Volkswagen has just celebrated the return of its famous combi to the United States with the presentation of the ID. 7-seater buzzer. This new version will offer many improvements, whether in terms of the battery, the engine or the equipment. We take stock together of this promising model which will land in the USA and Europe from 2024.
Thing promised, thing due. On May 19, 2023, Volkswagen warned fans and the press around the world: the ID. Buzz Long Wheelbase will be officially presented in the United States during a special event on June 2, 2023.
The German brand honored this appointment by unveiling the ID. Buzz 7 seats at Huntington Beach, a surfing hotspot on the Pacific west coast near Los Angeles. This new model was highlighted on the occasion of the largest gathering of VW buses in the country. Note that the symbolism is strong, since the arrival of ID. Long-wheelbase Buzz marks the return of the VW combi to American soil after more than 20 years of absence.
Up to 7 passengers and a gigantic trunk
But precisely, what are the particularities of this ID. Buzz in XXL format? It seems obvious, but the German manufacturer announces from the outset that this is one of its most spacious vehicles. Because, the electric minivan can carry 7 passengers.
To do this, vehicle wheelbase increased by 250 mmso as to accommodate a third row of seats. Of course, there is also more storage space on this model, which offers up to 2,469 liters of storage space in folding the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats. In 5-seater configuration, the trunk still displays a good capacity of 1,340 liters, 219 liters more than the standard model. With 7 people on board, you can enjoy a volume of 306 liters, enough to store everyone’s luggage.
A focus on the seats
Regarding the seats, the ID. Long Wheelbase Buzz is modular. You are free to opt for different configurations with five, six or seven seats. Note that the front seats will be fitted as standard inward adjustable armrests. 12-way adjustable seats with massage function and shape memory.
The second row consists a three-seater bench with split-folding backrests (40/60). Significantly, it is possible to do slide forward or backward all or part of the bench seat over 200 mm. Handy if passengers want to stretch their legs or to gain storage space in the back. As for the 3rd row, it is only two individual seats (which can be removed if needed). Standard in the United States, they will be offered as an option in Europe.
A brand new infotainment system
The cockpit of this ID. Buzz 7-seater also has a few surprises in store. First of all, it has a new head-up display associated to a 5.3-inch digital dashboard. As for the infotainment system, it has also had a facelift: it is now based on a 12.9-inch touchscreen and has the latest generation of ID software.
Another significant novelty: the 1.5 m² panoramic sunroof, the largest glass roof ever built by the brand. Particularity of size, it consists of a smart glass. In other words, it is possible to make it totally opaque or transparent via a touch slider or thanks to the on-board voice assistant. Finally, the passenger windows can electrically slide inwards once opened.
New engine and more generous battery
This longer wheelbase not only saves 2 additional places. Indeed, the ID. Buzz LWB will be offered with two battery sizes: an 82 kWh pack and a new 91 kWh battery (standard in the USA, optional in Europe). According to VW, we should therefore take advantage greater autonomy (no estimate has been provided by the manufacturer for the moment).
To this new battery is added an unprecedented 210 kW engine (282 horsepower) for a couple of 560 Nm. According to the details of the German firm, this engine block makes it possible to increase the maximum speed at 160 km/hwhile 0 to 100 km/h is now achieved in 7.9 seconds.
Also to read : The ID. Buzz can now boost his autonomy thanks to solar panels
Importantly, Volkswagen took advantage of the event to confirm the launch in 2024 of a GTX version with all-wheel drive of the ID. buzz. It will be equipped with a 250 kW (335 hp) electric motor and will accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.4 seconds.
Regarding the recharge, the ID. Buzz LWB will be equipped with a DC fast charging capability up to 200 kW. In this way, the battery can be recharged 10 to 80% in just 25 minutes according to the manufacturer’s estimates. In addition, a new heat pump will increase energy efficiency in winter.
Delivery early 2024
Let’s come to the availability date. According to VW, the delivery of the first copies of the ID. Buzz 7 places will begin in 2024 in the North American, Canadian and European markets. Of course, this ID. Buzz like all other variants will be manufactured in the Hanover factory, in Germany. Regarding prices, we will have to wait a little longer.