Volkswagen ID.Buzz gets sporty, powerful GTX version

While ‘GTI’ will still be used by Volkswagen for its high-performance variants (including fully electric ones in future), ‘GTX’ has also been introduced for the ID. range of electric vehicles with enhanced performance and sporty looks to match. The ‘GTX’ badge is not new to the German carmaker’s line-up, having been used for some combustion engine models in the past.

In the ID. range, the ID.4 was the first model to get the GTX variant in 2021 and since then, Volkswagen has been having such variants for other models in the range. The ID. Buzz, also known as Bulli, now also has a GTX variant and it is the most powerful Bulli ever offered.

Dual electric motors
The Buzz GTX is equipped with two electric drive motors; an 80 kW motor drives the front axle, while a 210 kW motor powers the rear axle, giving all-wheel drive. The combined system output of 250 kW can take the MPV (what used to be a window van) to more than 160 km/h but is electronically limited to that speed.

Power for the motors comes from batteries with either 79 kWh or 86 kWh battery, depending on their requirements. The range is not given yet although expected to be in the region of 400 kms. The smaller battery can handle DC quick-charging up to 185 kW while the bigger one can take DC supply of up to 200 kW. Using the highest rated power supply, both battery packs can be recharged from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes.

Increased towing capability
More significantly, the extra 100 kW of power and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system gives the Buzz GTX more capability when it comes to towing. The maximum trailer weight is increased by  600 – 800 kgs, depending whether it has the normal wheelbase or extended wheelbase. The 4MOTION system offers extra traction advantages when towing a trailer on wet or loose surfaces.

Sporty and distinctive
GTX versions get a sportier look and for the Buzz, the front end has added distinctiveness. The bumper has a black air intake grille in honeycomb design and new side air guide elements give a  dynamic appearance.

Besides the different daytime running lights integrated in the bumper, all black body elements such as the new air intake grille, air guide elements, GTX lettering and the exterior mirror housings are finished in high-gloss black. Always fitted as standard are advanced IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights.

Exclusive red finish
Customers can order the Buzz GTX with an exclusive finish known Cherry Red. This red will be configurable as a solid paint finish and optionally in combination with Mono Silver metallic as a two-tone paint scheme at the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles factory in Hanover, Germany.

Additional customisation inside
As would be expected, the interior has additional customisation and Buzz GTX versions are the only ones to be equipped with a black headliner. The seats are enhanced by covers in black ArtVelours Eco microfleece with a new diamond pattern as well as red contrasting seams and red piping. Red cross-stitching is a distinctive feature on the multifunction steering wheel, which is refined by a red application on the centre trim and the GTX lettering integrated there in chrome.

From now on, the Buzz models with long wheelbase will be available with the panoramic sunroof with smart glass as an option. The multi-layered smart glass has an integrated liquid crystal film and can be electronically switched so that it is transparent or opaque. This is the largest panoramic sunroof ever used in a Volkswagen and turns the Buzz into a Samba bus for a new era.

Variable seating layouts
There are differing seat layouts depending on the wheelbase, of which there are two choices. The  standard wheelbase is available as a 5-seater with a 40:60 split 3-person bench seat in the second row, or as a 6-seater with two individual seats each in the second and third rows (2-2-2 seating).

The longer wheelbase Buzz GTX can be ordered with similar seating configurations as well as a 7-seat layout with two individual seats in the third row (2-3-2). Depending on the layout, the seats in the second row can be moved longitudinally by 150 mm (standard wheelbase) or 200 mm (long wheelbase).

With its one-box form and folding seats, the cargo capacity of the Buzz GTX is large and variable. It is from 1,121 litres to 2,123 litres with the standard wheelbase, and up to 2,469 litres with the longer wheelbase. Even when occupied by 7 people, there is still 306 litres of space available behind the third row of seats (long wheelbase). The Multiflex board creates a second loading level and – when the rear seats are folded down – a flat load area.

Hardware and software updates
The Buzz has been in the market since late 2022 and has received major hardware and software updates recently which are incorporated in the GTX versions. New on board are a head-up display (optional) and the next generation of infotainment systems with new menu navigation and graphics as well as fast processor power.

The system’s touchscreen is now 12.9 inches in size instead of 12 and a redesign puts an illuminated touchbar for temperature and volume control. The new IDA voice assistant is operated with natural voice commands and not only allows control of numerous vehicle functions, but also provides answers to general knowledge questions using the online connection to databases such as Wikipedia. The IDA voice assistant additionally features ChatGPT.

Start of product offensive
The ID. Buzz GTX marks the start of a product offensive by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. Other models to be launched will be the New California (previewed as a concept model last year) and also the new Transporter which is the successor to the legendary T6.

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