Volkswagen’s electric minibus, the VW ID. Buzz, has been a popular success with over 35,000 models sold in just a few months after the market launch. Now, Volkswagen has introduced a longer wheelbase version, which is expected to drive further success. The new version will be available in Europe and North America, and comes with a larger variety of batteries and an entry-level version.
The 4.96 meter-long version, which can seat six or seven people, is equipped with an additional 25 cm wheelbase, increasing its loading volume to between 306 and 2469 liters, depending on the seat configuration. With both sliding doors over 19 cm longer than the standard electric Bulli, they open electrically, and the small sliding windows can be operated via a button in the door panel.
The new ID. Buzz version also features Volkswagen’s largest glass roof to date – a 1.5 m² panorama roof can be shaded electromagnetically against excessive solar radiation, although it cannot be opened. The company states that it is reminiscent of the historic Samba, which also had large areas of glass.
The cockpit and controls remain unchanged, but new features include a head-up display that is tried and tested in other ID models, an advanced infotainment system, and remote-controlled parking via smartphone. However, leather upholstery will not be offered in this facelift.
With the extended wheelbase, the 2.7-ton VW ID. Buzz features a new, significantly more powerful drive from the recently introduced VW ID.7. As a result, the normal rear-wheel drive version has an output of 210 kW and a maximum torque of 560 Nm, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 160 km/h. The all-wheel drive variant ID. Buzz GTX with 250 kW should be capable of a higher top speed of 180 km/h and an acceleration of 6.4 seconds.
Volkswagen has also launched an entry-level version of ID. Buzz with 125 kW power and 63 kWh battery. The versions with 210 and 250 kW get a battery from the Chinese supplier CATL, which with 91 kWh (85 kWh net) in the WLTP should enable a range of up to 460 kilometers. In addition, the charging capacity increases to 170 kW.
The market launch for the new VW ID. Buzz version is expected to be in January 2024, with prices believed to start at just under €70,000. The XL version will initially only be available as a passenger car, while the commercial vehicle version will initially have the normal wheelbase and overall length of 4.71 meters.
