Volkswagen BUDD-e: The Cutest Van At CES

Published on January 7, 2016 in Technology/Autonomous Vehicles by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
Volkswagen Budd-e

Volkswagen heralded the return of its famous microbus at this year's Consumer Electronics Show. A few weeks ago, they even sent us a teaser shot where we saw the front of the concept.

During the popular tech show, the German manufacturer fulfilled its promise by presenting BUDD-e, a cute little SUV showcasing a myriad of new technologies.

First of all, BUDD-e has a unique look: with its boxy shape, LED headlights and accent lightning behind its large front grille, the microbus stands out in a crowd. The concept also has solar panels on its roof as well as a set of 21-inch wheels.

The drivetrain is fully electric; BUDD-e sits on the manufacturer's all-new MEB platform, which was developed exclusively for an upcoming range of electric vehicles.

The cockpit is also very different from a production model: everything can be controlled from a large panel that stretches in front of the driver, while the rear passengers sit on benches placed against the rear compartment's walls. Some of the controls - like the temperature or the radio - can be activated via vocal commands.

Obviously, you won't find the BUDD-e at your nearest VW dealership. However, you may just find some of its technologies in tomorrow's Volkswagens. And if  demand is strong enough, the Germans might think about putting a small van like this in production...