A More Budget-Friendly Baby ID. Buzz May Be Nearer Than You Realize | Carscoops

      Volkswagen's electric vehicle may be smaller and more budget-friendly than the ID Buzz, potentially serving as a replacement for the aging Touran.

      Insider information indicates that VW is revisiting previous concepts for electric minivans for development.

      The company believes that a new electric minivan, reminiscent of the Touran, could still have relevance today.

      If it receives approval, this compact electric MPV could enter production by the end of the decade.

      Volkswagen’s van lineup is already one of the most extensive in Europe, encompassing everything from compact urban transport to full-sized electric shuttles. There’s now a significant possibility that the lineup may welcome a new member: a smaller electric MPV aimed at reviving a body style that has largely faded from the mainstream market.

      The German manufacturer currently offers the compact Caddy, the Ford-based Transporter, the internally developed Multivan, and the all-electric ID. Buzz. However, these might soon be complemented by a more compact, electric option that could subtly succeed the aging Touran.

      In recent years, SUVs have largely taken over the minivan market in Europe. Consumers have shifted from sliding doors to higher ground clearance, leaving only a few traditional MPVs available. Nonetheless, VW seems to believe that there is still a market for family-oriented vans, particularly with the format's ongoing popularity in regions like China.

      As reported by Autocar, sources suggest that VW has recently revisited some past minivan concepts as part of the initial planning for a new model. Among these is the Budd-e, a concept first unveiled in 2016 at CES. Built on the MEB electric platform, the Budd-e was VW’s initial attempt at merging heritage aesthetics with modern technology.

      The Budd-e measures 4,597 mm (181 inches) in length, making it slightly more compact than the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz by 115 mm (4.5 inches), yet longer than the second-generation Touran by 70 mm (2.8 inches). It is well-sized for the compact MPV segment, offering ample cabin space without being overly large for urban environments.

      Thanks to a flat EV floor and short overhangs, the interior design of the Budd-e could be much more space-efficient than that of the Touran. Its microbus-inspired design not only evokes nostalgia but also maximizes usable space. VW designers would have greater flexibility to experiment with seating arrangements, while sliding rear doors would enhance practical everyday use.

      A More Cost-Effective Option than the ID. Buzz?

      Crucially, the new compact van would be priced lower than the ID. Buzz, which starts around $60,000 in the U.S., targeting family buyers and taxi services. The UK publication characterizes it as a “practical, high-utilization electric vehicle featuring sliding rear doors and robust everyday functionality.”

      The minivan project has not yet been formally approved by VW’s executives and remains in the preliminary development phase. However, if it does receive the go-ahead, production could begin around 2028. The choice of underlying architecture will be influenced by the launch date, as the EV could utilize either an updated version of the current MEB platform or the upcoming SSP.

      Additionally, Volkswagen intends to move away from the ID naming convention to adopt more traditional nameplates. So, if this model comes to fruition, it might very well bear the Touran name once more, this time powered by electricity instead of diesel.