The stretched model of Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz retro EV has been revealed forward of its in-the-metal world premiere at Huntington Seashore close to Los Angeles.
The corporate calls it “completely primed for its launch in North America” the place it plans to have fun “Volkswagen Bus Day”, nevertheless it’ll even be rolled out throughout Europe.
The stretched ID. Buzz provides 250mm to the wheelbase and general size (4962mm), making room for a 3rd row of seats – making seven in whole, up on the shorter mannequin’s 5.
The longer wheelbase additionally frees up house for a bigger 85kWh battery pack, up from 77kWh within the launch mannequin, with VW promising added vary regardless of the additional weight being an element, citing the fitment of a brand new efficiency-boosting warmth pump.
For context, Volkswagen claims the usual wheelbase, single motor ID. Buzz has an vitality consumption charge of 21.7-20.5kWh/100km on the WLTP cycle, which equates to a spread of between 402km and 423km.
The bigger ID. Buzz will even be out there with a brand new rear-mounted 210kW electrical drive motor, up on the shorter model’s 150kW.
This energy bump is alleged to slash the 0-100km/h time to 7.9 seconds, down from 10.2s within the shorter model. The highest pace has additionally been bumped from 145km/h to 160km/h.
The twin-motor all-wheel drive GTX model, with energy output of 250kW (220kW within the shorter model), arrives in 2024. VW says it’ll full the 0–100 km/h dash in 6.4s.
Different new options launched within the bigger electrical VW Bus embrace a head-up show, an upgraded “next-generation” infotainment system, and distant parking by way of smartphone.
A newly designed panoramic sunroof with sensible glass brings again recollections of the legendary ‘Samba Bus’ of the ‘50s, VW claims.
It’s the largest glass roof the corporate has made for a manufacturing automobile at 1.5 square-metres, and may change from clear to opaque by way of contact slider or voice command.
North American variations will even characteristic air-conditioned seats and an illuminated Volkswagen emblem on the entrance, the corporate claims.
Supply of the primary ID. Buzz autos in America will begin in 2024. “Nearly parallel” to the market launch in North America, the ID. Buzz longer wheelbase will launch in Europe.
Just like the Multivan and the Transporter T6.1, all ID. Buzz autos are to be produced on the principal plant of Volkswagen Business Autos in Hanover.
“Volkswagen is an especially sturdy international model with an amazing historical past, tens of millions of loyal followers and legendary merchandise. That is clearly evident right here on the largest VW Bus competition within the USA,” claims Volkswagen model chief Thomas Schäfer.
“I’m subsequently delighted that the group at Volkswagen Group of America is celebrating the premiere of the ID. Buzz with lengthy wheelbase right here. With this mannequin, we’re taking an enormous step in direction of changing into a real love model once more.”
Board member of Volkswagen Business Autos Lars Krause added it was “of utmost significance to us that we will now provide the individuals of North America a contemporary, all-electric new version with the ID. Buzz in an iconic design”.
Australia:
Manufacturing for normal Volkswagen ID. Buzz individuals movers and ID. Cargo vans set to the touch down right here will begin throughout 2024, with the primary autos set to reach in late in 2024 or early in 2025.
The longer model will probably be restricted to higher-volume US and Europeans markets at first earlier than making its approach to Australia – however maybe not for lengthy given the corporate’s native arm is bullish on the retro-special.
Volkswagen Australia has beforehand stated it needs each the GTX and three-row mannequin, noting round 30 per cent of T6.1 gross sales – which incorporates the present Multivan – are of all-wheel drive fashions and {that a} three-row variant is a “no brainer”.
“The ID.Buzz is a individuals mover that stops site visitors, individuals cease, stare and smile. It’s an unbelievable mix of fashion and performance that can seize the creativeness of Australians – and is mirrored by our formidable gross sales volumes,” stated Volkswagen Australia industrial autos director Ryan Davies in March this yr, referring to the common SWB.