Creating a buzz

After having looked at the funky van concept that Volkswagen started showcasing over a decade back and loving it, when the opportunity arose to take the ID.Buzz for a spin earlier in the year at the IAA 2023, we jumped at it and were pleasantly surprised by the drive experience

- Yogendra Pratap

The Volkswagen Microbus or the Bulli, as it was know in the non-English speaking markets of Europe, is one of the few global automotive icons that has left its imprint on not only automotive history but social and cultural eras and according to me, one of two nameplates from the German brand to gain cult status along with the Beetle. The van defined the hippie generation in the US and gained even more fame after being featured on the covers of the Bob Dylan album Freewheelin' Bob Dylan as well at the Beach Boys The Sound of Summer apart from countless albums before and in between the two.

As part of its upcoming electric range of vehicles, Volkswagen showcased a van concept in 2017 that harked back to the Microbus or the Bulli as it was known in Europe and upon getting overwhelming positive response, decided to take it into production and launched it in 2022.

The Buzz is built by VW commercial vehicles in Hanover and is made on the same MEB architecture that underpins much of the brand's and the group's electric vehicle range. It will be available in both a short wheelbase version as well as a long wheelbase version. It is also being offered in a two tone exterior colour that makes it look funky and stylish but the one that I got to drive was a monochrome and looked more like a serious van than a funky concept.