Volkswagen ID Buzz release date, specs news: all-electric minibus concept introduced with autonomous driving capability

Volkswagen aims to contribute to the new era of future car technology with the introduction of its latest concept study, the I.D. Buzz — an all-electric vehicle based on the iconic Type 2 minibus that was popularized in the 1960s. The futuristic, zero-emissions concept vehicle was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

"The Volkswagen brand's big electric offensive begins in the year 2020 with a completely new vehicle architecture. That is when we will be launching an entirely new generation of fully connected, all-electric vehicles to the market," said Dr. Herbert Diess, chairman of the Board of Management for Volkswagen, adding, "We are making electric mobility the new trademark of Volkswagen."

The I.D. Buzz is a prime example of what Volkswagen has in store for consumers in the next couple of years. The German automaker's strategy is based on four tenets: smart sustainability, automated driving, intuitive usability and connected community.

The Volkswagen I.D. Buzz is built using the new Modular Electric Drive Kit (MEB) that provides optimal levels of comfort with seating for up to eight passengers and enough space for two luggage compartments.

The microbus concept is powered by an all-electric, all-wheel-drive system with two electric motors that deliver 369 horsepower and provides a driving range of up to 270 miles. It is capable of going from standstill to 60 miles per hour (mph) in five seconds and attains a top speed of 99 mph. The I.D. Buzz is also equipped with a 111-kWh battery.

Just like future vehicles of other automakers, Volkswagen has announced that the I.D. Buzz has the capability for fully autonomous driving with the I.D. Pilot mode that is expected to enter production in 2025. When activated, the steering wheel retracts and the driver's seat will be able to turn 180 degrees to face the rear of the multi-purpose vehicle.

Other notable technologies showcased on the I.D. Buzz include a touch-sensitive steering wheel, a head-up display with augmented reality technology projects information onto the windshield, a flexible center console with a tablet display and User-ID technology is able to identify who is on the wheel and stores personal preferences such as seat settings, favorite songs, contact information and navigation.

A production version of the Volkswagen I.D. Buzz could arrive in 2022 at the earliest.