More compact than the 2001 concept vehicle, the new Bulli is powered by an electric motor and fitted with six seats and infotainment control via iPad. It is front-engined and front-wheel drive. On a wheelbase measuring 2.62 metres – slightly longer than that of a Golf (2.58 m) – the new Bulli measures 3.99 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 1.70 m in height. In relation to its width it has a wide track (1.50 m front and rear), and very short overhangs at the front and back. Its kerb weight is 1,450 kg.
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.
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.
A removable iPad in the centre console serves as a multifunctional touchscreen. Along with Internet-based applications and the media centre, it also handles phone and navigation functions. There is no tachometer (unnecessary with an electric motor) nor a centre console, nor gear lever. The latter is replaced by a rotary switch to the right of the driver, which is used to select forward and reverse gears. A push button in the same switch is used to activate and switch off the motor. Another rotary switch to the left of the driver is used to control the lighting functions.
Such hi-tech equipment is of course a far cry from the original Volkswagen bus, the design for which came from that of Dutch Volkswagen importer Ben Pon. On 23 April 1947, Pon sketched a compact bus – a simple side view of a radically shortened public omnibus placed over the wheelbase of a Beetle with an ‘m’ for ‘motor’ written on it. This was to become the basis for the original Transporter or T1 which was launched in 1950 – and is still popular to this day.