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 traditional VW minibus with immediately’s EV tech, creating one thing really distinctive on the street. In all places I drove this ID Buzz, it stopped folks of their tracks and everybody had questions on it. Having the possibility 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 displaying off the specs and the whole lot it has on paper. This text is usually about the way it feels to actually drive this automotive and have it as your individual. However I did wish to contact on the excessive stage specs for those who desire a refresher. Right here’s a short 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 enables you to go from 10-80% in simply 26 minutes—best for these lengthy street journeys.
• House: With the third row eliminated, you’ll have 145.5 cubic toes of house for cargo.
• Listed below are some key high-level specs for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz:
• Battery Dimension: 91 kWh
• Turning Radius (RWD): 37.4 toes

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

Instantaneous 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 traces and LED lighting give it a futuristic enchantment. As I drove via the winding roads north of San Francisco and again onto the freeway, I couldn’t assist however discover the eye it acquired. Heads turned, folks pointed, and it felt like driving a bit of historical past reinvented for immediately. Each pit cease we made, somebody got here as much as me asking about it and instructed 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 beneath the hood. The traditional 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 expertise. 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 anticipate 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 straightforward. On the winding roads, the ID. Buzz maintained its composure, providing nice traction and a easy, virtually easy trip.

Freeway driving was equally spectacular. The electrical powertrain delivered prompt torque, making acceleration easy and responsive. So although it wont go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds it nonetheless is ready 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 extra space 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 toes 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’s even a wi-fi charger for the entrance passengers. There have been additionally different smaller particulars you discover just like the HUD for the driving force in addition to a lightweight bar beneath the windshield that truly has a operate except for aesthetics. It should blink a technique when its time to show, or flip crimson 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 street journey or want additional house for an outside journey, the ID. Buzz has you lined.

Pricing and Availability

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is predicted to be out there later this 12 months. Whereas pre-orders will not be open but, you’ll be able to go to the Volkswagen web site to configure your actual mannequin and see detailed pricing primarily based in your preferences.

• Professional S RWD: Beginning at $59,995, providing an incredible stability of vary, energy, and options.
• Professional S Plus AWD: Accessible at $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for AWD, with further 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 expertise, and sensible options, the ID. Buzz is about to be a preferred selection as soon as it hits dealerships.

My takeaway

General, driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an incredible expertise. I used to be stunned 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 individual and driving it, I assumed to myself “it is a cool wanting automotive however is it sensible as your each day driver”? The reply is, sure. I guess we see extra of those on the street than you assume. It’s best 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 youngsters to a soccer or hockey apply. I can see us utilizing this for our yearly street journey from New Jersey To Florida and again comfortably. Whether or not you’re cruising via the town or tackling a street journey, the ID. Buzz has the house, energy, and attraction to maintain you smiling the entire approach.