Measuring the size of luxury electric minivans: Comparing the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Toyota GranAce

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB

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TOYOTA GranAce Premium

Introducing the emerging market “Hiace” to Japan

Volkswagen, which is promoting the electrification of its lineup, will introduce its first electric MPV, the ID. Buzz, developed based on the fully electric architecture MEB (Modular Electric Drive Matrix), to Japan from 2025. The ID. Buzz will be available in a standard wheelbase “NWB” model and a long wheelbase “LWB” model, which stretches the wheelbase from 2990mm to 3240mm.

The Toyota GranAce, announced in 2019, is based on the overseas version of the HiAce (H300 model), which is sold mainly in emerging markets. While its overall width of 1,970 mm is narrower than the ID. Buzz Pro LWB, which is the subject of this comparison, its overall length of 5,300 mm is much longer than the large minivans sold by Toyota, the Alphard and Vellfire.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB

Body size = Length 4965mm x Width 1985mm x Height 1925mm

Wheelbase = 3240mm

Vehicle weight = 2720kg

Tire size = 235/50R20 (front), 255/45R20 (rear)

Toyota GranAce Premium

Body size = Length 5300mm x Width 1970mm x Height 1990mm

Wheelbase = 3210mm

Vehicle weight = 2740kg

Tire size = 235/60R17

Linear acceleration with a fully electric powertrain

The ID. Buzz long-wheelbase model has a 91kWh lithium-ion battery placed in the floor and is powered by a rear-axle mounted electric motor with a maximum output of 286 PS. The range is 554km (WLTC mode), which is sufficient to cover long drives.

The GranAce’s torquey 2.8-liter inline 4-cylinder diesel turbo gives it the necessary and sufficient driving performance. Although the two cars are almost the same weight, the ID. Buzz allows you to feel the linear response of the electric motor when stepping on the accelerator, such as when starting from a traffic light.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB

Engine type = 1 motor + 91kWh lithium-ion battery

Maximum output = 286PS / 3581-6500rpm

Maximum torque = 560Nm / 2100-5500rpm

Cruising range = 554km (WLTC mode)

Transmission = 1-speed fixed

Drive system = RWD

Toyota GranAce Premium

Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder diesel turbo

Displacement = 2754cc

Maximum output = 177PS/3400rpm

Maximum torque = 450Nm/1600-2400rpm

Transmission = 6-speed AT

Drive system = RWD

Contrasting needs in Europe and Asia

The interior of the ID. Buzz Pro LWB is simple and pop, without any flashy trim or leather. The cockpit, which does away with physical switches, is fitted with a 5.3-inch driver information display and a 12.9-inch touchscreen.

The GranAce has a luxurious interior space reminiscent of “That’s Japanese Minivan,” and is equipped with a 4.2-inch TFT color meter and an 8-inch navigation system. Naturally, a 12.1-inch display is also available for the rear seats. In terms of seating layout, compared to the 7-seater “ID. Buzz Pro LWB,” the GranAce takes advantage of its overall length of 5.3m to come in a 3-row, 6-seater and a 4-row, 8-seater version.

Unfortunately, due to competition with the Alphard and Vellfire, sales of the GranAce will end in April 2024. However, in emerging markets such as Asia, it continues to be manufactured and sold as the HiAce, and is highly popular.

Comparing the ID. Buzz and the GranAce reveals that there are significant differences in the elements required of an MPV in European and Asian markets, including Japan. The ID. Buzz not only provides the functionality of transporting large numbers of people, but also offers “culture” and “experiences,” while the GranAce emphasizes a comfortable interior space with luxurious features. It’s not that one is “better,” but rather that the needs are different.

Vehicle price

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro LWB: 9,979,000 yen

Toyota GranAce Premium: 6,721,000 yen (when sold as a new car)

Related reading

“Top-of-the-line vs. largest” Toyota luxury minivan: Which should you choose? “I’m torn between the Alphard and the GranAce, both priced at 6.2 million yen.”

Toyota’s minivan lineup includes a wide variety of models in various price ranges and sizes to meet all user needs. Among them, the Alphard/Vellfire are positioned at the top of the line, but in terms of size, they have a bigger brother called the GranAce. Let’s explore the difference between the “top-of-the-line minivan” and the “largest minivan,” focusing on size.