VW ID Buzz LWB: Features, Specs, and Performance Review

The VW ID Buzz LWB is causing a stir in the electric vehicle market, offering a modern twist on the iconic Volkswagen van. This long-wheelbase version brings expanded capabilities and features to the popular ID Buzz lineup, catering to those who need more space and versatility. With its retro-inspired design and cutting-edge electric technology, the ID Buzz LWB aims to blend nostalgia with forward-thinking innovation.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at what sets the VW ID Buzz LWB apart from its standard counterpart. We'll explore its roomier interior and seating options, delve into its improved performance and range, and break down the various trim levels and pricing. By the end, you'll have a clear picture of what this electric van has to offer and whether it might be the right choice for your needs.

Expanded Interior and Seating Options

The VW ID Buzz LWB brings a new level of spaciousness and versatility to the electric van market. With its extended body and clever design, this long-wheelbase version offers enhanced interior space and flexible seating arrangements to cater to a variety of needs.

250mm longer wheelbase

The ID Buzz LWB stretches an additional 250mm between the wheels compared to its standard counterpart. This extension results in a wheelbase of 3,239mm, providing ample room for passengers and cargo alike. The increased length not only enhances the overall interior space but also allows for larger sliding doors, making entry and exit more convenient for passengers.
The tall body of the ID Buzz LWB creates an impressive interior height of just over one metre from floor to ceiling. This generous headroom allows small children to stand up straight when getting in and out, easing the process of boarding and alighting. The extended wheelbase also contributes to excellent legroom throughout the vehicle, ensuring comfort for all occupants.

Five-, six-, and seven-seat configurations

One of the most significant advantages of the ID Buzz LWB is its flexible seating options. Volkswagen offers this model in five-, six-, and seven-seat configurations, catering to different passenger and cargo needs.
In the five-seat layout, the ID Buzz LWB provides a spacious and comfortable environment for all occupants. The second row features three seats, with the outer pair being more sculpted for added comfort on longer journeys. While the middle seat is less contoured, it still offers adequate space for an adult passenger on shorter trips.
The six-seat configuration introduces a unique layout with individual seats and armrests in the second row. This arrangement provides a useful path to walk through to the third row, enhancing accessibility and comfort for all passengers.
The seven-seat version, which comes as standard, offers a 2/3/2 seating layout. This configuration maximises passenger capacity while still maintaining a good balance of comfort and practicality. The second row of seats in both the six- and seven-seat versions can slide, offering 200mm of travel to adjust legroom as needed.
For added flexibility, the two seats in the third row are adjustable and can be removed quickly and easily when extra cargo space is required. This feature allows owners to adapt the interior layout to suit their changing needs, whether it's transporting more passengers or accommodating bulky items.

Increased cargo capacity

The ID Buzz LWB excels in cargo capacity, offering impressive storage options in various seating configurations. In the five-seat mode, the load volume up to the upper edge of the backrests measures 1,340 litres – comparable to a mid-size SUV with its seats folded down. This represents an increase of 219 litres over the standard wheelbase model.
With all seats in use in the seven-seat configuration, the ID Buzz LWB still provides a respectable 306 litres of boot space behind the third row – equivalent to the cargo capacity of a Ford Fiesta. This ensures that even with a full complement of passengers, there's still room for luggage or shopping.
For maximum cargo capacity, folding all the seats down in the longer ID Buzz creates up to 2,469 litres of load room – a truly cavernous space that can accommodate large items or significant amounts of cargo. To enhance usability, Volkswagen offers a removable 'Multi-flex' boot board, which creates a fully flat loading area when the rear seats are folded. This feature allows for easy loading and unloading of bulky items while maintaining a level cargo floor.
The ID Buzz LWB also excels in small item storage throughout the cabin. Numerous stowage pockets are scattered throughout the interior, providing ample space for personal belongings and everyday items. Rear passengers benefit from pockets above and below fold-out tables on the back of the front seats, as well as charging ports in the doors for electronic devices.

Enhanced Performance and Range

The VW ID Buzz LWB brings significant improvements in performance and range, setting new standards for electric vans. With its upgraded powertrain and battery technology, this long-wheelbase version offers enhanced capabilities for both everyday use and long-distance travel.

86 kWh battery pack

At the heart of the ID Buzz LWB's enhanced performance lies its larger battery pack. The vehicle comes equipped with a 91 kWh battery, of which 86 kWh is usable. This represents a substantial increase from the 77 kWh (82 kWh gross) battery found in the standard wheelbase model. The larger battery capacity allows for extended range and improved overall performance.
The new battery pack is designed to provide a balance between range and practicality. It offers sufficient energy storage to support the vehicle's increased size and weight while still delivering impressive range figures. The battery's placement in the vehicle floor contributes to a low centre of gravity, enhancing handling and stability.

210 kW rear-mounted electric motor

Powering the ID Buzz LWB is a robust 210 kW (282 hp) electric motor mounted on the rear axle. This marks a significant upgrade from the 150 kW (204 PS) motor found in the standard wheelbase version. The new motor delivers a maximum torque of 413 lb-ft, providing ample power for acceleration and load-carrying capabilities.
The increased power output translates to improved performance figures. The ID Buzz LWB can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 7.9 seconds, a notable improvement over the standard model's 10.2-second time. This enhanced acceleration ensures the vehicle can keep up with traffic effortlessly, even when fully loaded.
Despite its increased size and power, the ID Buzz LWB maintains a respectable top speed of 160 km/h (99 mph). This balance between performance and efficiency showcases Volkswagen's commitment to creating a versatile electric van suitable for various driving scenarios.

Improved WLTP range figures

The combination of the larger battery pack and efficient electric motor results in impressive range figures for the ID Buzz LWB. According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) ratings, the vehicle boasts a range of 303 miles (487 km) on a single charge. This represents a significant improvement over the standard wheelbase model's maximum range of 258 miles.
It's worth noting that real-world range may vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, climate, and use of onboard systems. However, even accounting for these variables, the ID Buzz LWB is expected to deliver a practical range of around 230 miles (370 km) in typical driving scenarios.
The WLTP ratings also provide insight into the vehicle's efficiency:

• Rated Consumption: 314 Wh/mi (195 Wh/km)

 

• Vehicle Consumption: 284 Wh/mi (176 Wh/km)

These figures demonstrate the ID Buzz LWB's ability to balance its increased size and power with efficient energy use.
To further enhance range and efficiency, Volkswagen offers an optional heat pump system. This feature helps to heat the interior while using less energy from the high-voltage battery, potentially extending the vehicle's range in colder conditions.
The ID Buzz LWB's charging capabilities have also been improved. It supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kW, allowing for quick top-ups during long journeys. This enables the battery to charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, making it practical for extended trips with minimal downtime.
In summary, the enhanced performance and range of the VW ID Buzz LWB position it as a compelling option in the electric van market. Its combination of power, efficiency, and practicality makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from family transport to commercial use.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The VW ID Buzz LWB offers a range of trim levels to cater to different preferences and budgets. Volkswagen has structured the lineup to provide varying levels of equipment and features, ensuring that customers can find a configuration that suits their needs.

Life and Style variants

The ID Buzz LWB is available in two primary trim levels: Life and Style. The Life trim serves as the entry-level option, offering a solid foundation of features and amenities. It comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. This trim level provides a good balance of comfort and functionality for those seeking a well-equipped electric van without breaking the bank.
For those desiring additional luxuries and advanced features, the Style trim presents an attractive upgrade. Building upon the Life trim, it adds several enhancements that elevate the overall experience. The Style trim includes larger 20-inch wheels, which not only improve the vehicle's aesthetics but also contribute to a smoother ride. One of the standout features of this trim is the electrically-operated side doors with opening windows, adding convenience for passengers and enhancing the van's versatility.
Furthermore, the Style trim incorporates a powered tailgate, making loading and unloading cargo a breeze. The addition of matrix LED headlights improves visibility and safety, especially during night-time driving. Another notable feature is the Multi-flex boot board, which creates a fully flat loading area when the rear seats are folded, maximising cargo space and flexibility.

Standard features

Regardless of the chosen trim level, the ID Buzz LWB comes with an impressive array of standard features. These include LED headlights, satellite navigation, climate control, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors. This comprehensive list of standard equipment ensures that even the base model offers a high level of comfort, convenience, and safety.
The interior of the ID Buzz LWB is designed with practicality in mind. In its standard configuration, it comes with seven seats arranged in a 2/3/2 layout. For those requiring more flexibility, a six-seat option is available, featuring a 2/2/2 configuration. The third row of seats can be completely removed, creating a substantial 1,340-litre cargo space – an increase of 219 litres over the standard wheelbase model.

Price comparison to standard wheelbase model

As expected, the ID Buzz LWB commands a premium over its standard wheelbase counterpart. While the regular ID Buzz starts at £59,545 for the Life trim, the long-wheelbase version is anticipated to have a starting price of around £65,000. This price increase reflects the additional space, enhanced features, and improved performance offered by the LWB model.
The Style trim of the ID Buzz LWB is likely to be priced from approximately £70,000, considering the standard wheelbase Style trim starts at £64,345. This higher price point is justified by the inclusion of premium features such as the matrix LED lights, power sliding side doors, power tailgate, head-up display, and Harman Kardon sound system.
It's worth noting that Volkswagen plans to introduce a GTX variant for both the standard and LWB versions of the ID Buzz. While pricing for the GTX trim has not been announced yet, it's expected to attract a significant premium due to its high-end features, including a panoramic glass roof and 21-inch alloy wheels.
When considering the pricing, it's important to remember that the ID Buzz LWB offers increased interior space, enhanced performance with its 210 kW electric motor, and improved range thanks to its larger 86 kWh battery pack. These factors contribute to its higher price point compared to the standard wheelbase model.

Conclusion

The VW ID Buzz LWB represents a significant leap forward in the electric van market, blending nostalgic design with cutting-edge technology. Its expanded interior, flexible seating options, and increased cargo capacity make it a versatile choice for families and businesses alike. The enhanced performance, courtesy of a more powerful electric motor and larger battery pack, coupled with an impressive range, gives it an edge over its competitors.
To wrap up, the ID Buzz LWB's various trim levels and competitive pricing make it an attractive option for those looking to make the switch to electric. While it comes at a premium compared to its standard wheelbase counterpart, the added space, improved performance, and extended range justify the higher price tag. As Volkswagen continues to push the boundaries of electric vehicle technology, the ID Buzz LWB stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry.

FAQs

1. How does the VW ID. Buzz van perform?
The ID. Buzz van offers a decent level of power with a dual-motor setup generating 335 horsepower. This allows it to accelerate to 60 MPH in about 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 99 MPH, which is electronically limited.
2. Is there a long wheelbase (LWB) version of the ID. Buzz available?
Yes, the ID. Buzz is available in a long wheelbase (LWB) version, which is offered in the same Life and Style trim levels as the standard model. This version can be configured with five, six, or seven seats at no extra cost. Opting for five seats provides a larger boot space.
3. What is the realistic driving range of the ID. Buzz on a full charge?
Under official testing, the ID. Buzz can travel up to 260 miles on a full charge. However, in practical conditions, the range is likely to be between 180 and 230 miles, influenced by factors such as temperature and driving habits.
4. What are the differences between the ID. Buzz's short and long wheelbase models?
The long wheelbase (LWB) model of the ID. Buzz extends the wheel