SpeedSUVs.com — The street-legal Electric Meyers Manx 2.0 made its highly anticipated appearance at Monterey Car Week 2026. This modern electric buggy retains the complete visual charm of the vintage models while replacing the traditional, noisy internal combustion engines of the past with a silent, zero-emission electric powertrain. In an exclusive preview drive, this vehicle proved to be a compelling blend of classic retro aesthetics and highly updated modern engineering.
Powertrain and Battery Performance
At the rear of the vehicle, where one would traditionally expect to find a buzzy Volkswagen four-cylinder engine, a Corvair, a Subaru flat-six, or even a unique three-cylinder radial engine, sits a modern electric motor. This electric powerplant generates a healthy 181 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque. This substantial torque output is strong enough to easily spin the massive 265/70-15 General Grabber all-terrain tires fitted at the rear of the vehicle.
Behind the rear California license plate, the developers have cleverly concealed a CCS charging port. This charging port feeds a liquid-cooled 45 kWh battery pack. Meyers Manx estimates that this battery capacity should be good for approximately 100 miles of driving range before requiring a full recharge. This modern performance package shifts the vehicle away from vintage mechanics into a quiet, smooth, and highly responsive modern cruiser.
Ride, Chassis, and Handling Dynamics
One of the most significant upgrades in the Meyers Manx 2.0 is its structural foundation. While retro builds and vintage beach buggies historically relied on a classic Volkswagen Beetle suspension system, the 2.0 model utilizes a modern tube frame chassis paired with coilover shocks. This modern suspension setup dramatically improves the vehicle’s handling characteristics compared to its classic predecessors.
The coilover shocks provide a cushioned ride that easily handles various terrains, making the buggy highly capable in almost any driving situation. The vehicle rolls on a mixed tire setup, featuring 205/75-15 General Grabber All-Terrains on the front and wider 265/70-15 General Grabbers at the rear, ensuring stable traction and control across different surfaces.
Interior Comfort, Features, and Usability
Inside the cabin, the Meyers Manx 2.0 moves away from the classic boat or vintage car steering wheels typically found in retro builds. Instead, it features a modern adjustable steering column paired with a comfortable, soft-touch steering wheel. The dashboard features a sleek digital instrument cluster that displays crucial information, including current speed, estimated driving range, and gear selection. However, this digital dash presents a minor usability drawback, as it can become quite dim and difficult to read when driving under full, bright sunlight.
For storage, the vehicle offers several clever solutions. The front trunk, or frunk, has dedicated space that can easily accommodate a picnic basket. Inside the rear cabin, there is a dedicated snack drawer. When this snack drawer is closed, the rear of the buggy opens up to provide plenty of room to carry a tent, overnight bags, and other gear. Additionally, Meyers Manx is actively prototyping several accessories to enhance usability, including luggage racks, phone holders, and cupholders.
The buggy comes with a removable top, allowing drivers to choose between weather protection or the classic open-air experience with the wind in their hair. Safety is also modernized with the inclusion of shoulder seatbelts and a structural roll-bar. Unlike the original manual-transmission vintage models, this electric vehicle features an automatic driving setup, making it accessible to a wider audience of drivers.
Pros and Cons of the Meyers Manx 2.0
To provide a balanced view of this electric buggy, we can break down its positive attributes and potential drawbacks based on the preview experience:
Pros:
- Excellent Handling: The transition from a Beetle-based suspension to a modern tube frame with coilovers provides a vastly superior ride and control.
- Strong Performance: With 181 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, the buggy offers exciting acceleration and easily spins its rear all-terrain tires.
- Modern Safety Features: The addition of a structural roll-bar and shoulder seatbelts provides essential modern safety protections.
- Convenience and Accessibility: The automatic transmission makes the beach buggy experience accessible to drivers who do not know how to operate a manual transmission.
- Practical Storage Options: Multiple storage areas, including a front trunk, snack drawer, and rear cargo space, make it highly functional for weekend trips.
Cons:
- Limited Range: The estimated 100-mile driving range restricts the vehicle to short weekend trips and local driving.
- Instrument Visibility: The digital dashboard can become dim and hard to read in direct sunlight, which is a common condition for an open-top beach buggy.
Conclusion
The Electric Meyers Manx 2.0 successfully bridges the gap between classic design and modern electric vehicle technology. It keeps the iconic, adorable, yet tough look of the original beach buggy while delivering a vastly improved driving experience through its modern tube frame, coilover suspension, and powerful electric motor. While the 100-mile range and the occasionally dim digital screen are minor limitations, they do little to diminish the pure joy of this open-air roadster. For those looking for a unique, highly capable, and fun weekend cruiser that combines vintage charm with automatic electric convenience, the Manx 2.0 stands out as a highly appealing choice.
