VW unveils performance-oriented ID.Buzz GTX
Automaker promises electric hauler will be its most powerful transporter of all time
Volkswagen is calling it the most powerful series-production Bulli of all time, but we'll just have to take the company's word for it as no power-output figures were provided in a news release heralding the world premiere of the new, all-wheel drive ID.Buzz GTX. “Bulli” is a conflation of two uses of the first VW Transporters of the 1950s: passenger buses and cargo vans, so BUs and LIeferwagen, the German word for transporting goods. Thus BULI, or Bulli.
What we do know is that it won't be coming to Canada, with it sounding like just Europeans will get their hands on this muscled-up all-electric minivan. However, word is we might get our hands on, at some time in the future, some “GTX things,” reports Volkswagen Canada's Thomas Tetzlaff. These would include the new batteries and the new driveline.
We don't know the sizes of those two new batteries, but do know that each can be recharged, according to VW, from 10 to 80 per cent in 26 minutes at DC fast-charging stations with up to 185 kWh or 200 kWh (maximum charging capacity). We also know that the smaller battery will come in the shorter wheelbase model, while the bigger battery powers the longer wheelbase model, which is the sole ID.Buzz version available in North America. We also know the new 4Motion all-wheeldrive system features two motors.
Those lucky Europeans will have the choice of both wheelbases, two battery sizes and a choice of five-, six- or seven-seat configurations. Pre-sales of the ID.Buzz GTX will start in the summer, and VW is expanding its range of GTX models alongside the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 Tourer.
One of the selling features of the GTX's hefty power output is towing, with VW claiming the shorter wheelbase version can pull up to 1,800 kg, (3,969 lbs) while the long wheelbase model has a maximum towing capacity of 1,600 kg (3,327 lbs). These figures better the regular ID. Buzz short and long wheelbase by 800 kg and 600 kg respectively.
Like all VW GTX variants, the ID. Buzz GTX gets design enhancements, including a bumper in GTX styling with a black air-intake grille in honeycomb design, new side air guide elements, and new daytime running lights integrated into the bumper on the left and right. There are also several signature black body elements. The new air intake grille, air guide elements, GTX lettering and the exterior mirror housings are finished in high-gloss black. And the new paint colour of Cherry Red is offered exclusively for the ID.Buzz GTX, either as a solid paint finish or two-tone with Mono Silver metallic.
Interior tweaks include a black headliner, seats badged with the GTX design and with a new diamond pattern featuring red contrasting seams and red piping. That red cross-stitching is also on the multi-function steering wheel, which is refined by a red application on the centre trim and the GTX lettering in chrome.
And finally, the GTX model heralds the arrival of new and improved hardware and software updates for the ID.Buzz lineup. The touchscreen has expanded to 12.9 inches from 12 inches.