VW beefs up its ID Buzz electric minibuses with more range and power

Volkswagen has boosted the model range of its electric ID Buzz minibus with a long-wheelbase version and the four-wheel drive ID Buzz GTX which is the most powerful edition to date.

The manufacturer says sales will start in a few weeks. European prices for the XL version start at €62,719, around €2,000 more than the standard Buzz. VW has not yet announced a price for the GTX.

With the long wheelbase, the axles are 25 cm farther apart, stretching the electric saloon to 4.96 metres in length. This creates space inside for three rows of seats with six or seven seats or up to 2,469 litres of luggage.

In addition, a larger battery slots into the floor. The unit now has a capacity of 86 kWh, which is good enough for up to 490 kilometres, and it can be recharged at 200 kW.

The 79 kWh battery of the shorter ID Buzz has also been optimized too and now charges at 185 kW. A new electric motor with 210 kW/286 horsepower up front will take over the drive in future, enabling a top speed of 160 km/h.

The sporty GTX version, which will be available with either long or short wheelbase, will follow soon at an as yet undisclosed price.

Equipped with two engines, the GTX has an eye-popping 340 horses and accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds at best. Top speed is governed down to 160 km/h.