Hot electric 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX breaks cover

The covers are off and the 2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX has been revealed in all its glory, offering potential buyers the choice of two wheelbases and dual-motor performance.

The two-motor set-up delivers a combined 250kW and all-wheel drive, but draws current from two different battery packs depending on the wheelbase: 84kWh for the SWB and 91kWh for the LWB.

Despite the different kerb weights, both versions will sprint from 0-100km/h in a “forecast” 6.5 seconds before topping out at an electronically governed 160km/h.

Both battery packs are new to the ID. Buzz range and can be charged at up to 185kW and 200kW respectively when using DC power, yielding 10-80 per cent top-up times of less than 30 minutes.

VW hasn’t yet published a claimed range figure, but odds are the GTX twins will offer 400-450km of WLTP range.

As alluded to by a recent teaser video and spy imagery, the ID. Buzz GTX boasts a variety of unique design cues to set the performance version apart.

Changes include unique bumpers and black intake mesh, new daytime running lights, black exterior trim, ‘Venlo’ 19-inch alloy wheels, an exclusive ‘Cherry Red’ hero colour and IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights.

The sporty vibes continue inside with a black and red theme, headlined by power-adjustable sports seats upholstered in ArtVelours Eco microfleece, a black headliner, red piping and stitching and GTX lettering.

Infotainment duties are handled by a new 12.9-inch touch-screen powered by a new operating system that brings fresh graphics, faster response times and the new IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.

Other tech highlights include the first ID. Buzz application of Park Assist Plus, safe exit assist, an optional head-up display and an enhanced Travel Assist suite offering quicker and smoother activation of the lane assist, adaptive cruise control and emergency assist systems.

Sporty but still ultimately a family bus, the ID. Buzz GTX will offer a variety of seating configurations, with the SWB available as a five-seater (2+3) or six-seater (2+2+2).

The LWB will be offered as a five-, six- or seven-seater (2+3+2), however it’s unclear if all seating options will be available in our market.

Maximum boot space in the SWB is rated at a vast 1121 litres, while the LWB offers up to 1340 litres behind the split-folding and sliding second row. Fold down that bench and those figures inflate to 2123L and 2469L respectively.

The LWB’s seven-seat configuration offers 306L behind the third row – roughly the same as a light hatch.

Adding another element to the GTX’s versatility is a maximum braked towing capacity of up to 1800kg (SWB; 1600kg for the LWB), marking an improvement of up to 800kg over single e-motor versions.

At this stage, the ID. Buzz GTX hasn’t been confirmed for Australia, but VW’s local operation says it has its hand firmly in the air.

Odds are the sporty electric bus will eventually be given the green light Down Under, however it’s unlikely to arrive until at least the second quarter of next year based on previous VW EV timelines.

Its European release is slated for the third quarter of this year.

For everything you auto know about EVs, listen to carsales' Watts Under the Bonnet: the electric car podcast

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au