VW’s Dune Buggy Concept Keeps Nostalgia Alive In The Dawn Of Electric Power

No matter their non-existent weather protection or what powers them, some people will always be attracted to beach buggies. Volkswagen knows this all too well, so they teased them earlier this year with the ID Buggy Concept that was unveiled at the Geneva Auto Show.

The study has all the right ingredients: a basic body with a modern touch which, in this case, can be completely removed, a simple cabin layout designed to cope with dirt, sand and water to an extent, and the ability to go pretty much anywhere.

Also See: Jay Leno Tries Out The Very First Meyers Manx Dune Buggy

Its off-roading capabilities are enhanced by the underbody protection, 9.4-in (238 mm) of ground clearance and all-terrain tires from BFGoodrich wrapped around the 18-inch alloy wheels. The show car is not all-wheel drive, but it can become one, with the addition of yet another electric motor, alongside the unit that already powers it.

According to VW, the ID Buggy needs 7.2 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from a standstill and maxes out at 99 mph (159 km/h). A 62 kWh lithium-ion battery powers the 201 hp (204 PS / 150 kW) and 228 lb-ft (309 Nm) electric motor and provides a maximum range of up to 155 miles (250 km/) in the WLTP cycle.

If you want to see in person, then all you have to do is pay a visit to the Jacob Javits Convention Center where the 2019 New York Auto Show takes place. The event kicks off for the public tomorrow and ends on April 28.