Volkswagen has revealed the long-wheelbase ID Buzz, describing the new electric 7-seat MPV as a modern-day reincarnation of its iconic Samba bus. The large, rear-wheel-drive van will be the first Volkswagen to feature a newly upgraded 286hp rear electric motor, as well as a larger 85kWh battery and the largest panoramic glass sunroof yet produced by the German manufacturer.

1. Wheelbase has grown by 250mm over the regular model
2. Gets two battery options: 77kWh and 85kWh
3. A more powerful GTX all-wheel-drive variant is also in the works

Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB design, dimensions

At 4,962mm in length, the LWB is 250mm longer than the standard ID Buzz – launched in 2022 – and this increase is achieved through a 250mm lengthening of the wheelbase from 2,989mm to 3,239mm. The Volkswagen ID Buzz LWB mirrors the retro-inspired appearance of the standard model, albeit with stretched proportions and, for markets where the regulatory framework permits, an illuminated VW logo at the front.

VW ID Buzz LWB interior

The LWB model offers buyers the choice of three different interior arrangements: a 5-seater, a 6-seater, and a 7-seater with a two-plus-three-plus-two layout. Nominal luggage space is rated at 1,340 litres in the 5-seat form – an increase of 219 litres over that of the standard-wheelbase ID Buzz, reducing to 306 litres in the 7-seat form.

The cabin gains a new central Infotainment display, now measuring 12.9 inches, up from 10 inches. The touch-sensitive sliders for the air conditioning and audio volume also receive illumination for easier adjustment at night. The panoramic sunroof, meanwhile, features an electronically controlled liquid-crystal function to switch from transparent to opaque via a slider controller in the headliner.

VW ID Buzz LWB powertrain

The ID Buzz LWB will initially be sold in rear-wheel-drive form with 286hp and 560Nm of peak torque. Volkswagen is yet to provide a kerb weight figure but has claimed a 0-100kph time of 7.9 seconds and a top speed limited to 160kph. Buyers can choose a 77kWh or 85kWh battery, with both offering 11kW AC and 200kW DC charging capability. No official energy consumption or range claims have been revealed yet.

Looking forward to 2024, Volkswagen says the top-of-the-line, four-wheel-drive, long-wheelbase ID Buzz GTX will offer up to 360hp and a 0-100kph time of 6.4 seconds. Volkswagen plans to sell the ID Buzz LWB in traditional markets such as the US and Canada, which don't take the standard-wheelbase ID Buzz.

Will the ID Buzz come to India?

While the ID Buzz is not slated to come to India any time soon, Volkswagen's first ID model in India will be the ID.4 SUV, which has been undergoing testing here for some time now. Though its India launch is yet to be greenlit by Volkswagen's global headquarters, Ashish Gupta, brand director at VW India, told us earlier this year that “it’s a matter of when and not if” the ID 4 will come here.