Hotter VW ID.Buzz GTX, practical seven-seater teased

June 3, 2023: Long-wheelbase revealed, Australian arm keen

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"The ID.Buzz GTX will be a cool high-performance version, with 250kW..."

Volkswagen’s research and development boss Kai Grünitz has teased more details of its upcoming hotted-up ID.Buzz GTX electric van.

“The GTX will be a cool high-performance version, with 250kW, a dedicated interior, new exterior colours and some additional features,” Grünitz told Autocar.

The sportier version of the iconic ID.Buzz battery-electric vehicle will adopt a dual-motor, all-wheel drive setup for the first time, shared with models such as the ID.7 sedan and wagon and likely every other forthcoming ID. GTX model.

It doesn’t seem to be the same drivetrain as the higher-performance Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 GTX SUVs currently sold in Europe, though.

It makes 220kW of power from its dual electric motors, instead. Combined with 460Nm of torque, it results in a 0-100km/h acceleration time in 6.2 seconds for the ID.4 or 6.3 seconds for the ID.5 coupe SUV. Both models boast 480 kilometres of claimed range from its 77kWh usable battery pack.

Cosmetically, ID.4 and ID.5 GTX variants gain slightly more aggressive front- and rear bumpers, different alloy wheel designs, red contrast interior stitching, and the option for a dark blue dashboard.

Grünitz adds the German automaker is also considering adding a standard all-wheel drive (AWD) ID.Buzz variant to sit underneath the GTX, like the ID.4 and ID.5 4Motion overseas. Volkswagen Australia has admitted demand would be particularly strong for AWD if it came here.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz five-seater and ID.Buzz Cargo commercial EV vans are on the wishlist for Australia, with 2024 looking to be a likely launch time if it’s confirmed.

Standard ID.Buzz variants use a single rear-driven electric motor producing 150kW and 310Nm, with a 77kWh usable battery providing up to 423 kilometres of claimed driving range on the WLTP cycle.

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Seven-seat ID.Buzz more details

Grünitz also shed more light on the seven-seater, long wheelbase (LWB) version of the ID.Buzz electric people mover.

It’s expected to debut sometime between June to August this year, featuring a 250mm longer wheelbase to house three rows of seats.

Some can be removed completely and middle-row captain’s chairs can be turned around to face the opposite direction.

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According to Autocar, the iconic California variant will join the ID.Buzz line-up in 2025.

“There will be a camper version. The first concept is being worked on now. It’s interesting what’s possible and what would be cool and usable,” Grünitz said.