ID. BUGGY by volkswagen is presented at pebble beach, california

after its debut at the geneva international motor show in march, volkswagen brings the ID. BUGGY concept to california’s prestigious pebble beach concours d’elegance. as a modern interpretation of the classic dune buggy, the new all-electric design in vibrant green incorporates a 62 kwh battery that can reach an estimated range of 155 miles.

all images courtesy of volkswagen

in addition to its electric credentials, the ID. BUGGY has also been developed by volkswagen to be ‘off-road’ ready and features no roof or doors for the optimum beach cruiser experience. drawing inspiration from the classic dune buggies of the 60s, it aims to be both fun and functional. the concept includes a modular design, allowing for the composite upper body to be detached from the chassis, opening up a world of possibilities for custom vehicle production, as the original meyers manx kit did for the first beach buggies.

the drivetrain of the ID. BUGGY concept with zero direct emissions is made up of the electric motor integrated in the rear axle, with power electronics, a single-speed gearbox, and the high-voltage flat battery (62 kwh) arranged in the car floor to save space. the electric motor delivers 201 horsepower and maximum torque of 228 lb-ft from standstill, and gives the vehicle an estimated range of 155 miles on the wltp cycle. this means that the electric vehicle can provide enough power to the rear axle, even off-road. the concept car sprints from zero to 62 mph in just 7.2 seconds. the maximum speed is electronically controlled at 99 mph.

off-road features of the buggy include standard 18-inch wheels and BFgoodrich all-terrain T/A® off-road tires (255/55 at front and 285/60 at rear), as well as solid aluminum underbody protection that ensures that the front axle and ancillaries are not damaged during off-road driving. two robust red steel eyelets are integrated in the bumpers for towing and the reinforced windshield frame and the targa bar provide rollover support.

inside, the ID.BUGGY features a minimalist aesthetic and waterproof materials. a hexagonal steering wheel, wrapped with water-repellent nappa leather, features touch controls in the crossbar, and a digital instrument cluster keeps the dash uncluttered. despite the shortened wheelbase of the concept car, passengers have an unusually large amount of space. this is due to the ID. family’s compact electric drivetrain.