Volkswagen confirms local launch for ID. Buzz GTX
Volkswagen showrooms are about to change forever, with a host of new models including a high-performance electric Kombi.
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More power than a Volkswagen Golf R, all-wheel-drive and seating for up to seven, the confirmed-for-Australia VW ID. Buzz GTX is the new coolest way to get the kids to school.
A modern spin on the classic VW Kombi, this full electric ‘hot’ people mover will be the performance flagship in the incoming ID. Buzz range.
The most powerful series-production Kombi ever, the GTX’s front electric motor provides 80kW/134Nm, but the meatier rear motor adds a further 210kW/560Nm, combining for a GTI-bashing 250kW and oodles of torque.
It means 0-100km/h arrives in a smidgen over six seconds, which should keep the tribe in the back thoroughly entertained.
Volkswagen Australia today confirmed the ID. Buzz would join its local line-up in the second quarter of 2025, one of 10 new vehicles the Euro brand will launch in the next 12 months.
And it’s going big on EVs.
While Volkswagen has been selling electric cars overseas for many years, numerous delays have meant we’re still yet to see a VW-badged EV on sale here.
That all changes this year, with the medium SUVs ID. 4 Pro and ID. 5 GTX now in production and arriving in December.
Prices still have not been announced for these EVs with up to 544km electric range (WLTP), but will face stiff competition from Australia’s best-selling EV, the Tesla Model Y, which currently costs from a sharp $55,900 plus on-roads.
But it’s the ID. Buzz people-mover generating the most, er, buzz, as it also arrives in December as the Kombi’s spiritual successor, but with an electric heart.
Five and seven seat single motor rear-wheel-drive versions land first – hopefully for under $90,000 to make them eligible for fringe benefits tax (FBT) incentives.
Tradies get the chance to switch to EV van life too. Two and three seat ID. Buzz Cargo models also arrive before year’s end, bringing commercial competition to the Ford e-Transit (from $89990), Mercedes eVito (from $91,051) and LDV eDeliver 7 (from $63,990 drive-away).
Adding to the onslaught, in the third quarter of 2025 an all-new VW Transporter arrives, offered with a combustion engine, as a plug-in hybrid and as a full electric van.
“By this time next year, the Volkswagen showroom you stand in will look very different to the showroom of today,” said VW Australia Product Manager Dan DeGasperi.
Exactly how Volkswagen prices its future fleet of EVs is of key importance. Numerous brands – including Tesla, MG and Ford – have this year slashed EV prices to boost sales and counter a cooling market and ever-growing competition.
Addressing pricing, VW Australia’s General Manager of Corporate Communications, Paul Pottinger, said: “Conversations are proceeding every week, and we’ll be announcing the best price we can get.
“When we announce ID. 4, ID. 5, ID. Buzz, ID. Cargo and subsequent models, you might even be surprised.”
Even so, the intriguing ID. Buzz GTX isn’t going to come cheap, but there’s no shortage of appeal.
Overseas versions are available in short- and long-wheelbase and with choice of 5- 6- or 7-seats. With five seats in place, the longer version has a massive cargo capacity of 1340L.
Batteries are a choice of 79kWh or 86kWh, with maximum charge rate of 185kW and 200kW respectively. They charge from 10 to 80 per cent in 26 minutes at a public DC fast charger.
Range hasn’t been revealed, but expect about 400km as these things weigh a hefty 2.5 tonnes.
Goodies include unique GTX bumpers, 20-inch alloys, LED matrix headlights, giant 12.9-inch touchscreen and even ChatGTP integration.
Cashed-up Kombi enthusiasts can option a full-length panoramic sunroof, evoking memories of VW’s legendary Samba Bus.
Originally published as Volkswagen confirms local launch for ID. Buzz GTX
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