Volkswagen Unveils The Sporty ID.Buzz GTX: The First Bi-Motor Model in the Lineup
by AutoExpert | 21 March, 2024
Among the three new GTX models recently introduced by Volkswagen is the first bi-motor ID.Buzz. Following in the footsteps of the ID.3 GTX hot hatch and ID.7 GTX wagon, the sporty Buzz shares more under the skin with the ID.7.
The same 282 horsepower engine is used to power the back wheels, and similar to the wagon, it is paired with a 108 horsepower engine in the nose that powers the front wheels, for a total of 335 hp.
For the five-seat Buzz GTX with the regular wheelbase, that powertrain uses a 79 kWh battery pack. For the three-row van with the extended wheelbase, it uses an 86 kWh pack. VW does not provide range measurements, but they do reveal that the shortie's 185 kW charging capacity and the longie's 200 kW charging capacity allow for charging to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes. Both variants reach 62 mph in an identical 6.5 seconds.
In addition to increasing the GTX's acceleration off of a stop sign and increasing its peak speed from 90 to 100 mph (145 to 160 km/h), the new all-wheel drive system also greatly enhances the vehicle's towing capability. A tow rating increase of 800 kg (1,765 lbs) brings the SWB model's rating to 1,800 kg (3,970 lbs), while the LWB GTX model's rating climbs from 1,000 kg to 1,600 kg (2,200–3,530 lbs).
Neither of them is quite up there with the Ford F-350, but they can tow trailers and boats, as well as some smaller trucks and SUVs. The standard wheels are 19-inch Venlo alloys, but if you're prepared to forego some variety, you can choose two sets of 21-inch rims: one with a diamond-cut design and one with a simple black design.
Aside from the standard Buzz color palette, the ID.Buzz GTX offers a cherry red option that may be worn alone or combined with silver for a two-tone look. Black microfleece seats with red piping, red stitching on the GTX-branded wheel, and the exclusive black headliner make it obvious that this is the sportiest Buzz model available.
Selecting the longer Buzz trim level opens up a seven-seat option, while SWB trim levels come in two-, five-, or three-row six-seat layouts. Each model comes standard with VW's newest infotainment system, ChatGPT, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen. You can also add a massive panoramic roof with smart glass.
In Europe and the United Kingdom, customers may order a ID.Buzz GTX this summer and have it delivered in the fall. In the future, VW plans to offer a similar bi-motor, all-wheel drive arrangement without the sporty extras, but it will not import the ID.Buzz GTX to the US at this time.
