How can a bright-green, futuristic dune buggy not plaster a massive smile across your face? VW just debuted a fully electric ID Buggy concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The best part: It’s not so far fetched to think it might be produced someday!
The VW ID Buggy concept vehicle is the latest in a line of all-electric concept vehicles VW has rolled out since 2016. And there’s one constant among all these concepts: a versatile, fully electric chassis.
That chassis is the MEB, which is somehow short for “modular electric drive matrix.” And this latest dune buggy concept is further proof that this chassis can handle whatever crazy idea VW throws at it.
Sitting under the ID Buggy concept, the MEB chassis has a 62 kWh lithium-ion battery and a 201hp electric motor in the rear. This powertrain configuration is good for a 155-mile range and a 0-62 mph sprint in 7.2 seconds. While not earth-shattering performance, those stats should offer plenty of fun in this rough-and-tumble package!
Volkswagen ID Buggy: Inspiration From the Past
The VW ID Buggy concept draws its inspiration from the classic California dune buggies of the 1960s. The Meyers Manx, in particular, was a big influence on this design.
Versatile underpinnings are what tie the classics to the future. The 1960s buggies were built on the VW Beetle platform while the buggies of the future might be built on the all-electric MEB chassis.
VW ID Buggy: Versatility
VW ID Dune Buggy of Tomorrow
VW ID Buggy Concept
:- Electric drivetrain: Rear-mounted electric motor with 62kWh battery
- Performance: 201 hp, 228 lb-ft torque, 155-mile range, 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds, 99mph top speed (electronically limited)
- Dimensions: 160” L x 74.4” W x 57.6” H with 104.3” wheelbase & 9.4” ground clearance
- Wheels & tires: 18” wheels wrapped with 29” front (VA 255/55 R18) & 31.5” rear (HA 285/60 R18) BFG A/T tires
- Options: Soft-top roof, AWD system