Here’s some groovy news for electric van fans - Volkswagen is set to launch a seven seat version of its ID. Buzz hippy mobile.
The fully electric ID. Buzz arrived last year and quickly won the hearts of everyone who pined after the old VW T1 ‘Bulli’ bus from the 1950s and 60s.
The ID. Buzz is currently only available with five seats, or as a Cargo panel van.
But all that will change from next year as VW has promised an ID. Buzz with a longer wheelbase that can accommodate more people and luggage.
And here it is - the full fat Buzz - which is being billed by VW as ‘one of the most spacious electric vehicles’ on the market.
A Volkswagen spokesperson enthuses: “A vehicle like a rock song. Good vibrations. Whenever it appears, people smile: the ID.Buzz. The icon among electric vehicles. The latest addition to the family is now here: the ID. Buzz with long wheelbase.”
The seven seat ID. Buzz had its official debut at surfer hotspot Huntington Beach, on the Pacific Coast Highway near Los Angeles, USA. I mean, we wouldn’t expect anything less from the love bus!
The regular VW ID. Buzz is 4,712 mm long, this new version measures 4,962 mm. It’s not a radical stretch, but it’s enough to accommodate an extra row of seats.
You also get up to 2,469 litres of storage space as well as room for a new, larger 85 kWh battery which gives it more range. The current ID. Buzz has a smaller 77 kWh battery.
The new, larger Buzz will also be more powerful. The ID. Buzz we have right now makes 204 hp, the new one will be available with power of up to 286 hp, and it can hit 0-62 mph in just 7.9 seconds - which isn’t too shabby at all for a van!
What’s more, a performance ‘GTX’ variant is also in the pipeline. The ID. Buzz GTX will have power of 339 hp and will reach 62 mph from a standing start in 6.4 seconds - which is quicker than a VW Polo GTI.
A new heat pump also increases efficiency in winter.
Other features of the large electric VW Bus include a head-up display, an upgraded next-generation infotainment system, and remote parking via smartphone. There’s also a panoramic sunroof with smart glass that ‘brings back memories of the legendary Samba Bus of the 50s’, says VW. The smart glass can be changed from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button, or via voice command.
Deliveries will begin early next year.
You can lease the passenger-carrying ID. Buzz with Select Car Leasing from £672 per month inc VAT*, or you can lease the ID. Buzz Cargo panel van with Select Van Leasing from £316 per month, ex VAT*.
*Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 02/06/23.
Enjoyed this? Read our latest news:
- Nissan launches Qashqai ‘Kuro Edition’
- Style and equipment upgrades for Audi A6 and A7
- Fiat Topolino; the ‘cutest’ way to drive electric?
- Sneak peek at new motoring festival - that's being sponsored by Select
- New Aston Martin DB12 is ‘World’s First Super Tourer’
Where To Next?
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to our newsletter.
Looking for a great leasing deal? Check out our incredible range of special offers.
Read our latest reviews and find the right model for you.
Want to know more about leasing? Take a look at our comprehensive leasing guides.
Interested in everything motoring? Why not catch up on all the latest car leasing news.
