It appears that rumors of the GTX brand’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. Six months ago we heard that VW was ready to drop the three-letter badge used on its performance EVs, but now in the space of one week the brand has released three new GTX models including this, the first bi-motor ID.Buzz.
Arriving hot on the heels of the single-motor ID.3 GTX hot hatch and dual-motor ID.7 GTX wagon, the sporty Buzz shares more with the ID.7 under the skin. It gets the same 282 hp (286 PS / 250 kW) motor mounted at the rear and driving the rear wheels and, like the wagon, pairs that with a 108 hp (109 PS / 80 kW) motor in the nose that sends its power to the front wheels for a combined output of 335 hp.
That powertrain draws on either a 79 kWh battery if you’ve opted for the standard-wheelbase, five-seat Buzz GTX, or an 86 kWh pack if you’ve selected the long-wheelbase, three-row van. VW doesn’t give range figures, but does tell us that the shortie will charge at 185 kW and the long one at 200 kW, meaning both can be topped-up from 20 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes.
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It also claims that both versions get to 62 mph (100 km/h) in the same 6.5 seconds, which seems strange given that the LWB, big-battery version must weigh considerably more (VW doesn’t supply a weight figure for either configuration). That acceleration figure makes it quite a bit slower than the ID.7 GTX (5.6 seconds) and also less speedy than the rear-wheel drive ID.3 GTX (5.6-6.0 seconds depending on options). But it also means the Buzz wouldn’t be much behind a new Mk8.5 Golf GTI (6.3 seconds) from the lights, and would be miles ahead of the 201 hp (204 PS) single-motor, SWB Buzz currently sold in Europe (10.2 seconds), and also the 282 hp (286 PS) single-motor long-wheelbase Buzz (7.9 seconds) that’s the base model in America.
And the ability to pull more g from a stop sign, or top out at 100 mph (160 km/h) rather than 90 mph (145 km/h), isn’t the only benefit the new all-wheel drive system provides, as it dramatically improves the GTX’s towing capacity. The tow rating of the LWB GTX goes from 1,000 kg to 1,600 kg (2,200-3,530 lbs), while the SWB model gets an 800 kg (1,765 lbs) boost to 1,800 kg (3,970 lbs). Neither is now in Ford F-350 territory, but they are at least comparable with some light trucks and SUVs when it comes to hauling boats and trailers.
Black trim and GTX-only color options
Like VW’s other GTX models, the faster Buzz takes a low-key approach to telegraphing its extra oomph, which is to say it doesn’t give much away. There’s a new lower bumper with the same strange thin-lipped, chubby-cheek smile seen on the sporty ID.3, plus a diamond-mesh grille that’s picked out in gloss black, as are the mirrors caps. Standard rolling stock is 19-inch Venlo alloys, but two sets of 21-inch rims – one plain black, the other diamond cut – are optional if you’re willing to sacrifice some range. But one big GTX giveaway is the color. Cherry red, available either on its own, or with silver for a two-tone effect, is exclusive to the GTX, though buyers are welcome to pick from the regular Buzz palette.
The interior, like the exterior, is an exercise in performance-themed restraint. The GTX is the only Buzz to get a black headliner and the expansive used of black plastics where you’d normally see light colors on non-GTX buses, and black microfleece seats with red piping, plus the red-stitching on the GTX-branded wheel, makes it clear that this is the sporty model in the lineup. SWB versions get a choice of two-, five- or three-row six-seat configurations, while going for the longer Buzz adds a seven-seat option. All get VW’s latest ChatGPT-powered infotainment system and 12.9-inch touchscreen, plus the chance to order a huge panoramic roof with smart glass that should stop that dark interior feeling too cave-like.
European and UK buyers will be able to secure a GTX this summer for delivery in the second half of the year, but the story is rather more complicated in North America. VW isn’t bringing the ID.Buzz GTX to the U.S. but it will offer the same bi-motor, all-wheel drive setup minus the sporty trimmings at a later date.
