When you think of a performance-oriented GTX or GTI model, a minivan is not what immediately comes to mind. Not if you are Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN)! With a unique take on the category, the VW ID. Buzz GTX, with all-wheel drive, promises extra features and excitement. Here’s what I think about the sporty electric MPV from my experience with it at the 2024 Paris Motor Show this week:
Design
The VW ID. Buzz GTX has subtle styling differences from the regular model. VWN makes it in normal wheelbase (NWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB) versions, and the vehicle I saw at the 2024 Paris Motor Show was in the latter, painted in the GTX-exclusive Cherry red paint.
A unique bumper featuring a high-gloss black air intake grille in a honeycomb design, new side air guide elements, and triangular DRLs placed on top of each other like an arrowhead distinguish the VW ID. Buzz GTX from the regular model. High-gloss black GTX lettering on the front doors, high-gloss black ORVM housing, and 21-inch Caracas black alloy wheels contribute to the exclusive appearance on the sides. The high-gloss black GTX inscription reappears at the back, below the VW logo on the tailgate.
Interior
The sporty touches continue inside with GTX inscription, red trim, and red cross-stitching in the steering wheel and exclusive seats featuring GTX branding, red piping, and red seams. A black headliner is also exclusive to the VW ID. Buzz GTX and goes well with its performance theme.
The VW ID. Buzz GTX is available in 2+2+2 and 2+3+2 seating layouts in the LWB version. It comes with features like front seats including massage, 12-way electrical adjustment, and memory functions, a smart glass panoramic sunroof, an electrically opening window in the sliding doors, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
My experience with the VW ID. Buzz GTX
I think the VW ID. Buzz GTX offers impressive visibility, thanks to its expansive windshield, large windows, and upright rear glass. I liked the commanding seating position in the driver’s seat, with ample headroom even in the most upright position. The extendable cushion provided excellent under-thigh support.
The power sliding rear doors made getting in and out of the second row effortless. Even behind the driver’s seat adjusted for my six-foot frame, I had plenty of space. Legroom, knee room, and shoulder room were generous, and the reclining backrest further improved comfort.
Accessing the third row was easy after sliding the rear seat forward. Once in, I found great legroom, headroom, and decent under-thigh support, with the option to recline the backrest slightly for added comfort.
Specifications
The VW ID. Buzz GTX sports the AKA150 motor at the front and the new APP550 electric motor at the rear. The former develops 80 kW (107 hp) and 134 Nm (99 lb.-ft.) of torque and the latter produces 210 kW (282 hp) and 560 Nm (413 lb.-ft.) of torque. With a system power of 250 kW (335 hp), the electric MPV hits 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds (NWB)/6.4 seconds (LWB) and achieves a top speed of 99 mph.
The NWB version has a 79 kWh battery pack with a maximum charging input of 185 kW, while the LWB version utilizes an 86 kWh battery pack that customers can charge at up to 200 kW. In France, these battery packs deliver a WLTP range of up to 423 km (263 miles) and 467 km (290 miles), respectively.
Price
In France, the VW ID. Buzz GTX retails at EUR 57,929 (USD 62,881) in the NWB version and at EUR 60,667 (USD 65,853) in the LWB version.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
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