Volkswagen Has Launched The ID. Buzz LWB Seven-Seater In North America: European Launch Scheduled For 23 June

The Lagos State government wouldn't be so intent on getting rid of danfo buses from our roads and bus stops if the streets are flooded with ID. Buzz minivans or the latest LWB (long wheelbase) multi-purpose van (MPV) version, instead of the usually rickety, noisy 45-year-old VW Kombi vans. However, the Vanagon/Transporter has come a long way in terms of design, engineering, and technology since the German automaker introduced it in 1979.

Volkswagen has introduced the long-wheelbase seven-seater ID. Buzz in North America, marking its debut in the region. The timing can't be more perfect, considering the current push in Nigeria to migrate from petrol to alternative energy sources. The price of fuel has skyrocketed to detrimental levels in Nigeria following the abrupt suspension of petrol subsidies. As the country groans under the crushing weight of high pump prices, the government is encouraging the adoption of CNG as a cheaper alternative to petrol.

Interestingly, the ID. Buzz is all-electric, and the LWB model brings an even bigger 85kWh battery that can keep the van going for 258 miles on a full charge. We don't have to wait until we see the sleek and quiet ID. Buzz everywhere with a conductor yelling “Obalande” through the window. The Buzz is perfect for families and business owners, complete with a Buzz Cargo model, which VW says is “visually inspired by the first campervan… designed to make your working life easier.” Below is what we know so far about the recently unveiled grown-up danfo.

Related: Mercedes-Benz To Unleash The Company’s Refreshed Midsize Vans Portfolio This Summer https://www.carsandhorsepower.com/news/mercedes-benz-midsize-vans

The ID. Buzz Looks Buzz-Worthy



On the other hand, the ID. Buzz’s van variant retains its stylish design and can be customized to suit individual needs.

Customers can choose between a full-height tailgate or barn doors at the back, and the front seat can either be a two-seater bench or an individual seat.

The van’s rear section provides ample space for two Euro pallets, but the maximum payload capacity is a modest 650kg. The load-through flap is an optional feature in the fixed bulkhead.

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz Architecture



The ID. Buzz is constructed on the same MEB platform as the Volkswagen ID.3 hatchback and combines the classic practicality of the Volkswagen Type 2 with the aero-focused swoopiness of the ID.3.

It features Volkswagen's widely-used full-width light bar, two-tone paintwork, short overhangs, and a massive VW roundel at the front.

Despite being significantly shorter than a T6.1 Transporter at 4,712mm long, it has a similar wheelbase. This means that the Buzz sits at the center of the min-max Venn diagram, providing both ample interior space and excellent maneuverability.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB Will Begin Hitting The Roads In 2024

The electric MPV has been enlarged, providing greater practicality and an 85kWh battery pack that offers a maximum range beyond the typical 258-mile range of the standard van.

With this update, Volkswagen can compete with other leading electric seven-seaters on the market. The European launch of the seven-seat Volkswagen ID. Buzz is scheduled to occur in Hanover from June 23 to June 25.

However, the initial production vans will not appear on UK roads until mid-2024. The first North American models will be delivered to their owners at the same time as they will be produced in the same German factory.

Volkswagen has also announced plans for a performance-focused, all-wheel-drive GTX version of the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz, which is slated for release in 2024.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB's Powertrain Has Also Grown Up



According to Volkswagen, the dual-motor electric powertrain of the new ID. Buzz will produce 335 horsepower, enabling the van to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.4 seconds.

To appreciate the updated powerplant, note that this is the same speed as a manual transmission Volkswagen Golf GTI.

North American customers will have the option to choose the seven-seat ID. Buzz with a new 282-horsepower electric powertrain, which is not available in the five-seat version due to the larger body and bigger battery.

According to Volkswagen, this new powertrain will boost the top speed from 90 mph to nearly 100 mph. There is no confirmation yet on whether this powertrain will be offered in Europe. Thankfully, ours are mostly imported from the United States.

The standard van model is equipped with a 77kWh battery pack and a 201-horsepower electric motor urging the rear axle, which is similar to the ID.3 car model.

However, the company plans to introduce more potent electric motors and battery packs in the upcoming months. The battery pack is positioned on the floor to keep the vehicle's center of gravity low.

The van also features 170kW charging onboard, enabling the battery to reach 80% capacity in approximately 30 minutes, subject to finding a fast enough DC charge point.

Additionally, Volkswagen has integrated a bi-directional charging system into the vehicle, allowing owners to use the stored energy in the ID. Buzz's battery to power domestic homes.

Volkswagen is also actively experimenting with a fully autonomous variant, which it intends to launch before 2025.

The LWB ID. Buzz Offers A More Spacious Interior And Cutting-Edge Technology



The LWB ID. Buzz has received significant updates over the standard version.

The electric MPV’s wheelbase has been increased by an additional 250 mm, which has resulted in more space for a third row of seats, as well as a larger boot capacity of up to 2,469 liters.

The extended wheelbase also allows for more battery cells to be installed, and a new heat pump has been added to enhance efficiency during colder months.

Additionally, the ID. Buzz now has a head-up display, an advanced infotainment system, and a remote parking feature that can be controlled using a smartphone, similar to Tesla's system.

Who could’ve thought we’d see the day danfo comes with a head-up display and remote parking?

Volkswagen has also equipped the seven-seat ID. Buzz with an upscale electrochromic glass sunroof that can be adjusted from transparent to opaque using a touch slider on the dashboard or through voice commands.

Volkswagen took care to ensure the van's practicality by providing a completely flat load space when all seats are folded down.

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