2024 Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB brings more of everything

Long Volkswagen ID. Buzz will make its North American debut next year, marking the Microbus’s return to the United States after a 20-year absence.

Volkswagen has revealed the long-awaited identity. Long-wheelbase hype, marking the return of the VW Microbus to North America in 2024 after a two-decade absence.

It was unveiled at Huntington Beach Surf Spot on the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles as part of the largest Volkswagen Bus Festival in the United States, ID. Volkswagen describes the Buzz LWB as one of its most spacious electric cars.

The all-electric minivan offers space for up to seven people and a large luggage compartment thanks to a 9.8-inch (250 mm) longer wheelbase compared to the standard model. Personal fulfillment. The Buzz LWB has a large wheelbase of 127.5 inches (3239 mm) and an overall length of 195.3 inches (4962 mm).

Nearly 10 inches of additional wheelbase is distributed between the sliding doors, which are widened by 7.5 inches (192 mm), and the 2.3 inches (580 mm) longer areas between the C-pillars and the rear wheels.

From a design perspective, I.D. The Buzz LWB looks very similar to the standard wheelbase model, although the longer wheelbase improves the proportions – at least to this pair of eyes. Width and height remain unchanged at 78.1 inches (1,985 mm) – without outside mirrors – and 75.8 inches (1,927 mm) respectively.

The drag coefficient is 0.29, and Volkswagen says this is a “very good” value for a small car. A new exterior feature – but only in North America – is the illuminated Volkswagen logo up front.

However, the effect of the extended wheelbase is more dramatic on the interior. This is because it provides additional space for the third row of seats, a more spacious luggage compartment, and a new, larger battery with 85 kWh (net capacity) that allows for greater range.

Starting with the seats, and the identity. The Buzz LWB offers five-, six- and seven-seat configurations. The front seats come with adjustable armrests as standard on the inboard side (outboard armrests are optional). The upper versions of the seats are mechanically adjustable in 12 ways and are also equipped with a massage and memory function. In North America, the front row will also be equipped with new seat air conditioning.

The second row of seats comes as a three-passenger bench seat as standard, with 60/40-split folding backrests. The backrest angle can be adjusted by 16 degrees and the bench seat can slide fore and aft by 7.9 inches (200 mm), either completely or in sections. Outboard seating is optionally available as heated seats. Optionally, two individual seats can be chosen including armrests for the second row.

Gallery: Volkswagen ID. Paz LWP (2023)

The third row of seats consists of two individual seats that can be completely removed when needed. A third row is standard in the United States but optional in Europe and Canada.

As for the trunk space, the I.D. The Buzz LWB is one of the few electric vehicles that can easily accommodate paragliding gear, bikes and boards when the second and third rows of seats are folded – resulting in a maximum cargo capacity of 87.2 cubic feet (2,469 litres).

In the five-seat configuration, trunk capacity is 47.3 cubic feet (1,340 L) when loaded to the top edge of the backrests – 7.7 cubic feet (219 L) more than in the standard wheelbase model. With seven people on board, I.D. The Buzz’s trunk has a volume of 10.8 cubic feet (306 L) behind the third-row seats.

Personal fulfillment. The Buzz LWB will offer new features inside such as a head-up display and an improved infotainment system powered by the latest ID. The program, with a new graphical interface and a revamped menu. The new 12.9-inch display promises simpler, more intuitive and customizable operation; It works with a 5.3-inch digital instrument panel controlled through the multi-function steering wheel.

In addition, the touch sliders on the main screen for functions such as temperature and volume settings will from now on be illuminated. Speaking of which, the cabin features 10-colour ambient lighting as standard or 30 colors as an option for the extended trim. buzz.

Also new is the panoramic sunroof with smart glass and a 16.1 square foot (1.5 square metre) transparent area. It’s Volkswagen’s largest glass roof to date – it covers the entire first and second rows of seats – and features electronically controlled shading.

In addition, I.D. Buzz LWB offers sliding door windows that slide inward electrically when opened. Depending on the equipment, the sliding doors and tailgate can also be opened and closed electrically.

Moving on to the powertrain, VW ID. The Buzz LWB will be available in two battery sizes: an 82 kWh pack (77 kWh usable) and a new 91 kWh battery (85 kWh usable). The automaker did not reveal range estimates but said the new APP550 rear axle drive unit will also be offered in the ID. buzz.

The new drive unit delivers 210 kW (282 hp) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque to the rear wheels, increases top speed to 100 mph (160 km/h) and reduces 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h). hour) to 7.9 seconds. If that’s not fast enough, an all-wheel-drive GTX version will debut later in 2024 with 250 kW (335 hp) and a 0-62 mph time of 6.4 seconds.

Volkswagen ID. The Buzz LWB will also provide faster DC charging capacity of up to 200 kilowatts, allowing the large battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes. A new thermal management system allows pre-conditioning of the battery while a new heat pump increases efficiency in winter.

Volkswagen will begin delivering the ID card to the United States. Buzz LWB in 2024, and will ship it from its factory in Hannover, Germany. US pricing and specifications, including range estimates, will be announced closer to launch.