The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Gets the ‘Star Wars’ Treatment in New Commercial
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a groovy electric minibus reminiscent of the VW minibusses of days past. The ID. Buzz may be inspired by an old model, but VW clearly aims for the electric bus to be considered futuristic. The ID. Buzz interacted with fan-favorite Star Wars characters in a commercial that may or may not have been aired intergalactically.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz might be from a galaxy far, far away
A long time ago, Volkswagen minibusses were quirky VW automobiles perfect for trips to the beach. The VW Transporter, the first iteration of the bus, debuted back in 1949. According to Tom’s Guide, an electric version of the VW bus, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is slated to come to America in 2023. The ID. Buzz will be a 2024 model year.
In the video above, Anakin Skywalker’s former droid R2DR attempts to communicate with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, mistaking it for a droid. The protocol droid C3P0 informs R2 that the ID.Buzz is no droid. Obi-Wan Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor drives off in the electric minibus and smiles in the rearview mirror.
Instead of using an ad as an opportunity to tap into the nostalgia associated with the bus’ design, VW took the opportunity to champion it as a futuristic vehicle. The electric bus may be just what the automaker needs as it expands its electric lineup.
The Volkswagen electric bus is perfect for the brand’s image
Some may wonder why VW is electrifying this design, but if any brand can benefit from producing as many EVs as possible, it’s Volkswagen. VW was in hot water after getting caught in what is now referred to as Dieselgate. Volkswagen and other automakers were misreporting emissions estimates and ultimately causing more harm to the environment than the company let on.
The German automaker was fined heavily and forced to produce more eco-friendly vehicles. Since VW was caught tampering with emissions estimates, it has worked on electrifying its lineup by releasing several new EVs. The Volkswagen ID.4 is the most popular EV. It is also one of the most popular electric vehicles in the world.
The ID.4 is drastically changing the conversation around Volkswagen and electric vehicles. The ID.Buzz takes things a step further by proving that Volkswagen EVs aren’t just practical. They can also be fun as well. The electric bus’ entire design screams fun.
America probably didn’t need an electric minibus, but many automotive fans sure are glad that we’re getting one. The ID. Buzz has already generated plenty of buzz.
Should you buy a Volkswagen ID. Buzz?
According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is expected to start at around $45,000. The VW ID. Buzz is 185.5 inches long and 78.1 inches wide. That’s only about four inches longer than the Toyota RAV4. It’s about five inches wider than the Toyota RAV4.
The electric bus is closer in size to a compact SUV than a midsize SUV. It makes 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque. The EV is expected to have a 260-mile driving range.
Read more about the Volkswagen ID.Buzz’s interior in the next article below.
RELATED: Volkswagen ID. Buzz’s Built-in Mirror Heaters Tested in Negative 20 Degree Temperatures
