Auto Tech
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: The Electric Minivan That Brings Back the Counterculture Icon
After years of anticipation and nostalgic teasing, Volkswagen has finally delivered on its promise to resurrect one of automotive history’s most beloved icons. The 2025 ID. Buzz isn’t just another electric vehicle joining an increasingly crowded market—it’s a bold reimagining of the classic VW Microbus for the modern era, blending retro charm with cutting-edge electric technology.
A Design That Turns Heads
The ID. Buzz makes no attempt to hide its heritage. From the moment you see it, the two-tone paint scheme, short overhangs, and upright stance immediately evoke memories of the original 1960s Type 2 bus that became synonymous with surf culture, road trips, and freedom. But this is no simple retro pastiche. Volkswagen has created something that feels both familiar and thoroughly contemporary, with smooth surfaces, flush-mounted handles, and LED lighting that give it a distinctly futuristic character.
The front fascia features a illuminated VW logo and distinctive V-shaped light bar that’s become a signature of the ID. family. Available in a palette of vibrant colors—some with contrasting roofs—the ID. Buzz has the kind of visual presence that makes people smile when they see it on the road.
Two Configurations for Different Needs
Volkswagen offers the ID. Buzz in two distinct wheelbases. The standard version comes with two rows of seating and accommodates five passengers, while the long-wheelbase variant adds a third row for seven-passenger capacity. This flexibility allows buyers to choose between maximizing cargo space or passenger capacity depending on their lifestyle needs.
The interior is remarkably spacious, thanks to the skateboard-style electric platform that eliminates the need for a transmission tunnel and allows the wheels to be pushed to the corners. This creates an airy, lounge-like atmosphere that harks back to the original Microbus’s reputation for generous interior volume. The dashboard is clean and minimalist, dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system and a smaller digital instrument cluster.
Electric Performance and Range
Under the floor sits a 91 kWh battery pack that powers a rear-mounted electric motor producing 282 horsepower. This setup provides brisk acceleration that belies the ID. Buzz’s substantial size—it can sprint from 0-60 mph in around 6 seconds. All-wheel drive versions add a front motor for enhanced traction and performance.
Range is estimated at approximately 230-260 miles depending on configuration and driving conditions, which is competitive for a vehicle of this size and should prove adequate for most family duties and daily driving. The ID. Buzz supports DC fast charging at rates up to 170 kW, allowing for 10-80% charges in roughly 30 minutes at compatible charging stations.
Technology and Features
Inside, the ID. Buzz comes loaded with modern amenities. The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and voice controls. Available features include a panoramic glass roof, premium sound system, and a full suite of driver assistance technologies including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automated emergency braking.
The rear doors feature a power sliding mechanism, making entry and exit easier in tight parking spaces—a practical touch for families. The cargo area is generous, and with the rear seats folded, the ID. Buzz can swallow impressive amounts of gear, making it genuinely versatile for everything from camping trips to home improvement store runs.
The Verdict
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz represents something increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape: a vehicle with genuine personality. In a market dominated by anonymous crossovers and look-alike SUVs, the ID. Buzz dares to be different, fun, and emotionally engaging.
It won’t be the cheapest electric vehicle option, with pricing starting in the mid-$60,000 range, but it offers something most competitors don’t—a sense of joy and nostalgia wrapped in practical, modern packaging. For families seeking an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise on space or style, or for anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning a classic VW bus but wants modern reliability and zero emissions, the ID. Buzz delivers on its promise.
Volkswagen has managed to bottle lightning twice, creating a modern classic that honors its heritage while moving boldly into an electric future. The ID. Buzz proves that going electric doesn’t mean sacrificing character—sometimes it means amplifying it.
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