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NEWS
Return of the Kombi camper?
All-electric Kombi coming, but campervan conversions for Oz uncertainAfter at least five previous attempts, Volkswagen has finally committed to releasing a modern replacement for its beloved Kombi van, which was discontinued after an unrivalled 56-year production run in 2013.
Unlike the original Kombi — known as the Microbus in the US and Bulli in Germany — VW’s second born-again classic after the Beetle will be a cutting-edge, all-electric people-mover and commercial van that will be able to drive itself when it’s released in 2022.
However, it’s not yet clear whether the production version of the I.D. BUZZ concept, which emerged at this year’s Detroit motor show, will be sold outside North America, Europe and China.
As well as a passenger model, VW said the production version would be available as a commercial van dubbed the I.D. BUZZ Cargo.
Measuring 4942mm long, 1976mm wide and 1963mm tall and riding on a massive 3300mm wheelbase, the I.D. BUZZ concept was about the same size as a VW Transporter.
It incorporated a 111kWh lithium-ion battery in its floor, a 150kW electric motor at each end, variable seating for up to eight people, interactive connectivity and a high level of automated driving.
Volkswagen said many of its technologies will carry over into production, meaning it’s likely to also offer all-wheel drive, 275kW of total system power, 0-100km/h acceleration in about five seconds, a 160km/h top speed and 600km of driving range.
The I.D. BUZZ’s battery is claimed to take 30 minutes to charge to 80 per cent, which is enough for a 480km drive.
Volkswagen has also proposed a 200kW two-wheel drive version, which would be closer to the original Kombi’s rear-drive, rear-motor concept.
It remains to be seen whether other aspects of the concept’s innovative features make production, which will take place in Hanover, Germany – the same plant where all six previous generations of the Kombi were built.
These include its 22-inch wheels, air suspension, front seats that swivel 180 degrees and a combined touch pad and steering wheel that retracts into the dashboard to maximise interior space when the car is in the I.D. Pilot mode that Volkswagen plans to introduce in 2025.
However, the future of the reincarnated Kombi remains unclear in Australia, where Volkswagen is yet to offer an electrified vehicle of any kind.
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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