Volkswagen has given us our best look yet at the extended wheelbase version of the ID. Buzz. That will be of particular interest to our North American readers because that’s the version that is expected to be sold on this side of the Atlantic.
Although our spy photographers have caught the extended wheelbase ID. Buzz testing before, at that time it was still disguised as a Transporter van. This time, the test vehicle is largely uncamouflaged, giving us our first look at how the retro styling will work with the new proportions.
And, unsurprisingly, the results are pretty good. Starting out life as a rectangle on wheels, extending the rectangle a little bit has done little to change the classic design of the van. What it will certainly do, though, is make it larger inside.
More: VW ID. Buzz Long-Wheelbase Mule Spied, Will Come To America In 2024
That means that the final production version of the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz will be offered with seating for up to seven people in a 2/3/2 arrangement. The larger floor plan is likely to also make more room for more batteries.
Volkswagen has not revealed specs about the larger ID. Buzz yet, so we can’t know for sure if it will have a larger battery pack, but there should be more space for cells, and the automaker has previously promised “more battery versions with various power output levels.”
In the shorter wheelbase version of the van, which is already on sale in Europe, the German automaker manages to stuff an 82 kWh battery pack under the floor. That powers a rear-mounted electric motor that develops 201 hp (150 kW/204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque.
Given America’s appetite for power and its love of driving long distances, we would anticipate that this larger van will make more power and include more kilowatt-hours of batteries for the market. Also expected to go on sale in Europe, customers there can look forward both to a passenger and a cargo version of the ID. Buzz long wheelbase.
Otherwise, this new variant of the electric van isn’t expected to differ greatly from its shorter sibling. That means a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12-inch infotainment screen, and colorful accents with plenty of playful touches that recall the brand’s history.
Volkswagen is expected to unveil the long wheelbase ID. Buzz in both Europe and North America this year as a 2024MY vehicle.
