Volkswagen ID. Buzz Gets GTX Treatment

A long-wheelbase model is planned for U.S. sale in 2025.

Greg Kable, Contributor

March 21, 2024

2 Min Read
VW ID. Buzz front 1.4
ID. Buzz GTX’s two motors produce combined 355 hp.

Volkswagen reveals the new ID. Buzz GTX – a powered-up version of its flagship electric model featuring a series of subtle exterior and interior design upgrades, and a new dual-motor drivetrain with 355 hp, all-wheel-drive and larger-capacity batteries.

Part of a range of GTX-badged models revealed by VW in recent weeks, the new range-topping ID. Buzz will be sold exclusively in long-wheelbase body style in North America, starting in 2025. Pricing is yet to be revealed, though buyers should expect to pay a handsome premium over the 281-hp, single-motor rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz, which is expected to begin at about $58,000 when sales begin later this year.

Distinguishing the GTX model from the standard ID. Buzz is a reworked front bumper with a high-gloss black honeycomb grille element and altered ducts at each side. There also are new-look daytime running lights in the shape of two triangles that form an arrowhead graphic, high-gloss black exterior mirror housings and IQ Light LED matrix headlamps as standard.

Inside (pictured, below), there’s a red cross-stitched steering wheel, seats featuring GTX upholstery and a black headliner.

VW ID.Buzz cabin.jpg

Power comes from an upgraded electric drivetrain consisting of two electric motors, one on each axle. Until now, the ID. Buzz has only been produced with a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive layout with either 201 hp or 282 hp.

The rear motor of the ID. Buzz GTX is shared with the other ID. models, developing 282 hp and 413 lb.-ft. (560 Nm) of torque. The front motor contributes an additional 107 hp and 99 lb.-ft. (134 Nm). Together, they provide an overall system output of 355 hp, together with an as-yet unspecified amount of torque.

The battery also has been upgraded with greater energy capacity than earlier ID. Buzz models. Short-wheelbase models receive a new 79-kWh (useable) unit, with long-wheelbase models sold in North America fitted with a larger 86-kWh battery.

The former can be charged at up to 185 kW, while the latter charges at up to 200 kW on a DC charger.  

VW says the GTX can accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds, with an electronically limited 99 mph (159 km/h) top speed.

The second motor and all-wheel drive considerably improve towing capacity. It increases from 2,204 lbs. (1,000 kg) with single-motor rear-wheel-drive to 3,527 lbs. (1,600 kg) for the long-wheelbase model bound for the U.S.

VW ID.Buzz rear 3.4.jpg

 

 

About the Author

Greg Kable

Contributor

Greg Kable has reported about the global automotive industry for over 35 years, providing in-depth coverage of its products and evolving technologies. Based in Germany, he is an award-winning journalist known for his extensive insider access and a contact book that includes the names of some of the most influential figures in the automotive world.

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