VW is busy working on its ID range of pure electric vehicles (click here to see a video of the upcoming range). The very first to become a production reality will be the ID.3 (pictured above) and an SUV, called the ID.Roomzz, is also on the cards. But before we see any of those on the roads, we have the VW ID.Buggy. This concept car made its action debut in California earlier this week after a static showing at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.

Looking back…

The VW ID.Buggy takes inspiration from the classic dune or beach buggies of the 60s. The aim behind the ID.Buggy is to show the versatility of VW’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that will underpin its electric family of vehicles. The ID.Buggy features a composite upper body mounted on the MEB chassis. This is similar in concept to the 1960s beach buggy that was based on a Beetle platform.

Like its predecessor, the new concept car has a minimalist interior aesthetic that is fashioned from waterproof materials. A hexagonal steering wheel, covered with water-repellent Nappa leather, features touch controls and a digital instrument cluster.

… and forward

The VW ID.Buggy features a zero-emissions drivetrain. An electric motor is integrated into the rear axle. It is powered by a high-voltage flat battery (62 kWh) arranged in the car floor to save space. The electric motor develops 150 kW of power and peak torque of 310 N.m. VW claims that it would have an expected range of 250 km. Performance is brisk, as the concept car is said to accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 7,2 seconds, with an electronically controlled top speed of 160 km/h.

Off-road features include 18-inch wheels shod with BFGoodrich All-Terrain off-road tyres (255/55 at front and 285/60 at rear). Solid aluminium underbody protection keeps the powertrain safe during tough off-roading. Two steel eyelets are integrated into the bumpers for towing.