Volkswagen unveils 2 ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi-inspired’ ID. Buzz models

Volkswagen unveiled two Obi-Wan Kenobi-inspired ID. Buzz models at this year’s Star Wars Celebration, in a galaxy far, far away. Just kidding; it was in Anaheim, California. The German automotive brand has teamed up with Lucasfilm, to deliver two unique show cars that embody the light and the dark side.

“In close collaboration with Lucasfilm, we combine the timeless and functional design of the ID. Buzz with the fascinatingly detailed world of Obi-Wan Kenobi,” explained Volkswagen Head of Design Jozef Kabaň.

“It’s about bringing together two icons. Obi-Wan Kenobi sees the return of iconic characters from Star Wars and is sure to connect generations worldwide — as will the VW Bus, whose mythology will enter the new era of electromobility with the ID. Buzz,” added Kabaň.

The two cars were named the “Light Side Edition” and the “Dark Side Edition.”

The ID. Buzz “Light Side Edition” wears a beige exterior as an homage to Ben Kenobi’s (another name for Obi-Wan) tunic. Its upper section features a chrome finish, which references the design of spaceships and droids from the Star Wars universe. The electrified minibus also has a blue line on the side that stretches to its headlight and light strip — a reference to the Jedi Master’s kyber crystal-powered lightsaber.

Meanwhile, the glass surfaces of the electric ID. Buzz are designed in transparent blue, matching perfectly with the underbody lighting. Logos of the Rebel Alliance can be found on the side windows as well as on the center caps of the rims. It rides on custom-made 21-inch wheels.

The ID. Buzz “Light Side Edition” is based on the passenger version of the vehicle.

On the other hand, the ID. Buzz “Dark Side Edition” boasts ominous shades of black and red. The top section of this unique showpiece is finished in matte black while the lower section is painted shiny black. The red accents can be found on the side lines, headlights, light strips, and window surfaces of the ID. Buzz “Dark Side Edition” and references Darth Vader’s lightsaber.

The contrast of red and black continues with the underbody lighting of the ID. Buzz “Dark Side Edition.” The Empire’s logo can be found on its body and wheel center of its custom-made 21-inch wheels.

The ID. Buzz “Dark Side Edition” is based on the cargo version of the vehicle.

“The opportunity to explore how ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ and the Volkswagen brand could come together on a vehicle was pure fun. The themes of good and evil, light and dark aren’t necessarily concepts we apply to cars. The ID. Buzz collaboration offered a unique opportunity to have the cars become graphic reflections of two iconic characters,” said Lucasfilm Vice President and Executive Creative Director Doug Chiang.

In addition, with the new partnership, Volkswagen is focusing on an even more emotional approach when positioning the brand, giving its global electrification strategy an additional boost.

A short one-minute clip was released on VW’s official YouTube channel was recently released featuring the ID. Buzz alongside favorite Star Wars characters like C-3PO, R2-D2, and Ewan McGregor, who plays Obi-Wan.

You can check it out here.

The new limited Star Wars series “Obi-Wan Kenobi” will be available on Disney+ from today, May 27. The new ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo can already be ordered in European markets.

Photos from Volkswagen

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