You don’t normally see seven-seat people movers tackle the Nurburgring, but Volkswagen appears serious about the dynamics of its upcoming ID. Buzz GTX.
The upcoming sporty ID. Buzz variant has been spied on the famous track in long-wheelbase guise.
The GTX will use a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with 250kW of power and a claimed 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds.
The shorter, two-row body will also be available in GTX trim, albeit with only 220kW of power.
While cosmetic changes for the GTX appear largely limited to a different front bumper and what appears to be a lower ride height, there will likely be additional tweaks inside the cabin.
Volkswagen Australia has previously said it wants both the GTX and longer, three-row body style, noting around 30 per cent of T6.1 sales – which includes the current Multivan – are all-wheel drive models and that a three-row variant is a “no brainer”.
It has yet to confirm launch timing for either, however the standard-length ID. Buzz and its ID. Buzz Cargo counterpart have been confirmed for a local launch either late in 2024 or early in 2025.
The stretched ID. Buzz adds 250mm to the wheelbase and overall length (4962mm), making room for a third row of seats – making seven in total, up on the shorter model’s five.
The longer wheelbase also frees up space for a larger 85kWh battery pack, up from 77kWh in the launch model, with VW promising added range despite the extra weight being a factor, citing the fitment of a new efficiency-boosting heat pump.
It isn’t just the GTX that will pump out more power in long-wheelbase guise.
Lesser long-wheelbase ID. Buzz models will be available with a new rear-mounted 210kW electric motor, up 60kW on the shorter version.
Other new features launched in the larger electric VW Bus include a head-up display, an upgraded “next-generation” infotainment system, remote parking via smartphone, ventilated front seats, and a 1.5 square-metre glass roof.
