If there is one vehicle that can make even the most cynical Aucklander crack a smile in peak-hour traffic, it’s the Volkswagen Kombi. Now, nearly 75 years after the original T1 “Splittie” first captured the spirit of Kiwi summer road trips, the icon has officially plugged into the 21st century.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX has arrived on New Zealand shores, and it isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past—it’s the flagship of Volkswagen’s aggressive “New Brand Design” and a bold statement on the future of electric mobility in Aotearoa.
What We Like and Dislike About The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz GTX
| What we like | What we don’t like |
| Design Driveability Seats Interior space | Price Range Haptic steering wheel controls |
What’s In The 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz Range?
The New Zealand lineup for the ID. Buzz is surprisingly diverse, catering to everyone from solo tradespeople to large families. For 2025, the range is split between the “Cargo” commercial variant and the “Pro” and “GTX” passenger models, with the latter two offering a choice of wheelbases that fundamentally change the vehicle’s utility.
The Workhorse: ID. Buzz Cargo
The entry point into the range is the ID. Buzz Cargo, starting at $114,990 (or approximately $99,990 + GST for business buyers). This model is designed for urban logistics, featuring a 210kW rear-mounted motor and a 79kWh usable battery. It offers a 3.9 cubic metre load volume and a payload of 750kg. Despite its commercial focus, it still receives the upgraded 12.9-inch infotainment screen and a suite of modern safety tech, though it rides on more utilitarian 18-inch steel wheels as standard.
The Lifestyle Choice: ID. Buzz Pro (NWB & LWB)
The passenger range begins with the ID. Buzz Pro NWB (Normal Wheelbase) at $129,990. Using the same 210kW/560Nm rear-wheel-drive setup as the Cargo, it is optimised for 5 or 6 passengers. Moving up to the ID. Buzz Pro LWB (Long Wheelbase) for $139,990 adds 250mm to the vehicle’s length. This extra room allows for a true 7-seater configuration and a slightly larger 86kWh usable battery. The LWB is the “sweet spot” for Kiwi families who need the extra row of seats but don’t necessarily require the sports-car performance of the flagship.
The Flagship: ID. Buzz GTX
At the top of the hierarchy sits the ID. Buzz GTX at $149,990. This is the only variant in the local lineup to feature 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive, utilising a dual-motor system that pushes output to a total of 250kW. Built exclusively on the Long Wheelbase chassis with the 86kWh battery, the GTX is distinguished by its aggressive styling, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. While the Pro models focus on comfort, the GTX is geared toward performance, offering a 0–100km/h sprint of just 6.5 seconds.
2025 VW ID Buzz Colour Range
True to its heritage, the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz GTX in New Zealand offers a vibrant palette designed to stand out. While Candy White serves as the standard “no-cost” base, most Kiwi buyers opt for the metallic or signature two-tone finishes that pay homage to the original Kombi’s aesthetic.
Below are the colour options available for the ID. Buzz range in New Zealand, along with their associated costs.
Solid Paint (Standard)
The base solid colour is included in the vehicle’s $149,990 MRP.
- Candy White: $0
Metallic & Pearlescent Paint
These single-tone metallic finishes offer a more modern, sleek look for a moderate premium.
- Mono Silver Metallic: $2,000
- Starlight Blue Metallic: $2,000
- Energetic Orange Metallic: $2,000
- Pomelo Yellow Metallic: $2,000
- Bay Leaf Green Metallic: $2,000
- Deep Black Pearlescent: $2,000
GTX Exclusive & Two-Tone Paint
The two-tone “Heritage” paint schemes are the most sought-after options in NZ, though they carry a significant price jump. Note that Cherry Red is the signature hero colour for the GTX performance line
How Does The 2025 VW ID Buzz GTX Compare To Its Competition?
In the current New Zealand market, the ID. Buzz GTX occupies a unique “lifestyle-premium” niche, sitting somewhere between a traditional luxury MPV and a high-performance family SUV. Its most direct rival is the Mercedes-Benz EQV, which carries a higher price tag (approx. $160,000+) but offers a more executive, conservative “airport shuttle” feel compared to the VW’s emotional, retro-chic appeal.
Within the broader 7-seater electric segment, it faces stiff competition from the Kia EV9, which offers superior range and faster charging for a similar price. However, the ID. Buzz maintains a distinct advantage through its cult-classic status; it isn’t just a car, but a statement piece. While other manufacturers focus on aggressive, futuristic styling, Volkswagen has positioned the GTX as the “soulful” alternative, successfully commanding a premium by targeting “empty nesters” and affluent families who value personality and heritage as much as kilowatts.
| Make / Model | Battery Capacity | Power / Torque | 0-100km/h | Range (WLTP) | Boot Space | Price |
| 2026 Volvo EX90 Ultra Performance | 111kWh | 380kW / 910Nm | 4.9s | 585km | 310L* | $159,990 |
| 2025 VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ GTX | 86kWh | 250kW / 560Nm | 6.5s | 396km | 1,340L | $149,990 |
| 2025 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD | 99.8kWh | 283kW / 700Nm | 5.3s | 505km | 333L* | $134,990 |
| 2025 LDV MIFA 9 Luxe | 90kWh | 180kW / 350Nm | 8.9s | 430km | 1,010L | $131,000 |
Figures marked with an asterisk (*) represent space available with the third row of seats in use. For vans like the ID. Buzz and EQV, the standard measurement often reflects the significantly larger area behind the second row.
Please note that DriveLife does its best to ensure the information above is correct at the time of publication; however, prices, specifications and models can change over time. Please bear that in mind when comparing models in the comparison table.
2025 VW ID Buzz GTX – Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Starting Price | $149,990 (Plus On-Road Costs) |
| Engine Type | Dual-Motor Electric (4MOTION All-Wheel Drive) |
| Engine Power/Torque | 250kW / 560Nm |
| Transmission Type | Single-Speed Automatic |
| Spare Wheel configuration | Tire Mobility Kit (No spare wheel) |
| Kerb Weight | 2,703kg |
| Length x Width x Height | 4,962mm x 1,985mm x 1,927mm |
| Boot Space / Cargo Capacity | 1,340L (5-seat mode) / 2,469L (Seats down) |
| Battery capacity | 86kWh (Usable) / 91kWh (Gross) |
| Energy Economy | Approx. 20.5 – 21.0 kWh/100km |
| Towing Capacity | 750kg (Unbraked) / 1,600kg (Braked) |
| Turning circle | 11.8m |
| Warranty | 5-Year / 150,000km Mechanical 8-Year / 160,000km Battery |
| Safety information | ANCAP Rating – 5 Stars – Link Rightcar.govt.nz – 5 Stars – RDH152 |
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