UPDATE, February 21, 2022: We've now driven a near-production prototype of the ID Buzz, and you can read all about it at the link below.
UPDATE, January 7, 2022: Volkswagen boss Herbert Diess has confirmed the ID Buzz will officially launch on March 3, signifying a return of the microbus.
The Volkswagen CEO took to Twitter to tease the new-age van, set to be based on the MEB electric architecture which underpins the ID.3 and ID.4.
With covers coming off the new EV in just under two months, it's anticipated to hit the roads in 2023 before a California camper-based version goes on sale two years later, truly bringing the microbus back to its humble, hippie beginnings.
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November 5, 2021: The new Volkswagen ID Buzz is set to be officially revealed in the coming weeks after a teaser was provided last night.
During Volkswagen's launch of the new ID.5 and ID.5 GTX, the fully-electric ID Buzz was present towards the end of the video – finished off in a rainbow camouflage livery, which did little to hide its overall shape.
Underpinned by the same MEB platform from the ID.3, ID.4 and ID.5, the ID Buzz is tipped to feature autonomous driving capabilities, as was shown off at this year's IAA Mobility Show in Munich with the ID Buzz AD.
At the time, VW Commercial Vehicles' (VWCV) head of autonomous driving, Christian Senger, said the ID. Buzz AD would debut as a part of a fully-autonomous shuttle service in Hamburg from 2025.
“We bring our expertise to the co-operation with Argo AI and VWCV, and will develop an autonomous mobility service in addition to our regular service," said Senger.
"Cities all over the world want to make their traffic more efficient and more climate-friendly.
"Autonomous ride-pooling improves urban mobility, increases road safety and make cities more attractive. Hamburg will be the first city to offer it."
The ID Buzz has evolved significantly since its first public outing in 2017 at the Detroit Motor Show, having been done up as a modern interpretation of the classic Kombi – although Volkswagen could well and truly make a business case out of offering the electric vehicle in retro colours.
It's understood the ID Buzz shown off will be the first of two variants to launch, with the short wheelbase expected to arrive in European showrooms next year, while a long wheelbase is set to be unveiled in 2023.
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