
If you’ve always been a fan of the VW Bus, feast your eyes on the BUDD-e concept, a unique van inspired by the original Microbus. BUDD-e wowed at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where Volkswagen unveiled it for the first time.
Vans may not often be considered sporty, but BUDD-e has an athletic, modern look that’s complemented by a vast set of modern technologies and dynamic style on the interior. The concept is a rolling mobile interface with next-generation infotainment tech, including a unique media unit with three large screens, touch and gesture control, and Smart Home tech that connects it to the Internet of Things.

The Volkswagen BUDD-e concept also shows off the brand’s new Modular Electric Toolkit (MEB), a platform that VW says will give its future EVs the ability to achieve range similar to that of gas-powered vehicles. BUDD-e can travel 373 miles on electricity alone according to VW’s estimates, which are based on the New European Drive Cycle. This equates to approximately 233 miles when estimated based on the EPA drive cycle.
BUDD-e is 181 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 72.2 inches high. The exterior has a two-tone color scheme and features cool LED modules that create an ambient lighting effect, including a glowing stripe around the top of the van.
Inside, the cabin looks cavernous and gives passengers in any seat the opportunity to interact with the van’s tech. Volkswagen states that if a passenger in the left rear seat says they feel hot, BUDD-e will reduce the temperature in that passenger’s specific zone of the vehicle.
Other unique technologies include a smart “Reminder” that can inform passengers if there’s an item in the van they shouldn’t forget when exiting the vehicle. For example, if there’s an umbrella in the car and it looks like there’s a chance of rain, BUDD-e will provide a friendly reminder. A “Home-Net don’t forget” feature is included as well, giving passengers the ability to find things in the car via an inventory list.
As noted above, BUDD-e is also built for the Internet of Things, providing the ability to turn on the air conditioning in a house, check to see if ones kids are home and much more. Check out more photos of BUDD-e below to get a glimpse of what may be to come on future Volkswagen models.
