Stretched 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz seven-seater unveiled, in line for Australia

The seven-seat, long-wheelbase version of the 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz – the modern, battery-powered revival of the classic VW Kombi – has been revealed, and it is wanted for Australian showrooms.

Due in European and North American showrooms by the end of 2023, the new version of the ID. Buzz sits on a longer floorpan – with a longer body – than the standard model unveiled last year, to accomodate a third row of seating.

It debuts a series of developments from other new Volkswagen electric cars, including the upgraded 210kW rear electric motor and larger 85kWh battery unveiled with the ID.7 sedan, the largest panoramic glass sunroof ever produced by VW and, as a first for the ID. Buzz, a head-up display.

Volkswagen has also confirmed it plans to launch a performance-oriented all-wheel-drive GTX version of the new ID. Buzz next year, with 250kW and acceleration matching the VW Golf GTI hot hatch.

The new ID. Buzz configuration is yet to be locked in for Australian showrooms, however the company says it is high on its wish list.

“We have our hand firmly up for it and it’s our intention and in our planning to bring [three]-row ID. Buzz to Australia. Further details will be communicated in due course,” a VW Australia spokesperson told Drive.

Volkswagen Australia has previously advised production of the ID. Buzz is due to begin at the end of 2024, ahead of first local showroom arrivals slated for early 2025 – but the local model range is yet to be locked in.

The long-wheelbase ID. Buzz mirrors the retro-inspired appearance of the standard ID. Buzz, albeit with stretched proportions and, for markets where government regulations allow, an illuminated Volkswagen logo at the front.

MORE: Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric Kombi revival confirmed for Australia in 2025

At 4962mm in length, it is 250mm longer than the standard model launched in 2022. The increase in length is achieved through a 250mm lengthening of the wheelbase, which has grown from 2989mm to 3239mm.

The stretch in dimensions has brought 192mm-longer rear sliding doors, and 58mm of additional sheetmetal ahead of the rear wheels. Both width and height remain the same as the standard-wheelbase model at 1985mm and 1927mm respectively.

Volkswagen quotes a drag coefficient of 0.29, and an 11.8m turning circle (up from 11.1m with the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz).

There is a choice of three seating arrangements: a five-seater with a two-plus-two (two front, three rear seats) format, a six-seater with a two-two-two (two seats in each row) layout, and a seven-seater with a two-three-two (two front, three middle, two rear seats) configuration.

Nominal luggage space is put at 1340 litres in five-seat form – an increase of 219 litres over that of the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz – reducing to 306 litres in seven-seat form.

A two-seat Cargo van version is also planned. 

The long-wheelbase ID. Buzz introduces a range of other running improvements to the vehicle, including a new infotainment touchscreen which now measures 12.9 inches in diameter – up from 10 inches in the standard version.

The touch sliders for the air conditioning and volume settings gain illumination for easier adjustment at night.

A wireless charging pad for smartphones is standard in Europe, while there are up to eight USB ports with outputs of between 15 and 45 watts, and buyers can also option the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz with a 230-volt home power socket within the front passenger seat frame.

The panoramic sunroof comes with a glass area of 1.5 square metres covering the area above the first two rows of seats. It features an electronically-controlled liquid crystal function that allows the glass to be switched from transparent to opaque via a slider controller in the roof.

The long-wheelbase ID. Buzz will initially be sold in rear-wheel-drive form with the same 210kW and 560Nm rear motor as the ID.7 sedan.

Volkswagen is yet to provide a kerb weight figure for its latest electric model, but claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 7.9 seconds and a limited 160km/h top speed.

Buyers can choose between a standard 77kWh or a new 85kWh battery – both offering 11kW AC and 200kW DC charging capability. No official energy consumption or driving range claims have been made public as yet.

Volkswagen says a top-of-the-line, all-wheel-drive, long-wheelbase ID. Buzz GTX is due next year, with a power output of up to 250kW and a claimed zero to 100km/h time of 6.4 seconds.

Volkswagen plans to sell the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz in selected markets, including the US and Canada, which do not take the standard-wheelbase model.

Production of the 2024 Volkswagen ID.Buzz long-wheelbase takes place alongside the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz at Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicle’s manufacturing plant in Hannover, Germany, for all markets.

The post Stretched 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz seven-seater unveiled, in line for Australia appeared first on Drive.