VW ID.Buzz GTX - extended and more powerful Bulli in the driving report
VW extends its electric leisure vehicle ID.Buzz by 25 centimeters, making it the strongest Bulli in the GTX version. The price remains undisclosed by VW - the long Buzz will not be affordable for everyone.
Have a look, the good old VW Bulli transforms into an electric leisure vehicle. The new top model of ID.Buzz was awarded with the known label GTX, features two motors, making it an all-wheel-drive vehicle, and now comes with a long wheelbase. With a length of 4.96 meters, it is 25 centimeters longer. This not only provides a third seating row but also a larger cargo area. With a capacity of 306 to 2469 liters, it lives up to its reputation as a compact transporter for large shopping and trips to the furniture store.
Those who have already dealt with the ID.Buzz will feel at home behind the wheel. Everything necessary for operation is located at the familiar place, which was initially controversial among e-car drivers. By now, the experience with the drive switch on the steering column and the wipe/slide switches for climate control and audio volume has become standard among e-car drivers.
New for the 250 kW/340 PS strong GTX is, of course, the experience of power development, which is noticeable on country roads during overtaking and on the highway. Compared to cars, it is impressive due to its large glass area and higher, steeper seating position.
Better driven relaxed, or battery runs out quickly
Well, the achievable 180-km/h speed with a pressed gas pedal is not advisable in the GTX either. It provides a solid, secure feeling of superiority of a large car, but at the same time, the battery drains noticeably faster. A charging stop may be necessary earlier than during a relaxed tour with the space giant. A glance at the range display should serve as a reminder.
The GTX is a bit stiffer on the road and the steering feels a bit more direct, which only sportier Buzz fans among the fans will appreciate. For the majority of others, the family-friendly powertrain is above all what it has always wanted: a comfortable travel companion for long distances. The GTX also serves as a towing vehicle for caravans, boats, or horse trailers, capable of towing up to 1800 kg.
New update package for the on-board software and hardware
Just like all other Buzz models, the commercial vehicle department of VW also equipped the GTX with a new update package for the on-board software and hardware. The diagonal size of the central monitor has grown to now 12.9 inches.
The new voice assistant, now named "IDA," handles not only the control of various vehicle functions but also closes knowledge gaps for the passengers through an online contact to Wikipedia. With onboard ChatGPT, artificial intelligence usage is also available. A head-up display can also be ordered. The new parking assistant now remotely controls the parking and unparking of the ID.Buzz via an app and warns of traffic from behind when opening the doors.
Price still unknown
Since the GTX only appears in late summer, VW is keeping the price under wraps. Taking into account the usual additional costs for the GTX packages offered in passenger cars, the Buzz GTX could land at significantly over 70,000 Euros.
Some of that is likely due to the series equipment. For example, Matrix-LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, or a special sports chassis. For an additional cost, a panoramic roof can also be ordered, whose transparency can be electronically changed from opaque to transparent. VW calls the whole thing the "Samba-Bus" of the modern age.
For those whose family budget has a hole that is too big for the Top-Buzz to handle, there is the cheaper version called "Buzz Pro". Its motor has to make do with a still respectable 210 kW/286 PS to move the long version, but it can be had for 62,720 Euro. This Buzz variant also gets its energy from the 86-kWh battery, which provides a range of 487 kilometers.
VW ID.Buzz GTX - technical data
- Full-size vehicle with five or seven seats
- Length: 4.96 meters, width: 1.99 meters (with exterior mirrors: 2.21 meters), height: 1.93 meters, wheelbase: 3.24 meters, trunk volume: 308-2469 liters
- Two electric motors, 250 kW/340 PS, maximum torque: 560 Nm, battery capacity: 86 kWh, 400-Volt on-board network, all-wheel drive, combined range approx. 400 km, DC fast charging power: 200 kW: 10% to 80% in 30 minutes
- 1-speed automatic transmission, 0-100 km/h: 6.5 s, top speed: 180 km/h, fuel consumption (NEDC): n.a.
- Price: n.a.
- Volkswagen is also offering electrified versions of their Motorhomes, incorporating their Electric car technology, further promoting electromobility in their Volkswagen models.
- In addition to the ID.Buzz GTX, ChatGPT, a model of artificial intelligence, is also integrated into some Volkswagen vehicles, providing assistance with various vehicle functions and answering queries from passengers.
- As electric vehicles gain popularity, there's a growing demand for charging infrastructure. Ideally, every Motorhome and Electric car owner should have easy access to high-speed charging stations, ensuring longer trips and reducing wait times while recharging.
