Geneva 2019: VW ID. Buggy Concept Brings Dune Buggies Into The Age Of E-Mobility

Volkswagen has introduced the newest member of the ID.concept family at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show, the ID. Buggy.

Drawing inspiration from the classic Californian dune buggies of the 60s, the ID.Buggy was developed with the aim of showing the versatility of the modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.

The MEB chassis integrates a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery into the floor and a 201 hp electric motor in the rear to give it an expected range of up to 250 km.

Sending all the power to the rear axle is a single-speed transmission, which enables the buggy to sprint from standstill to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, and achieve a top speed of 160 km/h.

While the ID. Buggy concept is a pure 2-seater; it can also be converted to a 2+2-seater and an additional electric motor could be added to the front axle in order to make four-wheel drive possible.

In addition, the Buggy’s modular design allows for the composite upper body to be detached from the MEB chassis, opening up a world of possibilities for third-party manufacturers, as the original Meyers Manx kit did for the first buggies.

Like the classic Beetle, the ID. Buggy has no grille, and features a prominently raised hood, fenders and tail end that hint at the concept’s off-road chops, 3D oval LED headlights and taillights, an LED VW logo, and a body that seems to float above the chassis.

Equipped properly for all-terrain usage, the concept features standard 18-inch wheels and BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A off-road tires, a solid aluminium underbody guard, an aluminium side sill panel, and two robust red steel eyelets integrated in the bumpers.

In addition, there are the reinforced windscreen frame and a Targa bar which provide rollover support. There are no doors and no roof, but a black tarp can be stretched between the windscreen frame and the Targa bar as a sun shield or as light weather protection.

The ID. Buggy’s minimalist interior is characterized by easy handling and waterproof materials. All elements surrounding the exterior are a continuation of the body, painted in Fern Green, while the majority of the interior trim is finished in a robust Grey Tech Blue soft-touch paint.

The driver and passenger sit on seats with headrests and belt guides integrated into the backrests, while the floor plate is outfitted with anti-slip knobs. Despite the shortened wheelbase, passengers have an unusually large amount of space due to the compact electric drive and axles that are arranged further to the outside.

The minimalistic cockpit has been designed to match the character and design of the ID. Buggy. With the “Hey you” display in the cockpit, the concept car greets its driver and draws attention to the fact that it is ready for operation.

Last but not least, a hexagonal steering wheel covered with water-repellent Nappa leather, touch controls in the crossbar, and a digital instrument cluster keeps the dash uncluttered.