2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX high-performance electric Kombi unveiled

The 2025 Volkwagen ID. Buzz GTX has been unveiled – the performance version of the electric Kombi revival – with a local arrival on VW Australia’s wish list.

GTX is the current badge denoting sporty versions of electric Volkswagen models – positioned between petrol GTI and R cars in terms of performance – and has been applied to the ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7.

A local launch is yet to be locked in, but VW Australia says it “want[s]” the ID. Buzz GTX, and that it is “working through potential local timings.”

It combines a 210kW/560Nm rear electric motor – expected to be fitted to the regular ID. Buzz range once it reaches Australian showrooms this December – with a 80kW/134Nm front motor for 250kW combined.

VW claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.5 seconds – one tenth slower than a Golf GTI, though the ID. Buzz may be quicker at lower speeds given electric motors deliver maximum torque from close to zero rpm – and a 160km/h electronically-limited top speed.

The all-wheel-drive ID. Buzz GTX is fitted with a 79kWh battery in the short-wheelbase model, or 86kWh (both usable) in the long-wheelbase version, as the larger footprint provides more space to fit a bigger battery.

DC fast charging for the small and large batteries are claimed at up to 185kW and 200kW respectively, for 10 to 80 per cent recharge times of 25 minutes, and “less than half an hour”.

The car will automatically pre-condition the temperature of its battery en route to a charging station – when it is entered into the satellite navigation system – to ensure optimal recharge times.

Claimed towing capacities are 1800kg braked and 800kg unbraked for the short-wheelbase GTX, and 1600kg braked/600kg unbraked for the longer wheelbase.

The GTX stands out on the road with a unique front bumper including a black honeycomb grille and arrow-shaped LED daytime-running lights, black exterior trim, and 19-inch or 21-inch wheels in black or diamond-cut black/silver finishes.

Matrix LED headlights are standard, as well as exclusive Cherry Red paint – available in single-tone or two-tone variants, with a Mono Silver upper body – plus a further six single-tone and four two-tone paint options.

Volkswagen does not state if there have been any changes to the ID. Buzz’s suspension, steering or brakes to accommodate the power boost.

Inside, there is unique microfleece seat upholstery with red stitching, piping and GTX branding, plus red highlights on the steering wheel, and a black headliner – with the GTX the only ID. Buzz variant to offer this feature.

Five (two front, three rear) or six seats (two in each row) are offered in the short-wheelbase GTX, while the long-wheelbase version is available with six seats, or seven (two-three-two) – with the second-row seats able to be slid forward or back by up to 150mm or 200mm, depending on model.

Boot space is rated at up to 2469 litres, in the long-wheelbase model with the second and third rows folded, and the vehicle loaded to where the top of the second-row seats would sit.

The GTX adopts Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system, running on a 12.9-inch screen with a faster processor, new menu layouts and an IDA voice assistant which integrates ChatGPT artificial intelligence technology for answering general knowledge questions.

There is now the option of a head-up display, plus in the long-wheelbase model, the largest glass roof ever fitted to a Volkswwagen, with a Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal layer which can switch from transparent to opaque at the touch of a button.

New safety features for the GTX include remote parking controlled from a smartphone app, an updated parking assistant which can remember parking manoeuvres, a door exit warning, and a revised semi-autonomous driving system which can complete automatic lane changes.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX is due to open for orders in Europe mid-year, ahead of showroom arrivals by the end of this year.