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NEW VW ID. Buzz 7-seater gets improved practicality, power and range
Who says practicality must be bland? Jonny drives the 7-seat electric microbus which proves that style and substance don’t need to be mutually exclusive.
VW’s retro-inspired ID. Buzz minivan received a warm reception when it first hit UK roads last year. This new take on the classic type 2 design proved to be a refreshing alternative to the SUV-saturated family car segment. However, following popular demand for a more practical 7-seat variant, VW has finally launched a new, long wheelbase Buzz.
Despite looking almost identical to its 5-seat sibling on the outside, the LWB Buzz features a wheelbase that has been stretched by 25cm.
On the inside the extra length helps to accommodate 7 seats (with a 6-seat layout also available) as well as a greater luggage capacity - Jonny is particularly impressed by the 306 litre boot with all 7 seats in place.
The updated interior tech also earns a thumbs up. With highlights including a panoramic glass sunroof that can be turned opaque with the flick of a finger, and a bigger infotainment display with illuminated controls.
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Perhaps the biggest surprise of all though, is just how different this lengthened Vee Dub is underneath. Both the motor and batteries of the standard Buzz have been thrown out in favour of larger, more potent units borrowed from the ID.7 saloon.
As a result, the new LWB knocks nearly 2 seconds off the 0-60 time of its smaller brother - thanks to an increase of over 80bhp. But if that’s still not enough power for you, VW have promised a GTX version is in the works for an undeniably niche audience who crave a hot-rod style electric minibus.
Another added benefit of utlising the ID.7’s internals, is that in combination with Continental's energy efficient EcoContact 6 Q EV tyre,the big Buzz should offer an improved range of around 285 miles.
It’s a good job then (given all this extra electric shove) that Jonny thinks the new Buzz drives more like a car than a van. To get his final verdict on the ID. Buzz LWB, follow the link above.