VW ID.Buzz GTX – Europe's most powerful van is attacking

With the ID.Buzz GTX, Volkswagen is introducing the most powerful series Bulli to date. The four-wheel drive, electrically powered transporter could combine the useful with the fun. ntv.de has already taken a seat.

Does the abbreviation “T3 B32” mean anything to you? In the 1980s, this was the name of a version of the Volkswagen Transporter T3, which Porsche equipped with its 231 hp, 3.2 liter boxer six-cylinder engine from the 911 Carrera. At that time, the Zuffenhausen-based company had the car created in order to have an adequate support vehicle for development test drives that would not lose sight of the sports car fleet during tests. According to experts, only around 15 copies were produced. A real rarity that, when a vehicle is offered on the relevant stock exchanges, costs several hundred thousand euros.

Are you hungry for a really fast van? Volkswagen is now coming around the corner with a similar concept to combine utility with driving pleasure. However, the Power Bulli, which goes by the name ID.Buzz GTX, has a much broader production capacity and is therefore nowhere near as exclusive as it was back then. Above all, the B32 was not a commercial project anyway. And it is significantly more powerful than the historical original, because the two electric units produce an impressive 340 hp, similar to the other GTX all-wheel drive models. However, more than 160 km/h is not possible, but the path to top speed should be fairly quick. Around six and a half seconds at country road speed shouldn't be a problem, explains Volkswagen

ID.Buzz GTX can pull well

However, what is likely to be much more important to the clientele is the increased utility value. Electrically powered vehicles, for example, are not exactly known for their high towing loads. The ID.Buzz GTX can now hook 1.8 tons instead of just 800 kilograms (earlier ID.Buzz variants). Anyone who opts for the long wheelbase version gets 200 kilograms less trailer load for weight reasons. These are still not revolutionary values, but they are a start. And the cargo space volume of up to 2500 liters in the long version is beyond any doubt.

As a people transporter, the most powerful Buzz can accommodate five, six or seven people, depending on the seats. To achieve even more flexibility, the armchairs in the second row can be moved lengthwise by a whopping 15 centimeters. In the long version it is even 20 centimeters. Folding boxes tailored to the interior (contents of a so-called Multiflex board) form a second loading level and a flat loading area when the rear seats are folded down.

It goes without saying that a robust electric all-wheel drive vehicle with a lot of power requires a lot of energy. Energy that is stored in two different sized batteries (79 and 86 kWh net). Volkswagen has of course fine-tuned the charging performance and now communicates 185 or 200 kW (86 kWh version) at peak. In other words: The battery should be able to charge from 10 to 80 percent within 26 minutes, which would be quite sporty and underline its everyday usability. Whether the ID.Buzz can achieve this in practice remains to be tested. The consumption will also be communicated at a later date.

The GTX among the ID.Buzz can be recognized by its design

And if you choose the much more exclusive GTX, you also get specific design features. There are not only features such as the front bumper with the distinctive honeycomb look and daytime running lights designed specifically for the GTX label. Inside, passengers are greeted by a black roof lining; Specially upholstered seats (electric adjustment included) with so-called microfleece upholstery in a diamond look with red contrasting stitching exude a certain exclusivity. Various GTX lettering reminds you which vehicle you are sitting in. Volkswagen also offers the plain paint color “Cherry Red” specifically for the ID.Buzz GTX.

In addition, the GTX models receive updates in terms of infotainment. There is an optional head-up display. In addition, a new generation of infotainment systems is making its way into the strongest ID.Buzz. This includes things like a larger screen with new menu navigation, more computing power and the now illuminated touch slider for volume and temperature control. The engineers have also integrated ChatGPT into the voice assistant so that natural language can be used.

Finally, something for the senses: The 4.96 meter long version of the ID.Buzz can optionally be equipped with a panoramic glass roof, which can be switched dark at the push of a button, similar to the glass roof of the ID.7. Volkswagen itself speaks of a mental connection to the T1 Samba in the press release. I think that's an exaggeration, after all, the distinctive windows in the roof are missing. But the ID.Buzz definitely brings back memories of the T1.

However, this also applies to the basic versions. After all, not every customer wants or can spend over 70,000 euros on their mobile vehicle. Because the ID.Buzz GTX is unlikely to be available among them. And that despite the fact that Porsche had no involvement at all this time.