340 Horsepower in a Volkswagen ID. Buzz!

Volkswagen has unveiled its most powerful all-wheel-drive Combi of all time. Fun, but what exactly is it for?

While our eyes were fixed on the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX, wondering what the future of an electric Golf GTI could be, the German manufacturer revealed a unique but quite appealing vehicle.

Unique, the ID. Buzz in every way. Large, bulky, heavy, expensive, and not very powerful. Once this rather unflattering picture is set, what are its qualities? First of all, it offers up to 7 seats and stands out with its minivan shape when the trend is towards SUVs. A family-friendly and playful model, it managed to revive the passion of Volkswagen enthusiasts for the brand’s heyday, when the lineup included the Beetle, the Combi, and the Karmann Ghia. But at over 55,000 euros and barely 200 horsepower under the hood, it has achieved the feat of replicating its less powerful ancestor’s scheme, which was affordable but had the merit of being accessible. As a result, sales have not been spectacular so far…

More horsepower to create buzz?

A first step was taken with adopting ID.7 batteries, which now allow it to display decent range. The remaining issue was power, and that’s where electric propulsion magic comes in. The new ID. Buzz GTX is equipped with two electric motors: an 80 kW motor on the front axle, and a 210 kW motor on the rear axle, forming an all-wheel-drive system. The top speed is electronically limited to 160 km/h, a welcome safety feature given its large frame. Both electric motors are powered by a 79 kWh or 86 kWh battery. The first charges via rapid DC chargers with a maximum power of 185 kW. At maximum power, it charges from 10% to 80% in about 26 minutes. As for the 86 kWh battery, it can be recharged at a maximum of 200 kW on fast DC chargers. It also takes roughly 26 minutes to go from 10% to 80% charge at maximum power.

Externally, this Combi GTX stands out with a customized front face. A GTX-designed bumper with a black honeycomb grille and new side air deflectors gives it a dynamic and original look. On the left and right, the bumper integrates redesigned daytime running lights. All black elements of the body, such as the new grille, air deflectors, GTX monograms, and exterior mirror housings, are offered with a gloss black finish. The ID. Buzz GTX also comes with the new 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels as standard. An exclusive “cherry red” paint is available only for the ID. Buzz GTX. This red can be offered in solid color or, optionally, in two-tone, combined with the “mono metallic silver” finish.