Volkswagen has introduced the highly anticipated ID. Buzz with a longer wheelbase, marking the return of the VW Microbus to North America in 2024 after an absence of two decades. The unveiling took place in Huntington Beach, a popular destination for surfers along the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles, as part of the largest VW Bus festival in the United States. Volkswagen describes the ID. Buzz LWB as one of the most spacious electric vehicles available.
This all-electric minivan can comfortably accommodate up to seven individuals and offers a generous luggage compartment, thanks to its 9.8-inch (250-millimeter) longer wheelbase compared to the standard model. With a wheelbase measuring 127.5 inches (3,239 mm) and a total length of 195.3 inches (4,962 mm), the ID. Buzz LWB provides ample space. The additional wheelbase length is distributed between the widened sliding doors (increased by 7.5 inches or 192 mm) and the extended area between the C-pillars and rear wheels (lengthened by 2.3 inches or 580 mm).
Regarding the design, the ID. Buzz LWB closely resembles the standard wheelbase model, but the longer wheelbase enhances the overall proportions. The width and height remain the same at 78.1 inches (1,985 mm) and 75.8 inches (1,927 mm), respectively (excluding exterior mirrors).
The minivan boasts a drag coefficient of 0.29, which Volkswagen considers excellent for a vehicle of its size. An illuminated Volkswagen logo on the front is an exclusive exterior feature available only in North America.
More Space for People and Luggage
The extended wheelbase significantly enhances the interior of the ID. Buzz LWB. It provides additional space for a third row of seats, a more spacious luggage compartment, and a larger 85-kilowatt-hour battery (net capacity), enabling an extended range.
The ID. Buzz LWB offers various seating configurations, including five, six, and seven seats. The front seats come with adjustable armrests on the inner side as standard (optional for the outer armrests). The top-tier seats are 12-way power-adjustable, feature massage, and memory functions, and are also equipped with seat air conditioning in North America.
The second row consists of a standard three-passenger bench seat with 40/60 split-folding backrests. The backrest angle can be adjusted by 16 degrees, and the bench seat can slide forward and backward by 7.9 inches (200 mm), either fully or in sections. The outer seats can be optionally heated, and there is also an option to select two individual seats with armrests for the second row.
The third row consists of two individual seats that can be removed entirely as needed. While the third row is standard in the US, it is optional in Europe and Canada.
When it comes to cargo space, the ID. Buzz LWB stands out among electric vehicles. With the 2nd and 3rd rows of seats folded down, it can easily accommodate paragliding equipment, bicycles, and boards, resulting in a maximum load capacity of up to 87.2 cubic feet (2,469 liters). In the five-seater configuration, the trunk offers a capacity of 47.3 cubic feet (1,340 liters) when loaded up to the upper edge of the backrests, providing an additional 7.7 cubic feet (219 liters) compared to the standard wheelbase model. With all seven seats occupied, the ID. Buzz offers a trunk volume of 10.8 cubic feet (306 liters) behind the third-row seats.
Infotainment and Dispaly
The ID. Buzz LWB features updated infotainment system software and introduces a new 12.9-inch display. The infotainment system, powered by the latest ID. software, offers a revamped menu and a more intuitive and customizable interface. The 12.9-inch display works in conjunction with a 5.3-inch digital instrument panel controlled by the multifunction steering wheel. The touch sliders on the main display, used for functions such as temperature and volume settings, will now be illuminated. The cabin also includes standard 10-color ambient lighting, with an optional 30-color variant available for the ID. Buzz LWB.
Among the new features the ID. Buzz LWB includes a panoramic sunroof with smart glass, covering an area of 16.1 square feet (1.5 square meters). This is Volkswagen’s largest glass roof to date, extending over the first and second rows of seats, and it offers electronically controlled tinting. Additionally, the sliding door windows slide inwards electrically when opened. Depending on the chosen equipment, the sliding doors and tailgate can be opened and closed electrically.
Battery and Charging
Regarding the powertrain, the VW ID. Buzz LWB will be available with two battery options: an 82-kilowatt-hour (77 kWh usable) pack and a new 91-kilowatt-hour (85 kWh usable) battery. Volkswagen has not disclosed range estimates but has confirmed the inclusion of the new APP550 rear-axle drive unit in the ID. Buzz. This drive unit delivers 210 kilowatts (282 horsepower) and 413 pound-feet (560 Newton-meters) of torque to the rear wheels, increasing the top speed to 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour) and reducing the 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) acceleration time to 7.9 seconds. Additionally, a GTX all-wheel-drive version with 250 kilowatts (335 horsepower) and a 0-62 mph time of 6.4 seconds will debut later in 2024.
The ID. Buzz LWB also offers faster DC fast charging capabilities of up to 200 kW, allowing the large battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes. With a new thermal management system and a heat pump for increased efficiency in winter, the ID. Buzz LWB aims to provide optimal performance in various conditions.
Volkswagen plans to commence US deliveries of the ID. Buzz LWB in 2024, shipping them from their plant in Hanover, Germany. Pricing, specifications, and range estimates for the US market will be revealed closer to the launch date.
There is no word from VW regarding ID. Buzz’s availability in the UAE.
Source and Images: Motor1