Back in March, Volkswagen rocked the Geneva Motor Show with modern concept EV based on the modded Beetle dune buggies that famously roamed American beaches in decades past.
Now the German automaker has revealed a head-turning prototype ahead of Cali’s Concours d’Elegance, fueling more speculation that this thing might one day be made available for the public to purchase.
Powered by a 62 kWh battery, the all-electric “ID. Buggy” boasts a 155-mile range, 201 horsepower, a 7.2-second zero-to-60 mph time, and an electronically limited top speed of 99 mph—all the juice you’ll need for a day of blasting through sand dunes.
As Maxim previously reported, the little EV joins the family of ID. concept and production models, each of which utilizes VW’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) platform.
A press release notes that its modular design allows for the composite upper body to be detached from the MEB chassis, opening up a world of possibilities for custom vehicle production, just like the original Meyers Manx kit did for the first buggies.
VW also touts the door- and roof-less ride as “off-road ready” for “the purest beach cruiser experience.” Its set of all-terrain BFGoodrich tires, solid aluminum undercarriage, Targa rollover bar and fortified windshield frame certainly lend credence to that claim.
Despite its small stature, the interior is remarkably large, which is made possible by the space-saving electric powertrain.
A minimalist instrument cluster and Nappa leather-clad hexagonal steering wheel with touch controls give the cabin an refreshingly unintimidating look, as if a driver can just climb in, turn it on, and peel out without having to read a manual.
VW didn’t mention anything about making the ID. Buggy a production offering, but we’ve still got out fingers crossed.
