Volkswagen is expanding the line-up of its cool ID.Buzz EV with a sporty new GTX model, boasting more power and a range of visual upgrades.
It’s the latest GTX model, which aims to serve as the GTI of an electric age, as part of the growing Volkswagen electric car line-up. The German firm already offers a GTX trim level on its ID.4 and ID.5 SUVs, and will soon be introducing it to the ID.3 hatchback and ID.7 saloon.
Volkswagen has fitted the ID.Buzz GTX with two electric motors, allowing for four-wheel-drive, with a combined power output of 340hp – significantly more than the 204hp provided with the standard version of this electric MPV. Dubbed by Volkswagen as the ‘most powerful camper of all time’, it manages a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds, while the top speed is limited to 99mph.
Two battery sizes will be available on the GTX – 79kWh or a new 86kWh unit that will exclusively be offered on the new long-wheelbase ID.Buzz, which finally introduces a seven-seater to the range. There’s no word yet on its electric range, but somewhere in the region of 300 miles is likely from the larger battery. It can also be charged at up to 200kW, which allows for a 10-80% recharge to take place in ‘less than half an hour’, Volkswagen says.
The GTX also boasts a maximum towing weight of 1,800kg – a significant 800kg more than the standard ID.Buzz.
In terms of visual changes, the GTX is available with a new Cherry Red paint, while a red and silver two-tone colour scheme is optional. Larger alloy wheels are fitted along with black mirrors and redesigned bumpers to give the electric MPV a sportier look.
Inside, the GTX gets a black interior – rather than the usual brightly-coloured cabin of the standard ID.Buzz – as well as sports seats. Red detailing is also used across the interior.
While five seats are standard with the long-wheelbase ID.Buzz, the new long-wheelbase model brings the possibility of six- and seven-seat configurations. Even with all three rows of seats in place, Volkswagen says there is still 306 litres of boot space.
The GTX will also come as standard with a new infotainment system and on a larger 12.9-inch screen. It now uses illuminated touch sliders to control the temperature and a new voice control feature that uses ChatGPT artificial intelligence.
The ID.Buzz GTX was revealed as part of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ annual press conference, where the firm detailed a range of new models arriving throughout 2024. These include the next generation of its Transporter, as well as significant updates for the Caddy and Crafter vans.
The GTX will arrive later in 2024 to top the ID.Buzz line-up. There’s no word on UK pricing, but it won’t come cheap, with Volkswagen saying it will cost ‘more than €70,000 [£60,000]’ in Germany.
What this means for you
The ID.Buzz has made quite a mark in the electric car segment already, with its cool retro-inspired design making it one of the most desirable and recognisable EVs on sale.
It’s also among the most practical electric cars you can buy, and the introduction of the longer-wheelbase seven-seat version will finally give the Buzz the usability it should have had from the start.
We’re slightly sceptical about whether a car like the ID.Buzz really needs a sportier GTX trim level, however, and its benefits in the real world. But if you’re looking for a cool, different and fast electric car, this GTX trim level could prove a good buy. Just be prepared to pay for it.
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