VW Commercial Vehicles: The ID.Buzz gains traction

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles wants its ID. Buzz to be understood as a unique electric car: a design icon and multitool in one. Now, the Wolfsburg-based company is expanding and modernizing the model range of its electric "Bulli." New in the program is the ID. Buzz Pro with a long wheelbase, an 86 kW battery, and a new 210 kW (286 PS) strong motor. The ID. Buzz Pro, however, aims to score with maximum efficiency and an extra large interior in addition to the long wheelbase. For all those who want even more power, there is the ID. Buzz GTX with 250 kW (340 PS), standard all-wheel drive, and high towing capacities. This can be configured with a normal or long wheelbase.

Extended range, shortened DC charging times

The maximum WLTP range of the new ID. Buzz Pro with a long wheelbase and standard 86 kWh battery is between 453 to 487 km depending on the configuration. The ID. Buzz Pro with a normal wheelbase and 79 kWh battery achieves a range of 423 to 461 km. The corresponding WLTP ranges for the ID. Buzz GTX are not yet determined, as the type approval is still pending.

All 79 kWh versions of the ID. Buzz can "fuel up" at DC fast-charging stations with up to 185 kW charging power. For the 86 kWh versions, it is even 200 kW. This allows the 79 kWh batteries to charge from 10 to 80 percent in less than half an hour at maximum charging power, promises VWN. The corresponding value for the 86 kWh batteries should also be under 30 minutes due to the higher charging power.

Electric spaceships

The new ID. Buzz with a long wheelbase has an overall length of 4,962 mm. Compared to the versions with a normal wheelbase, this is 250 mm more. The additional length creates space for up to seven seats, more trunk space, and the new, larger 86 kWh battery.

Improved Software and Hardware

All new ID. Buzz models have undergone an extensive hardware and software update. A completely newly developed generation of the infotainment system is now standard on board. The touchscreen of the system is now 12.9 inches instead of 12.0 inches. Also new is the illuminated touch bar for temperature and volume control.

The new voice assistant IDA7 is operated via natural voice commands. It enables the control of numerous vehicle functions as well as the retrieval of knowledge questions through online connectivity to databases like Wikipedia. As a novelty, the IDA voice assistant also features a "ChatGPT" integration. Additionally, the ID. Buzz can now be ordered with a head-up display. There are also innovations in the area of assistance systems: New in the offering is the "Park Assist Pro" with a remote function for parking via smartphone. There is also a new exit warning system that alerts the driver when opening the door to approaching vehicles and bicycles from behind.