Volkswagen says the long-wheelbase (LWB) version of the already-popular ID. Buzz adds extra meterage, more seating and more versatility to the all-electric van. Unveiled at the 2023 VW Bus Festival in Hanover during June, the ID. Buzz LWB will be on sale in Europe in 2024. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand anticipates arrival of early examples of the ID. Buzz Pro and Cargo sometime during the next 12 months.
The design of the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase (LWB) was created in parallel to the normal wheelbase (NWB) version. In the development process, it was already ensured that both models exhibit the typical harmonious proportions and stylistic clarity of a classic Volkswagen van (or Kombi), despite their different wheelbases. The NWB version is 4,712mm long, while the new LWB variant measures 4,962mm. The extra length is achieved by increasing the wheelbase from 2,989 to 3,239mm.
Volkswagen says the two wheelbase versions of the ID. Buzz share characteristically short body overhangs. The model's striking overall design includes a V-shaped bonnet, the appealing graphics of the LED headlights and the classic Volkswagen van rear end with an LED tail light strip, which is continuous on the ID. Buzz.
The ID. Buzz LWB will prove to be one of the few electric vehicles that can easily accommodate long items or equipment, with up to 2,469-litres of cargo space on offer, or comfortably deliver sports teams, work colleagues or family members to destinations, along with their gear. Depending on the configuration, the ID. Buzz LWB can be used as a five-seater (2/3), a six-seater (2/2/2 with individual seats and armrests in the second row of seats), or as a full seven-seater (2/3/2). The front passenger seat, outer seats in the second row and the seats in the third row are equipped with ISOFIX and top tether child seat anchor points as standard.
Volkswagen says its new ID. Buzz LWB will offer a luggage compartment that is typical to the spacious Volkswagen van format. In the five-seater configuration, the volume when loaded up to the upper edge of the backrests is 1,340-litres. If the large ID. Buzz is loaded up to right behind the first row of seats, the volume increases to up to 2,469-litres. This turns the luggage compartment into a load compartment for paragliding equipment, bikes and boards. Even if seven people are on board, the ID. Buzz’s third row of seats will still accommodate a volume of 306-litres behind it.
The ID. Buzz LWB was premiered at the VW Bus Festival in Hanover in June, with Volkswagen ambassador, actor Ewan McGregor (Star Wars, Trainspotting, The Long Way Round) helping present the larger electric van to the European public for the first time. The long-wheelbase model will be on sale in Europe in 2024, with expected release date in other global markets yet to be determined.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles New Zealand anticipates the first versions of the all-electric ID. Buzz - the lifestyle focused Pro and commercial van Cargo version - will be arriving in the country sometimes during 2024, with the LWB to follow.
Note that images of the yellow ID. Buzz Pro and blue ID. Buzz Cargo iterations in this article are both standard wheelbase versions.
