Volkswagen Bulli Nice To Be

Volkswagen Bulli is another modern take on VW’s iconic Microbus, set for debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The Bulli is a compact 6-seater and is powered by an electric drivetrain.

Even though it may never happen, the Bulli has a very fun concept. The 6-seater layout – 3+3 – in its small body means that the car is extremely flexible for different uses. It measures 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m in height. Wheelbase is 2.62 metres. It manages to be cool and compact and yet practical. Plus, it is the first people carrier that doesn’t look dull and boring!

The system that powers the Bulli include a 40 kWh lithium-ion battery concealed in the sandwiched floor behind the sills which powers the Bulli’s electric motor. That’s an 85 kW unit with 260 Newton metres of torque (115 PS/192 lbs ft) and theoretical driving range is up to 300 km (186 miles). Performance-wise, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds, and has a top speed (electronically limited) of 140 km/h (87 mph).

Inside the Bulli has six seats: three on a front bench seat (which can be split and folded) and three on the rear bench which can be folded flat to maximise loadspace – or turn into a bed in the true spirit of the iconic campervan. When all six seating locations are occupied, a 370 litre loadspace is available; with seats folded, the cargo capacity of the 1.8 metre long interior increases to 1,600 litres.

The Bulli is also bang on up to date in terms of technology. It comes with a removable iPad in the centre console serves as a multifunctional touchscreen as the car’s infotainment system that provides many features including in-car internet. The Bulli has no tachometer (unnecessary with an electric motor) nor a centre console, nor gear lever. That is why you can seat three people at front!

Like the original Samba bus, the Bulli presented in Geneva has two-tone paint and a distinctive ‘V’ on the bonnet; its 18-inch alloy wheels with stylised chrome hubcaps are another tribute to the Samba bus.

Source:motorward