Volkswagen ID. Buzz – A joyful throwback to the long run

Driving the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an expertise that left a long-lasting impression. This all-electric micro bus seamlessly fuses the attraction of the basic VW minibus with at the moment’s EV tech, creating one thing really distinctive on the highway. In all places I drove this ID Buzz, it stopped individuals of their tracks and everybody had questions on it. Having the prospect to be one of many first to drive this iconic automobile was very thrilling and I’ve some ideas.

Spec breakdown

The ID Buzz, for the US, was introduced final 12 months and there have been loads of articles exhibiting off the specs and all the pieces it has on paper. This text is usually about the way it feels to really drive this automotive and have it as your individual. However I did wish to contact on the excessive stage specs for people who need a refresher. Right here’s a quick overview of the ID. Buzz’s key specs:

• Vary: The Professional S Plus RWD (the mannequin I used to be driving) delivers an estimated 234 miles on a full cost.
• Energy: With 282 horsepower, it has loads of energy for each metropolis driving and freeway cruising.
• Towing: The RWD fashions are rated for two,600 lbs whereas AWD can tow as much as 3,500 lbs.
• Charging: Quick charging allows you to go from 10-80% in simply 26 minutes—ultimate for these lengthy highway journeys.
• Area: With the third row eliminated, you’ll have 145.5 cubic ft of house for cargo.
• Listed here are some key high-level specs for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz:
• Battery Measurement: 91 kWh
• Turning Radius (RWD): 37.4 ft

Now that we’ve a few of these specs out of the best way, lets get into the driving expertise!

Immediate icon

Visually, the ID. Buzz is unmistakable. The retro design cues, such because the outsized VW emblem and two-tone paint, instantly take you again to the glory days of the unique Microbus. But, it’s not only a nostalgia journey—the modern strains and LED lighting give it a futuristic enchantment. As I drove by way of the winding roads north of San Francisco and again onto the freeway, I couldn’t assist however discover the eye it acquired. Heads turned, individuals pointed, and it felt like driving a bit of historical past reinvented for at the moment. Each pit cease we made, somebody got here as much as me asking about it and informed me tales of their experiences with the unique mannequin. You possibly can really feel the nostalgia from everybody.

Whereas the ID. Buzz captures the spirit of the unique Microbus, it’s a very completely different beast underneath the hood. The basic Microbus was identified for its simplicity, rear-mounted air-cooled engine, and modest energy. In distinction, the brand new ID. Buzz options an all-electric powertrain, providing considerably extra horsepower and fashionable EV know-how. It’s designed with superior security options, quick charging capabilities, and a modern aerodynamic profile that the unique might solely dream of. The essence of the beloved Microbus stays, however the ID. Buzz is undeniably a automobile constructed for the long run.

Nimble and easy

Behind the wheel, the ID. Buzz feels way more agile than you’d count on from a automobile of this dimension. Because of its low middle of gravity, courtesy of the battery placement, and its spectacular turning radius, it handles like a a lot smaller automotive. I used to be driving the Professional S Plus RWD model, and navigating sharp curves and tight spots felt remarkably simple. On the winding roads, the ID. Buzz maintained its composure, providing nice traction and a easy, nearly easy trip.

Freeway driving was equally spectacular. The electrical powertrain delivered on the spot torque, making acceleration easy and responsive. So regardless that it wont go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds it nonetheless is in a position to try this in 6 seconds, permitting you to overhaul vehicles and merge onto highways with ease. There’s no engine noise to talk of, so the cabin stays peaceable—a pleasant contact for lengthy drives. One of many extra spectacular facets I discover was the shortage of outdoor noise. For a automotive with a lot quantity and no white engine noise, it was insanely quiet. A lot quieter than my Mannequin Y. And whereas the ID. Buzz is a big automobile, it by no means felt cumbersome, whether or not I used to be cruising at freeway speeds or dealing with extra intricate driving conditions.

Consolation and house

Step inside, and the ID. Buzz continues to impress. The cabin is huge, providing more room than many full-size SUVs, but the automobile’s footprint is nearer to that of a midsize crossover. The high-quality finishes (which most comst normal) give it a refined, but welcoming really feel. The seats had been supportive and cozy, excellent for lengthy drives, and the general format of the inside felt well-thought-out and sensible. Each trim comes with heated seats all through the automotive, and ventilated seats for the entrance row. Whereas the trim I had, additionally got here with a therapeutic massage setting which was a pleasant shock.

There’s room for as much as seven passengers, and with the rear seats folded down, a cavernous 145.5 cubic ft of cargo house awaits. It additionally ahs eight 45W USB-C ports all through the automotive, giving sufficient energy to cost even your Macbook and there may be even a wi-fi charger for the entrance passengers. There have been additionally different smaller particulars you discover just like the HUD for the motive force in addition to a light-weight bar underneath the windshield that really has a operate apart from aesthetics. It would blink a method when its time to show, or flip pink when it wants you to the touch the wheel whereas utilizing the drive help. Love the shape and performance. Whether or not you’re planning a household highway journey or want additional house for an out of doors journey, the ID. Buzz has you coated.

Pricing and Availability

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is anticipated to be obtainable later this 12 months. Whereas pre-orders will not be open but, you may go to the Volkswagen web site to configure your precise mannequin and see detailed pricing based mostly in your preferences.

• Professional S RWD: Beginning at $59,995, providing an ideal steadiness of vary, energy, and options.
• Professional S Plus AWD: Out there at $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for AWD, with extra premium options.
• 1st Version: A particular launch mannequin with distinctive badging and options, beginning at $65,495 for RWD and $69,995 for AWD.

With its mixture of iconic design, fashionable EV know-how, and sensible options, the ID. Buzz is about to be a well-liked selection as soon as it hits dealerships.

My takeaway

General, driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an ideal expertise. I used to be shocked how they had been in a position to give me that nostagic really feel however in a automotive that may simply be used as an on a regular basis automotive. Earlier than seeing it in particular person and driving it, I assumed to myself “it is a cool wanting automotive however is it sensible as your every day driver”? The reply is, sure. I wager we see extra of those on the highway than you assume. It’s ultimate for households, adventurers, or anybody in want of a spacious, versatile automobile that’s enjoyable to drive. I can see myself utilizing this to take my children to a soccer or hockey follow. I can see us utilizing this for our yearly highway journey from New Jersey To Florida and again comfortably. Whether or not you’re cruising by way of the town or tackling a highway journey, the ID. Buzz has the house, energy, and attraction to maintain you smiling the entire method.