© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
An Electric Future
Volkswagen has made it clear that its future vehicle portfolio will be electric, and to hammer this idea home the company has introduced a variety of electric concept vehicles ranging from sleek sedans to versatile crossovers to the popular I.D. BUZZ VW bus remake. At the 2019 Geneva Motor Show, the German automaker introduces the latest in the ID. concept car lineup, and this one is arguably the most fun: the ID. BUGGY concept.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Retro Styling
Both retro and modern, the ID.BUGGY concept takes inspiration from classic California dune buggies of the 1960s. There’s no mistaking the dune buggy look in this concept — hood, fenders and tail are all raised, with fat fenders surrounding big 18-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tires. In true beach-buggy fashion, the concept has no doors and no roof. The ID.BUGGY’s open interior offers plenty of room but seating for two. All materials are waterproof, and seats feature head restraints and belt guides integrated into the seatbacks.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Modern Elements
The ID. BUGGY concept possesses modern elements as well, including a solid-aluminum underbody guard, a reinforced windshield frame and targa bar. While it may have the look of a proper dune buggy, the ID. BUGGY is not like those bright, buzzing sand fleas of 50 years ago — this one is fully electric with impressive versatility.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Electric Power
Built on VW’s new MEB modular electric drive platform, the ID. BUGGY features a rear-mounted 201-horsepower electric motor driving the rear wheels. With a 62-kWh lithium-ion battery integrated into the floor, the ID. BUGGY has an estimated range of 155 miles on a single charge. This layout mimics the 1960s Beetle-based dune buggies with their engines mounted in back.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Torquey
The torquey electric motor provides plenty of power for off-road driving, and on pavement the ID. BUGGY will sprint to 62 mph in a bit over 7 seconds. Top speed is limited to 99 mph.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Versatile
Given the versatility of the MEB platform, the ID.BUGGY possesses considerable potential for customization. While the concept is a pure 2-seater, it could easily be converted to a 2+2 with an additional seat installed in the rear. An additional electric motor could be added to the front axle for 4-wheel-drive capability.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Interchangeable Bodies
Another advantage of VW’s modular platform design is the ability to detach the composite body from the chassis and replace it with a variety of body styles — perhaps even custom built by third parties. This idea also comes from the original buggies, which could be fitted with fiberglass bodies built by companies such as Meyers Manx.
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© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Will They Build It?
There’s no denying the infectious joy of the ID. BUGGY concept, and while Volkswagen has no plan to produce this vehicle in the near future, we’re hopeful it will eventually become that crazy cousin of the ID. family.
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY Concept
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY Concept
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY Concept
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY Concept
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY Concept
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Volkswagen ID. BUGGY Concept
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