Volkswagen might be working hard to broaden its cutting-edge electric offerings as of late, but it isn’t forgetting where it came from, digging deep into its catalogue of classic hits to mate the new with the old. Now, the latest VW icon to get EV’d could be the ever-lovable Beach Buggy.

Fun, Sun, And Ready To Run

Note: original Meyers Manx Beach Buggy pictured here.


In case you were unaware, the Beach Buggy is an iconic vehicle from the ‘60s, made famous by California race engineer Meyers Manx and best known for its stripped-down performance, unlimited open-top headroom, lighthearted attitude, and endless customizability. And while Manx definitely played the biggest role in the Buggy’s creation, underneath all that fiberglass and Golden State sunshine you’ll find the original Volkswagen Beetle.

That’s the latest rumor from our friends at Autocar, who report that a contemporary battery-powered Buggy is currently under “active consideration” by the German automaker behemoth, citing an unnamed source from within Volkswagen.

The report also points to VW’s latest modular electric architecture (or MEB) as the underlying platform, as well as a powertrain sourced from the ID hatchback slated to drop next November.

The rest of it should be imminently familiar to any fan of the original Buggy, and will include an open body, big suspension bits, a two-seater interior, a prominent roll bar, and a plus-sized wheel-and-tire package.

Note: 2011 Volkswagen Study Buggy Up! pictured here.


This isn’t the first time VW has toyed with the idea of introducing a new Buggy. Back in 2011, the Germans introduced a new concept dubbed the Buggy Up!, which carried loads of Meyers Manx-inspired details from front to back.

The new ID Buggy could join several other electrified VW classics, including a new battery-driven Microbus van dubbed the Buzz, and as Autocar reveals, a new five-door hatch that will act as a spiritual successor to the Beetle.

What’s more, if the ID Buggy does indeed become a thing, it’ll join a lineup that also includes a new all-electric crossover dubbed the Crozz, and a new all-electric sedan dubbed the Vizzion.

Does an all-electric Beach Buggy get your attention? Let us know in the comments below.

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Read our full review of the 1969 HAZ Buggy.

Read our full review on the 2018 Volkswagen I.D. Vizzion Concept.

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen I.D. Buzz.

Read our full review on the 2017 Volkswagen I.D. Crozz II

Read our full review of the 2011 Volkswagen Study Buggy Up!.