Extra performance, all-wheel drive, and significantly improved towing capability is a big bully-up for the NZ-bound ID.Buzz.

EXTRA fizz has been meted the electric equivalent of Volkswagen’s famous Kombi - and the Kiwi distributor is hankering to add it to the NZ-bound lineup.

The ID.Buzz that is now set to release here between September and December has morphed into a performance format, becoming the latest VW electric vehicle to wear the sporty GTX badge.

That status lift also brings a jump in sizzle, with the type upgrading from a rear-motor format to a dual motor optimally making 250kW that also makes it the first variant with all-wheel-drive.

VW New Zealand has indicated interest in the GTX ID types, which also span the ID.3 hatchback, the ID.5 coupe SUV and the ID.7 Tourer wagon. However, of those, only the first is likely. ID.5 has been dropped by the distributor and it has u-turned on bringing in ID.7 models.

ID.Buzz distribution is in the hands of VW Commercials NZ, which otherwise handles the Amarok utility, the California campers and pure commercial vans - including the Buzz Cargo.

This morning VW Commercials NZ boss Kevin Richards said though GTX won’t be an initial choice here, it is part of the strategy.

“We’re looking to launch ID.Buzz in quarter four this year and GTX will be very much part of the plan, although I’d anticipate it will come a little bit latter than the two-wheel-drive passengers and cargo versions.”

The ID.Buzz GTX drivetrain presents a 210kW/560Nm rear electric motor complemented by an 80kW/134Nm front electric motor.

The combined power output puts it 100kW ahead of the regular, rear-drive ID.Buzz and 40kW ahead of the most powerful drivetrain offered on the long-wheelbase, RWD ID.Buzz.

Volkswagen says the GTX takes 6.5 seconds to sprint from standstill to 100kmh, which would make it just a tenth slower than a Golf GTi.

The time applies to both regular-wheelbase and a 250mm-longer long wheelbase adopting a larger battery – 86kWh versus 79kWh - and also delivering up to seven seats, whereas standard wheelbase are five-six chair.

The power boost also enhances towing capacity. Whereas the regular Buzz is rated at 1000kg, the standard dimensioned GTX will heft 1800kg. The long-wheelbase GTX’s braked towing capacity is slightly lower at 1600kg.

The GTX is easily spotted. The Cherry exterior paint is exclusive and will offer as a solid finish or as part of an optional two-tone combined with a ‘Mono’ silver metallic.

Other GTX exterior upgrades include a black honeycomb air intake, double-triangle daytime running lights, high-gloss black trim, ‘Vento’ 19-inch alloy wheels (with two 21-inch wheel options), while matrix LED headlights are standard.

Inside, the standard-wheelbase GTX is available as either a five- or six-seater, with the long-wheelbase variant adding a seven-seater layout.

GTI-style cabin cues include black headlining (exclusive to GTX), red stitching for the steering wheel, and red stitching/piping for the electrically adjustable ‘GTX’ fabric seats.

A head-up display becomes an option for the first time on an ID.Buzz, while the long-wheelbase GTX is available with the largest panoramic sunroof in the VW stable.

The 1.5m2 ‘smart glass’ sunroof, also to be offered on the regular ‘Pro’ covers the front and second rows and can be electronically adjusted between clear and opaque thanks to a liquid crystal film integrated into the multi-layer glass.

The standard GTX’s 79kWh battery can be recharged from 10 to 80 percent in 25 minutes using up to 185kW DC charging. The 89kWh battery has 200kW charging capability and takes around 30 minutes for the same recharging process.