Volkswagen ID. Buzz – A joyful throwback to the future

Driving the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an experience that left a lasting impression. This all-electric micro bus seamlessly fuses the charm of the classic VW minibus with today’s EV tech, creating something truly unique on the road. Everywhere I drove this ID Buzz, it stopped people in their tracks and everyone had questions about it. Having the chance to be one of the first to drive this iconic vehicle was very exciting and I have some thoughts.

Spec breakdown

The ID Buzz, for the US, was announced last year and there have been plenty of articles showing off the specs and everything it has on paper. This article is mostly about how it feels to truly drive this car and have it as your own. But I did want to touch on the high level specs for those that want a refresher. Here’s a brief overview of the ID. Buzz’s key specs:

• Range: The Pro S Plus RWD (the model I was driving) delivers an estimated 234 miles on a full charge.
• Power: With 282 horsepower, it has plenty of power for both city driving and highway cruising.
• Towing: The RWD models are rated for 2,600 lbs while AWD can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
• Charging: Fast charging lets you go from 10-80% in just 26 minutes—ideal for those long road trips.
• Space: With the third row removed, you’ll have 145.5 cubic feet of space for cargo.
• Here are some key high-level specs for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz:
• Battery Size: 91 kWh
• Turning Radius (RWD): 37.4 feet

Now that we have some of those specs out of the way, lets get into the driving experience!

Instant icon

Visually, the ID. Buzz is unmistakable. The retro design cues, such as the oversized VW logo and two-tone paint, immediately take you back to the glory days of the original Microbus. Yet, it’s not just a nostalgia trip—the sleek lines and LED lighting give it a futuristic appeal. As I drove through the winding roads north of San Francisco and back onto the highway, I couldn’t help but notice the attention it received. Heads turned, people pointed, and it felt like driving a piece of history reinvented for today. Every pit stop we made, someone came up to me asking about it and told me stories of their experiences with the original model. You could feel the nostalgia from everyone.

While the ID. Buzz captures the spirit of the original Microbus, it’s a completely different beast under the hood. The classic Microbus was known for its simplicity, rear-mounted air-cooled engine, and modest power. In contrast, the new ID. Buzz features an all-electric powertrain, offering significantly more horsepower and modern EV technology. It’s designed with advanced safety features, fast charging capabilities, and a sleek aerodynamic profile that the original could only dream of. The essence of the beloved Microbus remains, but the ID. Buzz is undeniably a vehicle built for the future.

Nimble and smooth

Behind the wheel, the ID. Buzz feels far more agile than you’d expect from a vehicle of this size. Thanks to its low center of gravity, courtesy of the battery placement, and its impressive turning radius, it handles like a much smaller car. I was driving the Pro S Plus RWD version, and navigating sharp curves and tight spots felt remarkably easy. On the winding roads, the ID. Buzz maintained its composure, offering great traction and a smooth, almost effortless ride.

Highway driving was equally impressive. The electric powertrain delivered instant torque, making acceleration smooth and responsive. So even though it wont go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds it still is able to do that in 6 seconds, allowing you to overtake cars and merge onto highways with ease. There’s no engine noise to speak of, so the cabin remains peaceful—a nice touch for long drives. One of the more impressive aspects I notice was the lack of outside noise. For a car with so much volume and no white engine noise, it was insanely quiet. Much quieter than my Model Y. And while the ID. Buzz is a large vehicle, it never felt cumbersome, whether I was cruising at highway speeds or handling more intricate driving situations.

Comfort and space

Step inside, and the ID. Buzz continues to impress. The cabin is vast, offering more space than many full-size SUVs, yet the vehicle’s footprint is closer to that of a midsize crossover. The high-quality finishes (which most comst standard) give it a refined, yet welcoming feel. The seats were supportive and comfortable, perfect for long drives, and the overall layout of the interior felt well-thought-out and practical. Every trim comes with heated seats throughout the car, and ventilated seats for the front row. While the trim I had, also came with a massage setting which was a nice surprise.

There’s room for up to seven passengers, and with the rear seats folded down, a cavernous 145.5 cubic feet of cargo space awaits. It also ahs eight 45W USB-C ports throughout the car, giving enough power to charge even your Macbook and there is even a wireless charger for the front passengers. There were also other smaller details you notice like the HUD for the driver as well as a light bar under the windshield that actually has a function aside from aesthetics. It will blink one way when its time to turn, or turn red when it needs you to touch the wheel while using the drive assist. Love the form and function. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or need extra space for an outdoor adventure, the ID. Buzz has you covered.

Pricing and Availability

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is expected to be available later this year. While pre-orders are not open yet, you can visit the Volkswagen website to configure your exact model and see detailed pricing based on your preferences.

• Pro S RWD: Starting at $59,995, offering a great balance of range, power, and features.
• Pro S Plus AWD: Available at $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for AWD, with additional premium features.
• 1st Edition: A special launch model with unique badging and features, starting at $65,495 for RWD and $69,995 for AWD.

With its mix of iconic design, modern EV technology, and practical features, the ID. Buzz is set to be a popular choice once it hits dealerships.

My takeaway

Overall, driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was a great experience. I was surprised how they were able to give me that nostagic feel but in a car that can easily be used as an everyday car. Before seeing it in person and driving it, I thought to myself “this is a cool looking car but is it practical as your daily driver”? The answer is, yes. I bet we see more of these on the road than you think. It’s ideal for families, adventurers, or anyone in need of a spacious, versatile vehicle that’s fun to drive. I can see myself using this to take my kids to a soccer or hockey practice. I can see us using this for our yearly road trip from New Jersey To Florida and back comfortably. Whether you’re cruising through the city or tackling a road trip, the ID. Buzz has the space, power, and charm to keep you smiling the whole way.