Volkswagen Budd-e concept revealed at CES

Power is provided by a pair of brushless electric motors, with one mounted up front underneath the short nose and another sited within the new car’s independent rear suspension. The former delivers 134bhp and 147lb ft, while the latter provides 168bhp and 214lb ft. All up, the Budd-e has combined system outputs of 302bhp and up to 361lb ft.

Each electric motor provides simultaneous direct drive to the front and rear wheels. Volkswagen claims 0-60mph in 6.9sec and a top speed of 112mph.

Stylistically, the Budd-e draws on the design of the earlier Bulli concept first wheeled out at the 2011 Geneva show, with a look not unlike that of the latest generation of Japanese kei-cars. Its boxy interior has been updated with a new corporate grille incorporating round headlights. Further distinguishing features include the C-shaped daytime driving lights, which Volkswagen already uses on the Volkswagen e-up and e-Golf.

The upright glasshouse features a pillarless design with blacked-out pillars, while the roof houses a large solar panel used to provide additional energy storage. Entry to the interior is via a conventional front hinged door up front and a kerbside sliding door at the rear. The rear hatch-style door opens at bumper level.

Inside, the new Volkswagen receives a contemporary-looking dashboard with digital instruments and a large high-definition display for the internet-enabled infotainment functions. The individual front seats are combined with a wraparound lounge-style rear bench. 

As well as showcasing Volkswagen’s post-dieselgate electric car plans, the Budd-e also provides a glimpse at the gesture-based control system and autonomous driving technology the company is pursuing for future production models, including a driverless parking function planned for introduction on a successor to the Touareg in 2017. 

Speaking at Volkswagen's keynote speech at CES, company boss Dr. Herbert Diess said: "The original Microbus was the embodiment of peace, hope and happiness, an apartment on wheels. The future belongs to cars that make everyone happy. We want to create a new experience of mobility."

New e-Golf Touch also revealed

Volkswagen has also taken the wraps off its new e-Golf Touch concept, a car that the firm says offers a close look at its next generation of production infotainment systems. Based around a 9.2-inch touchscreen, the new system allows drivers to create a custom homepage, with driving and infotainment information displayed in 'tiles'. Top-end versions of the new system will also come with gesture controls. 

The new system also features an improved voice command service and the ability to reply to smartphone notifications - for example from social media - while on the move.

VW says that, in the future, users will be able to save their custom dashboards and transfer them between vehicles. 

Q&A with Volkmar Tanneberger, director of electrical and electronic development

Does the Budd-e’s battery use existing technology?

We designed the second generation of our battery technology for Budd-e. We talk about cells and cell modules, which means we stack up to 14 cells in one battery module. We then build up the battery system by stacking the battery modules.

This second generation can carry cylindric cells and pouch cells as well as traditional types. The dimension of the battery module is designed to cover different types of cells. We want to go with the technology which will offer us the best range.