2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Review: A Retro Revival Meets Electric Innovation
Volkswagen has taken one of its most beloved vehicles and given it a modern twist with the 2025 ID. Buzz. The original VW Microbus, with its friendly face and cultural significance from the 1960s and ’70s, was a symbol of freedom, adventure, and youthful optimism. Now, with a fully electric drivetrain and a tech-savvy interior, the
ID. Buzz aims to recapture that spirit while appealing to today’s eco-conscious families and adventurous drivers.
At first glance, the ID. Buzz does more than just catch your eye. It ignites curiosity, nostalgia, and even a bit of admiration. But beneath its charming exterior lies a complex mix of performance, utility, comfort, and price. This review delves into the experience of the 2025 VW ID. Buzz, drawing from firsthand tests, insights from automotive experts, and practical use-case analysis.
Design That Resonates Beyond Generations
When it comes to design, the ID. Buzz really knows how to make an impression. Its two-tone paint options, bold VW badge, short overhangs, and upright windshield instantly bring back memories of the beloved microbus. But don’t be fooled—this vehicle is anything but old-fashioned. Built on Volkswagen’s modular MEB platform—the same one that supports the ID.4 SUV—the ID. Buzz seamlessly blends retro inspiration with sleek, futuristic lines and eye-catching LED lighting.
This design isn’t just about looks. The tall roofline and wide-opening sliding doors on both sides make it super accessible. Whether you’re a city parent trying to manage child seats or an outdoor lover packing up gear, the ID. Buzz makes it all a breeze.
The large windows, especially with the optional panoramic glass roof, let in tons of light, making the cabin feel even more spacious.
Spacious, Flexible, and Family-Friendly Interior
Once you step inside, the ID. Buzz shows off its second big advantage: a remarkably roomy and thoughtfully designed interior. With seating options for five, six, or seven passengers, it’s adaptable for all kinds of lifestyles. Thanks to its electric architecture, the cabin floor is completely flat, and there’s plenty of legroom across all three rows.
Volkswagen’s attention to detail shines through in little features, like the removable center console known as the “Buzz Box,” which serves as both a cooler and a storage bin. You can even take out the third-row seats for extra cargo space, transforming the vehicle into a capable hauler. With all the seats folded down, the ID. Buzz offers over 77 cubic feet of storage—enough room for road trip luggage, sports gear, or even some small furniture.
The quality of materials is top-notch, featuring a blend of sustainable elements like recycled plastics and non-animal-based leather alternatives. The overall look is minimalist and inviting, perfectly matching the vehicle’s vibe.
Electric Performance: Smooth But Not Without Limits
Under the hood—or more accurately, under the floor—Volkswagen has packed the ID. Buzz with an 86 kWh battery. In its rear-wheel-drive version, it churns out 282 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, providing quick acceleration for a vehicle of this size. If you opt for the all-wheel-drive GTX variant, you’ll get a boost to 335 horsepower, cutting down the 0–60 mph time to just under six seconds.
On city streets, the ID. Buzz feels surprisingly agile and well-balanced, thanks to its low center of gravity and finely tuned suspension. You might not expect such a large van—nearly 200 inches long—to be so easy to navigate in tight urban spaces. However, when you hit higher speeds, some of that initial charm starts to wane. You’ll notice more wind noise, thanks to the sizable side mirrors and its upright design, and the estimated range takes a hit, particularly in colder weather or when fully loaded.
According to EPA estimates, the rear-wheel-drive model boasts a range of 234 miles, while the all-wheel-drive version comes in at 231 miles. But in real-world mixed driving conditions, most reviewers find that the range is more like 180 to 190 miles. This can be a drawback on long highway trips, especially when you compare it to rivals like the Kia EV9 or Rivian R1S, which both provide greater range and quicker charging options.
On the bright side, charging the ID. Buzz is a breeze. With a 200 kW DC fast charger, you can juice up the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just under 30 minutes. At home, the 11 kW AC onboard charger makes overnight charging a cinch.
Technology: Impressive but Sometimes Frustrating
Volkswagen has packed the ID. Buzz with a host of tech features aimed at making your daily drives more convenient. The star of the show is a 12.9-inch touchscreen that manages everything from media and navigation to climate control and drive modes. The display is bright, easy to read, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making it a solid addition to the driving experience.
While there’s a lot to love, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. In its quest for a sleek, minimalist design, Volkswagen has swapped out many of the traditional physical buttons for touch-sensitive controls. For instance, adjusting the climate settings means diving into menus, which can be a bit of a hassle and distracting when you’re on the road. Both Engadget and Car and Driver point out that although the interface looks modern, the absence of tactile feedback and the awkward positioning of controls for windows and mirrors can be quite annoying.
The ID. Buzz also boasts a compact digital instrument cluster and an optional augmented reality head-up display that projects driving info right onto the windshield. These features are handy and help keep distractions to a minimum.
When it comes to driver assistance, Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite is standard on the higher trims. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, front and rear parking sensors, and emergency braking. With the added benefit of a 360-degree camera system, the ID. Buzz is surprisingly easy to maneuver and park, even with its larger size.
Ownership Experience and Pricing
Now, this is where things get a bit tricky. The starting price for the ID. Buzz is just under $60,000, and if you want all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at models that can exceed $70,000. While the vehicle offers ample space, a unique design, and high-end features, it’s priced similarly to more powerful or longer-range electric SUVs.
For a bit of perspective, the Kia EV9 starts at a lower price and provides more range. The Tesla Model Y, while not as eye-catching, also offers better range and a more developed charging network. For those eyeing the ID. Buzz, it often boils down to emotional value—something that’s tough to quantify but undeniably significant.
Owning an ID. Buzz isn’t just about speed or how far you can go on a single charge; it’s really about embracing a lifestyle. It encourages you to savor the ride and reconnect with the past in a way that feels both meaningful and sustainable. That blend of nostalgia with modern electric driving is what truly makes it stand out.
The Verdict: A Heartfelt Electric Choice
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz isn’t for everyone. It might not have the longest range in its category, nor is it the cheapest option out there. Its infotainment system can be a bit quirky, and if you’re planning a long trip, you’ll need to be strategic about charging stops. But for those who crave more than just a practical vehicle— those looking for personality, joy, and a link to automotive history—it offers something that few others can.
This is a car that gets people talking wherever it goes. It stands out in a sea of generic crossovers and brings smiles to faces. For many, that emotional connection is worth more than just a few extra miles of range.
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz is a successful mix of the old and the new, tradition and innovation. It may not be flawless, but it carries significance—and sometimes, that’s what truly counts.
