Why has it taken so long?
Weight, basically. When the original ID. Buzz was launched, there were concerns that the extra weight of a camping conversion would overwhelm the original battery and shorten the range too much. Now, with better battery tech, the ID. California Cruise can be released to the world.
How does the ID. California Cruise look?
Pretty awesome. A Buzz with a bed, what’s not to like?
How many does the ID. California Cruise sleep?
Just the two, although they’ll sleep in exceptional comfort thanks to a fold-out mattress that’s a full nine centimetres thick. That bed measures 2.03 by 1.2 metres when it’s fully opened out.
No pop-up roof?
No, not for the ID. California Cruise. That would add too much weight, so rather than the full-on mobile house that the Multivan-based California can be, the ID. California Cruise is, as VW says, more for spontaneous overnights than full-on expeditions.
What do you get?
Amongst other equipment, the crucial camping additions are ventilation grilles for the front side windows, blackout blinds for all windows, two camping chairs and a camping table. If the optional panoramic glass roof is specified, a matching blackout blind is included.
You also get special California badges and unique seat upholstery.
How does going electric help?
Well, aside from trimming your emissions, it’s also better for camping, as a new function means that the ID. California Cruise can tap into that big 86kWh battery under the floor and use it for heating (or cooling) the interior, as well as providing light for up to 48 hours depending on how much charge is in the battery. There are also powered USB sockets inside for your devices and, critically, the ID. California Cruise can provide power directly from the battery pack, at up to 3.6kW, to external items such as an electric barbecue, a kettle or other electric devices. That might make up for the lack of a built-in kitchen (another weight-saving feature).
How far will the ID. California Cruise go on a charge?
That’s still TBA, but the full reveal takes place at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf this week, so we should get more details then.
How much will the ID. California Cruise cost?
European prices are set at €60,761, so we’ll have to wait and see how much extra Irish taxes add to that.
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