Electric Cars

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles explored the integration of a range-extending gasoline engine into the ID. Buzz electric minivan, aiming to alleviate range concerns and boost its appeal, particularly in the American market. However, this concept was ultimately abandoned due to significant packaging limitations imposed by the MEB platform, which was specifically engineered for purely battery-electric powertrains.

Volkswagen's ID. Buzz: A Look into the Range Extender Consideration

In a recent development, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles confirmed that the possibility of equipping the ID. Buzz, their retro-styled electric minivan, with a range-extending gasoline engine was indeed investigated. This exploration was primarily driven by a desire to address the issue of range anxiety, a significant factor influencing electric vehicle adoption, especially in the United States.

Despite its global success, with 60,700 units sold worldwide in 2025 and a doubling of demand compared to the previous year, the ID. Buzz faced challenges in the American market. With only 6,140 units sold in the US, Volkswagen made the unexpected decision to discontinue the 2026 model year, clearing out existing inventory before reintroducing the ID. Buzz in 2027. The modest 234-mile range of the rear-wheel-drive model, coupled with a starting price of $61,545, contributed to its lukewarm reception.

Stefan Mecha, the head of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, revealed in an interview with an Australian publication, GoAuto, that engineers encountered insurmountable packaging constraints. The ID. Buzz's compact front overhang simply did not offer sufficient space for a combustion engine, as the underlying MEB platform was conceived exclusively for battery-electric vehicle architecture. This platform is currently utilized by over 20 different models, encompassing not only Volkswagen Group products but also vehicles like the Ford Explorer and Capri.

While a range-extending ID. Buzz is not currently in the cards, the broader Volkswagen Group is actively pursuing extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology for other markets. For instance, the ID. Era 9X, a large six-seat SUV co-developed with SAIC, was recently launched in China, featuring a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that acts as a generator to recharge the battery. Additionally, Volkswagen's new Scout brand plans to introduce range-extending versions of its Traveler SUV and Terra pickup truck in the United States starting in 2027. Furthermore, Bloomberg reported last year that the Volkswagen Group is contemplating range extenders for both European and American markets. This aligns with the development of the SSP platform, expected to eventually replace all current electric platforms and potentially debut in an Audi model by 2028, with Porsche and Skoda models to follow. This new platform is designed to accommodate combustion engines solely functioning as generators.

The decision to halt the range-extending ID. Buzz highlights the intricate balance automotive manufacturers must strike between innovation, market demands, and engineering realities. While the desire to alleviate range anxiety in a critical market like the US is understandable, the fundamental design of electric vehicle platforms can impose significant limitations. The future success of electric vehicles, particularly in diverse markets, may hinge on the flexible development of platforms that can adapt to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements. The continued exploration of range-extending solutions by the Volkswagen Group for other models and platforms demonstrates a commitment to offering varied powertrain options to a wider consumer base, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be universally effective in the transition to electric mobility.

Mercedes-Maybach has lifted the veil on its latest masterpiece, the 2027 GLS680 SUV, at an exclusive event in Beverly Hills. This new offering signals a bold step into bespoke luxury, with Mercedes establishing its first Manufaktur hub in the United States to cater to the discerning tastes of its elite clientele. The GLS680 is not just a vehicle; it's a statement of unparalleled opulence, blending formidable power with an array of lavish features designed to elevate the driving and passenger experience to extraordinary heights. With an anticipated price tag exceeding $200,000, this SUV is poised to redefine automotive extravagance.

The philosophy behind Mercedes-Maybach designs eschews conventional limitations, embracing a vision of luxury without boundaries. The 2027 Mercedes-Maybach GLS680 arrives in the premium SUV segment armed with enhanced performance capabilities, an intricately managed chassis, and a host of fresh exterior and interior choices. This includes a robust 603-horsepower V-8 engine, ensuring that power is always at the driver's command. The vehicle's comfort-optimized air suspension system promises a serene ride, smoothing out imperfections in the road to deliver an unblemished journey. Furthermore, an expanded palette of color options and advanced massage functions within the seating underscore the vehicle's commitment to personalized comfort and aesthetic distinction.

Every element of the GLS680's exterior is meticulously crafted to command attention, starting with its unique Maybach-exclusive grille featuring an illuminated surround. The Maybach insignia is subtly lit within the grille, and for an added touch of flair, an optional spotlighted Mercedes hood ornament ensures the vehicle's prestigious lineage is unmistakable. The lighting design continues to impress with rose gold accents integrated into the driving lights, highlighting the vehicle's intricate details. Chrome Maybach patterns adorn the inlet grilles, complemented by gleaming silver trim on the re-sculpted front bumper. The rear of the SUV mirrors this grandeur, boasting a redesigned tailgate accented with chrome-starred taillights, ensuring a memorable exit. New wheel options, including standard 22-inch 20-hole designs and optional 23-inch wheels with self-leveling Mercedes star centercaps, further enhance its distinguished profile. Additionally, the Manufaktur program offers exclusive exterior color choices like Dark Petrol and Patagonia Red Metallic, alongside a striking Dark Petrol/Verde Silver Metallic two-tone finish, allowing for unparalleled customization, including a hand-stitched leather headliner.

Upon approach, the GLS680 extends a grand welcome with anodized running boards that deploy seamlessly, illuminated and projecting a Mercedes-Maybach signature puddle lamp onto the ground after dark. This theatrical greeting retracts and the soft-close doors secure with a gentle click, signaling entry into an interior as sumptuous as a baroque cathedral, albeit one equipped with cutting-edge technology. The cabin is dominated by a sprawling 12.3-inch multi-display that integrates the instrument cluster and infotainment system. Rose gold details encircle the dials, and a sophisticated backdrop of gold, rose, and black patterns provides additional driver information, blending classic luxury with modern digital interfaces.

The interior continues to lavish occupants with luxury, featuring premium leather upholstery on seats that now incorporate a new vibrating massage function for front passengers and an extended massage feature for rear recliners, even reaching the calf rests. Rear occupants can indulge in refreshments from an optional refrigerator compartment while enjoying an immersive auditory experience through the standard Burmester sound system, enhanced with Dolby Atmos, two additional speakers, and a 710-watt amplifier. To ensure an undisturbed sanctuary, extra insulation minimizes external noise, allowing for pure audio enjoyment. Mercedes has also prioritized cabin air quality, installing a standard multi-stage air-filter system with an ionizer and cabin filters to protect against dust and contaminants, ensuring the air inside is as pristine as the surroundings are luxurious.

Every seating position within the GLS680 is designed for peak comfort and technological integration. The MBUX infotainment system allows for personalized arrangement of applications, while the "Virtual Assistant" responds to natural speech commands in real-time. Driver assistance features abound, with 10 cameras, five radar inputs, and 12 ultrasonic sensors providing comprehensive environmental awareness. Rear passengers benefit from optional dual 11.6-inch full-HD entertainment displays with integrated cameras, perfect for video conferencing or entertainment. Powering this luxurious leviathan is a 48-volt hybrid system paired with a twin-turbo V-8 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Mercedes highlights the engine's enhanced smoothness, attributed to the inclusion of balance shafts. The vehicle also features a quicker steering ratio and predictive damper control, which anticipates road conditions to adjust the suspension for optimal comfort. An off-road mode allows the GLS to navigate challenging terrains with ease. The 2027 GLS680, manufactured in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is anticipated to reach dealerships by late 2026, promising a new benchmark in luxury SUVs.