The Volkswagen ID. Buzz (Three-Row) GTX is a significant addition to the ID family, marking Volkswagen’s continued commitment to electrifying its iconic models. With its all-wheel-drive system and spacious interior, the ID. Buzz GTX merges modern electric vehicle (EV) technology with the beloved charm of Volkswagen’s classic microbus design. Announced in March 2024 and expected to hit the market in Q2-Q3 of the same year, this electric van aims to cater to families and adventurers seeking a sustainable, versatile, and stylish transportation solution. In this comprehensive review, we will delve into the details of its performance, battery and charging capabilities, design, infotainment features, comfort and convenience aspects, and safety features. The ID. Buzz GTX is set to be a game-changer in the electric van market, providing a perfect blend of nostalgic appeal and cutting-edge innovation.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | Q2-Q3 2024 |
| Base Price | €70,000 / £68,500 / $75,000 |
| Power | AWD 250 kW (335 hp) |
| Torque | Not specified |
| 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) | 6.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | Not specified |
| Battery Capacity | 86 kWh usable, 91 kWh total |
| Battery Technology | Li-ion (400V type) |
| Range | Not specified |
| Consumption | Not specified |
| Recuperation | Yes, via driving modes and profiles |
| Heat Pump | Yes |
| AC Charging | Type 2, 11 kW |
| DC Charging | CCS, 200 kW, 10-80% in 26 minutes |
| Plug & Charge | Yes |
| Bidirectional Charging | Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) |
| Body Type | 5-door Van, 6/7 seats |
| Platform | MEB |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 4887 x 1979 x 1895 mm (192.4 x 77.9 x 74.6 in) |
| Drag Coefficient | 0.29 Cd |
| Wheelbase | 3239 mm (127.5 in) |
| Trunk Capacity | 1340 l, 2469 l max (306 l in 7-seater config) |
| Infotainment Display | 12.9″ touchscreen |
| Driver Display | 5.3″ |
| Head-Up Display | Yes |
| Seats | Heated, ventilated, massage front seats, heated 2nd row |
| Sunroof | Panoramic glass with electrochromic tinting |
| Safety Features | Front, side, rear, center, head airbags; advanced driving aids |
| Towing Capacity | 600 kg unbraked, 1600 kg braked |
| Wheels | R20, R21 |
Performance
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz (Three-Row) GTX is designed to deliver robust performance, catering to drivers who value both power and efficiency. Equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, the ID. Buzz GTX boasts an impressive output of 250 kW (335 hp). This power enables the van to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds, making it one of the quicker options in the electric van segment. This brisk acceleration ensures that drivers can confidently merge onto highways and navigate city traffic with ease.
The performance capabilities of the ID. Buzz GTX are complemented by its precise handling and stability. The MEB platform, which underpins the vehicle, provides a low center of gravity, enhancing its cornering ability and overall driving dynamics. Additionally, the front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension system offer a comfortable yet responsive ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections while maintaining control. This combination of power, agility, and comfort sets the ID. Buzz GTX apart from traditional vans, offering a driving experience more akin to that of a sporty SUV.
Battery and Charging
Battery technology is at the heart of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX, ensuring that it meets the demands of modern drivers for both range and efficiency. The vehicle is powered by an 86 kWh usable lithium-ion battery, with a total capacity of 91 kWh. This sizable battery pack provides ample energy for long journeys, although specific range figures have not been disclosed. Given Volkswagen’s track record with other ID models, it is reasonable to expect a range that comfortably supports both urban commutes and longer road trips.
Charging the ID. Buzz GTX is convenient and efficient, thanks to its compatibility with both AC and DC charging systems. Using a standard Type 2 charger at 11 kW, the vehicle can be fully charged overnight, making it ideal for home charging scenarios. For those needing a quicker top-up, the ID. Buzz GTX supports DC fast charging via a CCS port at up to 200 kW, enabling the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in just 26 minutes. This fast-charging capability significantly reduces downtime, allowing drivers to get back on the road quickly.
The ID. Buzz GTX also features innovative charging technologies such as Plug & Charge, which streamlines the charging process by automatically authenticating and initiating charging sessions at compatible stations. Moreover, the vehicle’s bidirectional charging capability (Vehicle-to-Home or V2H) offers added utility, allowing the battery to power home appliances in the event of a power outage. This feature not only enhances the practicality of the ID. Buzz GTX but also underscores its role in the broader transition to sustainable energy solutions.
Design and Dimensions
Volkswagen has designed the ID. Buzz GTX with a blend of nostalgia and modernity, paying homage to the classic VW microbus while incorporating contemporary styling cues. The exterior design is characterized by clean lines, a distinctive front bumper, and a streamlined silhouette, which contribute to its impressive drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd. This aerodynamic efficiency not only enhances the vehicle’s performance but also improves its range, making it more energy-efficient on the road.
With dimensions of 4887 mm in length, 1979 mm in width, and 1895 mm in height, the ID. Buzz GTX offers a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates up to seven passengers across three rows of seating. The generous wheelbase of 3239 mm provides ample legroom for passengers, ensuring a comfortable ride, even on longer journeys. The panoramic glass sunroof, equipped with electrochromic tinting, floods the cabin with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere. This feature not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the interior but also allows passengers to enjoy a view of the sky above, adding to the overall sense of space and luxury.
Practicality is another key aspect of the ID. Buzz GTX’s design. The vehicle offers a trunk capacity of 1340 liters, which can be expanded to 2469 liters by folding down the rear seats. In a seven-seater configuration, the trunk still provides 306 liters of space, making it suitable for carrying luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. The height-adjustable trunk floor adds to the versatility, allowing users to configure the space according to their needs. Furthermore, the vehicle’s towing capacity of 600 kg unbraked and 1600 kg braked makes it capable of handling trailers and additional cargo, catering to the needs of families and adventure enthusiasts alike.
Infotainment and Displays
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX is equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system, ensuring that drivers and passengers stay connected and entertained on the go. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a 12.9-inch touchscreen display, which provides intuitive access to a wide range of functions, including navigation, media controls, and vehicle settings. The user interface is designed for ease of use, minimizing distractions and allowing drivers to focus on the road ahead.
In addition to the central display, the ID. Buzz GTX features a 5.3-inch digital driver’s display, which provides critical information such as speed, range, and battery status. This display is strategically positioned within the driver’s line of sight, ensuring that essential data is always visible without the need to glance away from the road. The head-up display further enhances the driving experience by projecting important information onto the windshield, using augmented reality technology to highlight navigation directions and safety alerts.
Connectivity is a key feature of the ID. Buzz GTX, with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration allowing for seamless smartphone pairing. This capability ensures that drivers can access their favorite apps, music, and communication features without the hassle of cables. The vehicle also supports over-the-air (OTA) updates, enabling Volkswagen to deliver software upgrades and new features remotely, keeping the infotainment system up-to-date with the latest innovations.
Comfort and Convenience
Comfort and convenience are at the forefront of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX’s interior design. The vehicle offers a luxurious cabin environment, with high-quality materials and thoughtful amenities that enhance the driving experience. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, providing comfort in all weather conditions. They also come with a massage function, making long drives more relaxing. The second-row seats are heated as well, ensuring that all passengers enjoy a premium level of comfort.
The ID. Buzz GTX’s panoramic glass sunroof adds to the sense of spaciousness,
offering a clear view of the sky and contributing to the vehicle’s open and inviting atmosphere. The electrochromic tinting allows passengers to control the amount of light entering the cabin, providing privacy and protection from the sun when needed.
Practicality is further emphasized with features such as a height-adjustable trunk floor, which allows for easy loading and unloading of cargo. The inclusion of numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin ensures that passengers have ample space to store personal items. Advanced parking aids, including ten front and rear sensors, a 360-degree camera, and a reversing camera, make maneuvering the ID. Buzz GTX in tight spaces effortless. The remote parking feature adds another layer of convenience, allowing the driver to park the vehicle using their smartphone.
Safety Features
Volkswagen has prioritized safety in the design of the ID. Buzz GTX, equipping it with a comprehensive suite of features to protect occupants and enhance driver confidence. The vehicle is outfitted with a full array of airbags, including front, side, rear, center, and head airbags, ensuring comprehensive protection in the event of a collision. These airbags are designed to deploy in milliseconds, mitigating the risk of injury to passengers.
Advanced driving aids further contribute to the ID. Buzz GTX’s safety credentials. The vehicle is equipped with front and rear radars, as well as cameras, which provide a 360-degree view of the surroundings. This setup enables features such as Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, which can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes automatically to prevent accidents. Lane Assist helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while Dynamic Road Sign Display ensures that drivers are always aware of speed limits and other road signs.
The ID. Buzz GTX also includes Side Assist, which monitors blind spots and alerts the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, reducing the risk of side-impact collisions. Travel Assist combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping capabilities, providing a semi-autonomous driving experience that is particularly useful on long highway journeys. Additional features such as Emergency Assist, which can bring the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver becomes unresponsive, and Park Assist, which aids in parallel and perpendicular parking, further enhance the vehicle’s safety profile.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz (Three-Row) GTX stands out as a revolutionary electric vehicle that seamlessly combines the practicality and charm of a classic VW microbus with the advanced technology and sustainability of a modern EV. Its powerful performance, coupled with efficient battery and charging capabilities, makes it a versatile option for a wide range of driving scenarios. The spacious and thoughtfully designed interior, along with cutting-edge infotainment and connectivity features, ensures a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience for both driver and passengers.
Safety is a paramount concern for Volkswagen, and the ID. Buzz GTX reflects this commitment with its extensive suite of safety features and driver assistance systems. These elements, along with its eco-friendly credentials, position the ID. Buzz GTX as a leader in the electric vehicle market, appealing to families, adventurers, and environmentally conscious drivers alike.
As the automotive industry continues to shift towards electrification, the ID. Buzz GTX represents a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s journey toward sustainable mobility. Its blend of innovation, practicality, and nostalgic design sets a new standard for what consumers can expect from an electric van. Looking ahead, the ID. Buzz GTX is poised to influence future vehicle development, encouraging other automakers to embrace sustainable practices while delivering vehicles that meet the diverse needs of modern drivers.
Similarly Priced Cars
For those considering the Volkswagen ID. Buzz (Three-Row) GTX, there are several similarly priced electric vehicles that offer competitive features and capabilities. The Tesla Model Y Long Range, priced at approximately €70,000 / £68,500 / $75,000, is a strong contender, known for its impressive range and acceleration. Another option is the Mercedes-Benz EQB, available for around €65,000 / £63,000 / $70,000, which provides a luxurious interior and a refined driving experience, appealing to those who prioritize comfort and high-end finishes. The Rivian R1S, priced at €72,000 / £70,000 / $78,000, offers off-road capabilities and a spacious interior, making it suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Each of these vehicles presents unique attributes, ensuring that consumers have a range of options to suit their specific needs and preferences.