- Volkswagen will showcase a concept vehicle based on the legendary American dune buggies from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
- Based on Volkswagen’s new MEB platform.
- World premiere at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Volkswagen is bringing back the iconic Beach Buggy albeit as an electric concept at the upcoming 2019 Geneva Motor Show. Based on VW’s new MEB platform, the design of the concept car takes its cues from the popular American dune buggies of the ‘60s and ‘70s.
The original beach buggies were based on the Beetle chassis with minimum bodywork and loads of fun. The upcoming concept, however, will be based on the modular electric drive matrix which underpins everything under the I.D. brand including the ID Buzz, ID Crozz, and ID Vizzion concepts. This concept is basically an exercise to showcase the versatility of their new modular electric platform. VW says that the new MEB electric platform can be used for more than just large-scale series production models.
In a single teaser image, the electric dune buggy is seen with a flared and swooping body, no doors, direct entry sills and an open top. The original beach buggies sported crazy metallic colours but in the teaser, the concept seems to be bathed in a dark green hue. The ID’s characteristic circular LED headlights are present along with massive knobby wheels.
Klaus Bischoff, head designer at Volkswagen, describing the electric buggy concept, said, “A buggy is more than a car. It is vibrancy and energy on four wheels. These attributes are embodied by the new e-buggy, which demonstrates how a modern, non-retro interpretation of a classic can look and, more than anything else, the emotional bond that electric mobility can create”.
Volkswagen states that the MEB has the potential to facilitate the development of low-volume niche vehicles. But whether the German giant will put this electric buggy concept into production remains to be seen. The fully electric concept buggy will be shown for the first time on 5 March at the Geneva stage.
