Performance version of ID.Buzz, the electric Kombi Transporter, on its way

Only days after German automotive giant Volkswagen took the wraps off the GTX variants for its ID.3 family car and ID.7 fastback saloon, the company has unveiled the GTX version of its ID. Buzz.

Volkswagen debuted the ID. Buzz  in early 2022 – an electrified version of one of the carmaker’s most iconic vehicles, the Kombi Transporter T1, also known as the Bulli or Microbus.

The company followed this with the launch of a North American ID. Buzz in mid-2023, although the Buzz is not expected to arrive in Australia until late-2024.

With an expected price in excess of $A100,000 for the higher-end models of the ID. Buzz, it won’t be a cheap option, and if the newly launched ID. Buzz GTX finds its way Down Under, we can expect an even higher price.

The ID. Buzz GTX will be equipped with a powerful performance drive system available with two wheelbases, two battery sizes, and a choice of 5-, 6-, or 7-seater, as well as coming standard with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive for optimum pulling power and traction no matter the situation.

The two wheelbases will differentiate the two models, a normal and a long wheelbase. The normal wheelbase ID. Buzz GTX will come with a 79kWh battery, while the long wheelbase model will boast an 86kWh battery.

Volkswagen was not overly forthcoming with specifications for the GTX in its official press release, but did promise that the upgraded Bulli will be able to charge from 10 to 80 per cent at DC fast charging stations with up to 185kW or 200kW respectively.

The as-standard 4MOTION drive system will allow the ID. Buzz GTX to pull a maximum trailer weight, with the normal wheel base able to pull up to 1,800kg (braked, 8 per cent gradient) and the long wheelbase offering a slightly reduced towing capacity of 1,600kg – increasing the maximum trailer weight from the standard ID. Buzz model by 800kg and 600kg respectively.

As with all the new GTX models for its ID. line of electric vehicles, Volkswagen’s new ID. Buzz GTX comes with an “individualised front end” including a bumper in GTX styling with a black air intake grille in honeycomb design and new side air guide elements.

New daytime running lights are integrated into the bumper on the left and right, and high-gloss black body elements set the ID. Buzz GTX apart. 20-inch alloy wheels are equipped as standard, while two new 21-inch alloy wheels are available as added extras. Volkswagen’s IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights are also fitted as standard.

Inside, black with red highlights predominate, with seats fitted out in black ArtVelours Eco microfleece with a new diamond pattern as well as red contrasting seams and red piping. The red cross-stitching is also continued around the multifunction steering wheel.

The ID. Buzz GTX on the standard wheelbase is available as a five-seater with a 40:60 split three-seat bench in the second row (2/3) or as a six-seater with two individual seats each in the second and third rows (2/2/2). The longer wheelbase, however, will launch available as a five-, six-, or seven-seater.

And as is to be expected with the electric descendant of the iconic Kombi van, the luggage compartment is very roomy, measuring between 1,121 litres as a five-seater or up to 2,469 litres – depending on which model and seating arrangement is used.

Even when the long wheelbase GTX seats seven people, it can still fit 306 litres of luggage behind the third row of seats.