With all-wheel drive

VW ID.Buzz GTX: the most powerful of all Bullis has all-wheel drive

(Bild: Volkswagen)

VW praises the new sports version of the electric bus as the "most powerful production van of all time". The GTX has 340 hp - and can haul a lot thanks to its all-wheel drive.

Like the ID.7 GTX Tourer, the Sport Buzz also relies on the power of two electric motors. They are mounted on the front and rear axles and provide power to all four wheels. The system output of 250 kW/340 hp results from 80 kW/109 hp at the front and 210 kW/286 hp at the rear. VW specifies the torque at 134 and 560 Nm. According to initial forecasts, this enables acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, with the ID. Buzz GTX is braked at 160 km/h in consideration of the range.

These figures apply to the normal and long-wheelbase versions, although the batteries differ. Their net capacity is 79 (normal) and 86 kWh (long), and they are charged with a maximum of 185 and 200 kW, which should enable them to be filled from ten to 80 percent in around 25 minutes. The company from Lower Saxony has not yet commented on consumption and range.

(Bild: Volkswagen)

The short one pulls more
But about the towing capacity. This has increased considerably compared to the previous rear-wheel drive version. The normal-length Buzz can tow a maximum of 1800 kilos, the extended version up to 1600 kilos. For this reason, and because of the 4Motion system, VW also sees the GTX version as a towing vehicle for boat or horse trailers, for example.

(Bild: Volkswagen)

Depending on the seating configuration, the interior of the e-bus can accommodate up to five additional passengers behind the driver and front passenger. The seats in row two can be moved by 15 centimetres on the normal wheelbase and by 20 centimetres on the long wheelbase. The front comfort seats are electrically adjustable, have a memory function and, like the steering wheel, feature red GTX accents.

Depending on the seating and body length, the trunk of the GTX-Buzz can hold between 1121 and 2469 liters of luggage. On request, the largest panoramic roof ever installed in a Volkswagen, measuring 1.54 x 0.93 meters, transforms the Stromer into a "modern-day Samba bus", according to the manufacturer. The glass can be switched from transparent to opaque - and vice versa - using a slider or voice control.

Head-up display now also in the Buzz
As with the other recently presented ID models, ChatGPT has now been added as a smart assistant for all situations in addition to IDA voice guidance. And an optional wellness app with the modes "Fresh Up" (refreshment), "Calm Down" (relaxation) and "Power Break" (break). Also for an additional charge, the ID. Buzz GTX will also feature the first head-up display in the series. The infotainment system is state-of-the-art; VW Commercial Vehicles promises simpler, self-explanatory and more customizable operation via a 12.9-inch display with two permanently visible touch bars and a new Car Control Center, which is intended to provide access to the most important vehicle functions.

(Bild: Volkswagen)

(Bild: Volkswagen)

(Bild: Volkswagen)

(Bild: Volkswagen)

Another new feature is Park Assist Plus, which is capable of remote-controlled parking and reversing. An exit warning system is now also part of the phalanx of assistants, as is the revised Travel Assist, which reacts more harmoniously than before and is designed to support lane changes on the highway. The GTX versions can be recognized by a special front section with a black ventilation grille, "arrowhead" daytime running lights and the new cherry red paintwork.

Pre-sales will start in summer and the first ID. Buzz GTX will be delivered in the second half of 2024. The all-wheel-drive electric vehicle is unlikely to be available for less than 75,000 euros.