Volkswagen ID Buzz Long-Wheelbase 7-Seater MPV Breaks Cover

Volkswagen has pulled the wraps off the long-wheelbase version of the ID Buzz electric vehicle for international markets. Billed as the successor to the Samba Microbus, the ID Buzz is an MPV that offers three different interior arrangements - a 5-seater, a 6-seater, and a 7-seater configured in a 2+3+2 layout. The minimum luggage space is 1,340 litres in the 5-seater and 306 litres in the 7-seater van. The ID Buzz LWB now features a wheelbase of 3,239mm and stands at 4,962mm in length, which is 250mm longer than the standard model currently on sale in Europe. The Volkswagen ID Buzz MPV is available in two powertrain options - a single-motor RWD and a dual-motor AWD option. According to the company, the RWD version will be the first Volkswagen to get a new rear electric motor, a large 85kWh battery pack, and a 1.5 square-metre large panoramic glass sunroof. 

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Deliveries of the electric van will begin in Europe towards the end of this year, whereas in the American market, they will start in 2024. As far as India is concerned, the ID Buzz is not expected to arrive soon as the Volkswagen ID.4 SUV has been undergoing testing in the country.  

Design-wise, the Volkswagen ID Buzz draws inspiration from the retro-styled standard model. It combines the conventional proportions of the microbus with modern design elements. This is evident in the car's connected headlamps, covered rims, and black accents on the windows and mirrors. 

Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB MPV: Interior, Features

On the inside, the ID Buzz Electric maintains a neo-retro design. The car's dashboard combines cutting-edge technology with vintage paint schemes and design elements. The electric van has a newly designed panoramic sunroof with smart glass, which is claimed to be the largest glass roof ever built. A touch slider on the sunroof allows you to change the glass from transparent to opaque and vice-versa. Other notable features include a head-up display, a large next-generation infotainment system that measures 12.9 inches, and remote parking via smartphone. 

Apart from these, air-conditioned seats and an illuminated Volkswagen logo up front are additional features offered with the North America-bound vehicle. 

Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB MPV: Engine, Battery 

The Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB unit gets two powertrain options - a single-motor rear-drive option and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option. Initially, the German manufacturer will be selling the ID Buzz LWB in the rear-drive guise (RWD), which cranks out 282bhp of maximum power. The ID Buzz RWD can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 7.9 seconds and tops out at 160km/h. While a more potent dual-motor, all-wheel-drive, long-wheelbase version of the ID Buzz will make 335bhp of power, upon its launch (in 2024). The AWD unit can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds. 

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Prospective buyers have a choice between a 77kWh or an 85kWh battery pack, both of which are offered with 11kW AC and 200kW DC charging capability. This MPV's battery pack is mounted under the floor, similar to other MEB platform-based models.