Volkswagen will launch its reborn Kombi – the all-electric ID.Buzz – in Australia as a short-wheelbase five-seat and long-wheelbase seven-seat people mover, plus a short-wheelbase cargo van.
The company has confirmed both ID. Buzz models will arrive here in the fourth quarter of 2024 in Pro trim, alongside the load-lugging ID. Buzz Cargo.
The SWB-only Buzz Cargo will come standard with a load partition, with a choice of either two seats up front or a three-seat bench.
The company says it already has 1500 expressions of interest for the ID. Buzz despite not yet releasing pricing, however it said a ballpark figure would be close to or in excess of $100,000.
Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed powertrain specifications for the Australian-market ID. Buzz range, either.
Given Volkswagen has been rolling out a new, more powerful electric motor on its ID models, it’s likely the ID. Buzz will see a similar bump in power. The company says an announcement is coming in early 2024.
The ID. Buzz currently uses a single, rear-mounted electric motor with 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque, powered by a 77kWh lithium-ion battery – good for up to 425km of WLTP range.
But the recently revealed long-wheelbase version features the new 210kW electric motor that is being rolled out to the ID.4 and ID.5, powered by a larger 85kWh battery. In the people mover, this produces 560Nm of torque; a range figure has yet to be announced.
Volkswagen Australia has confirmed a performance version will be announced during 2024.
ID. Buzz LWB
In short-wheelbase form, the as-yet unrevealed dual-motor all-wheel drive ID. Buzz GTX has a total system output of 220kW, whereas in long-wheelbase form it has a total system output of 250kW.
The short-wheelbase version measures 4712mm long on a 2989mm wheelbase, while the long-wheelbase version is 4962mm long on a 3239mm wheelbase.
The long-wheelbase ID. Buzz features a 2+3+2 seating layout inside, differing from the next-generation Multivan which will have a 2+2+3 configuration.
Volkswagen hasn’t detailed Australian specifications yet, but has confirmed it will be available with a hands-free power tailgate and sliding doors, and a panoramic sunroof.
There’s a rear climate control array with vents in the second and third rows, plus sliding windows in the rear passenger doors.
It’ll be offered in 11 different colours using organically based paints. Models with two-tone exteriors also feature colourful interior inserts.
The ID. Buzz Cargo has a 650kg payload, with a load bay measuring 1.25m tall, 1.7m wide (1.23m between the arches) and 2.2m long. A load-through hatch adds an extra 45cm, while the cargo space fits two euro pallets.
There’s a choice of wing doors without windows, or a tailgate with a window. Dual sliding doors are standard, and there are lashing eyes in six positions and fastening rails available in three positions.
Its interior looks similar to the ID. Buzz, complete with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, but without the pops of colour and with widespread use of sturdy, scratch-resistant materials.
While its interior is less colourful, it will still be offered with two-tone exterior finishes.
