The ID Buzz was introduced last year in five-seat MPV and Cargo van configurations, but now a larger Volkswagen ID is available. The VW ID Buzz LWB has been revealed as having up to seven seats. This new, larger version expands in size due to a stretched body, which also allows for a larger battery. Volkswagen claims that the ID. Buzz LWB will be available both in Europe and US in 2024.
The three-row ID Buzz is only 6.9 inches more in length than the two-row, short-wheelbase (SWB) European ID Buzz debuted last year, but its 127.5-inch wheelbase is 9.9 inches longer. Despite being over a foot longer, the SWB Buzz has the same turning radius as the small Golf hatchback, so the LWB version should be just as maneuverable.
Let’s talk Powertrain
The LWB comes standard with a 77kWh battery, the same as other ID.Buzz versions. Because of the longer wheelbase, VW was able to include an 82kWh option as well. VW does not currently provide range estimates, but believes the larger battery ‘creates an even longer range,’ implying a maximum range of at least 258 miles.
The rear electric motor is more powerful, producing 282 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, compared to 201hp and 229 lb-ft in the European Buzz.
This should result in a substantially faster zero to 60mph time – the Euro Buzz achieves it in approximately 10 seconds — and an increase in top speed from 90mph to 99mph. A new dual-motor all-wheel-drive model with roughly 330hp will be available at launch, however no additional specifics have been released.
It can charge from 10% to 80% in 25 minutes. The smaller battery variant should have the same 170kW charge rate as the larger battery model, with a 5 to 80% charge taking 30 minutes.
Interior design and seating configurations
The extra space allows for three different seat configurations: customers can order a five-seater variant with a massive boot, a six-seater with captain’s chairs in the middle row and a seven-seater with a traditional three-person bench seat in the centre. The materials, the design, the stowage, the ambience, gives the Buzz a very upbeat, exciting feel. There’s a removable multi-function chest between the front seats.
In the center of the dash is a 12.9-inch touchscreen with VW’s newest infotainment system which is unchanged from the normal Buzz, and a 5.3-inch driver’s display. Climate control features are now lighted, making them easier to view at night for front occupants, and there’s a new head-up display with speed and navigation directions.
The boot space varies according on the seating configuration selected, but the LWB has 1,340 litres with five seats in position and 306 litres with seven seats in place. All rear seats may be removed to create a van-like load bay with a capacity of 2,469 litres.
Some of the standard features are:
- Heated and ventilated 12-way power front seats. Oh yes, there’s also a massage function
- Second-row outboard seats are also heated
- Heated windshield, washer nozzles and steering wheel.
- 30-color ambient interior lighting
- Keyless entry
- Automatic climate control
- Safety tech with hands-on Level 2 highway assist
- Optionals: A 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a head-up display, a 360-degree camera system, and parking assist with remote parking.
Color options
U.S. buyers can choose from nine different paint colors, including bright hues like red, orange, yellow, green, and two blues, with available two-tone white-over schemes as seen here. Interior colors will be equally bright, with three choices of upholstery color and wood trim.
