel and aluminium. As for the exterior, it can be said to have an off-road look, like some SUVs on the market. It also features a front axle guard that covers it to prevent damage when driven off the road.

The future Volkswagen ID. Buggy will feature two electric motors, one on each axle, with the rear one being the main unit. This one produces 150 kW, or 204 CV, and sits at the rear. It will be powered by a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery. This electric powertrain will be capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. Its top speed will be 160 km/h.

The fifth electric arrival

It is important to highlight that the Volkswagen ID. Buggy, in addition to paying tribute to one of the most iconic models in automotive history and the 1960s lifestyle on the beaches of California, aims to revolutionise electric mobility. This concept is the fifth to join the ID. family of the German brand. It is preceded by the Volkswagen ID., the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, the Volkswagen ID. Crozz and the Volkswagen ID. Vizzion, each model representing one of the segments: compact, MPV, SUV and saloon, respectively.