The New Volkswagen Bus – ID Buzz Review and Specs
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Review: The Complete Guide to the Electric Bus Experience
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers on decades of anticipation, successfully reimagining an iconic design for the electric era with standout versatility and a genuinely fun driving experience. Based on extensive first-drive reviews and road tests, this modern electric bus blends nostalgic charm with cutting-edge technology, creating a vehicle that is both a practical people-mover and a joy to drive. While it has some real-world compromises, its unique character and impressive packaging make it a compelling alternative to conventional SUVs and minivans.
The Buzz in Motion: Driving Experience and Real-World Performance
Behind the retro-futuristic styling, the ID. Buzz offers a driving experience that reviewers consistently describe as surprisingly sprightly and enjoyable. The secret lies in its electric powertrain and the low-slung battery pack, which gives it a stable, planted feel.
Acceleration and Handling
- Performance Figures: With a single, rear-mounted motor producing 282 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, the rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz is more than capable. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 6.6 seconds. The available dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version bumps output to 335 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in a brisk 5.5 seconds.
- On-Road Behavior: The immediate torque delivery makes the van feel quick in everyday driving. Despite its tall profile and curb weight of nearly 6,000 pounds, its low center of gravity minimizes body roll, and the steering is praised for being responsive and offering good feedback.
- Ride Quality: The overall ride is comfortable, though some testers noted a slight front-to-rear rocking motion on gently undulating roads. The brake pedal feel has been critiqued for having a long, vague initial travel as the regenerative and friction brakes align.
Range, Charging, and Daily Use
This is where reviewers point out the ID. Buzz’s most significant trade-offs, with performance heavily dependent on conditions and use case.
- Official vs. Real-World Range: The EPA rates the single-motor model at 234 miles of range, with the dual-motor version at 231 miles. However, real-world highway testing at 75 mph saw the AWD model achieve only about 190 miles. Cold weather, passengers, and cargo will further reduce this number, with reviewers suggesting a realistic expectation closer to 200 miles in suboptimal conditions.
- Charging Speed: The ID. Buzz supports DC fast charging at up to 200 kW. Volkswagen claims a 10% to 80% charge in about 26 minutes, while independent tests clocked it at around 33 minutes.
Iconic Design and Packaging: Form Meets Function
The ID. Buzz’s design is its most obvious triumph. It modernizes the classic Microbus silhouette with a two-tone paint scheme, a massive illuminated VW logo, and an upright front end. At 195.4 inches long and 76.2 inches tall, it’s shorter but taller than a modern minivan like the Honda Odyssey.
Interior Space and Practicality
The interior is a masterclass in flexible packaging, thanks to its flat, driveshaft-free floor.
- Seating and Capacity: The U.S. model is a three-row, seven-passenger vehicle. The second row can be configured as a bench or captain’s chairs, and all rear seats are versatile. The third row is surprisingly comfortable and even removable.
- Cargo Versatility: Cargo space is immense and configurable. With all seats in place, there’s 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold the second and third rows, and that expands to a massive 145.5 cubic feet. A unique “Flexboard” shelf system can divide the cargo area vertically.
- Thoughtful (and Quirky) Details: The cabin features playful details like “play” and “pause” symbols on the accelerator and brake pedals. However, reviewers universally panned the confusing two-switch system for operating all four windows, which requires a toggle to select front or rear control. The small, slide-open rear windows were also noted as a limitation.
Technology, Trims, and Pricing
Trim Levels and Cost
The 2025 ID. Buzz is positioned as a premium offering. Pricing in the U.S. starts at $59,995 for the rear-wheel-drive Pro S trim (excluding destination). The lineup progresses through Pro S Plus and a launch-only First Edition, with fully loaded all-wheel-drive models easily exceeding $70,000.
Key Specifications at a Glance
The table below consolidates the core specifications for both available powertrains.
| Feature/Specification | ID. Buzz (RWD) | ID. Buzz (AWD) |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Single rear motor | Dual motor (front & rear) |
| Horsepower | 282 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft | 413 lb-ft (rear) + 99 lb-ft (front) |
| 0-60 mph | ~6.6 seconds | 5.5 seconds |
| EPA Est. Range | 234 miles | 231 miles |
| Battery (Gross) | 91 kWh | 91 kWh |
| Max DC Fast Charging | 200 kW | 200 kW |
| Max Cargo Volume | 145.5 cu ft | 145.5 cu ft |
| Starting MSRP (U.S.) | $59,995 | Higher (varies by trim) |
Infotainment and Driver Aids
The ID. Buzz features Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system with a 12.9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and available navigation. The system has received software updates to improve responsiveness, but some capacitive touch controls remain a point of criticism. A full suite of driver-assistance features (marketed as IQ.DRIVE) is standard, including adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist.
The Final Verdict: Who Is This For?
The ID. Buzz presents a compelling but nuanced proposition. It won’t win on pure specs like maximum range or lowest price. Instead, it wins on character, versatility, and joy.
Consider the ID. Buzz if:
- You prioritize unique design and a fun, engaging driving feel over ultimate range.
- You need maximum interior space and configurability for people or cargo.
- Your daily driving and regular trips fall well within its 200-mile real-world range.
- You have access to home charging or a reliable fast-charging network.
Look elsewhere if:
- You regularly take long road trips where charging stops would be a frequent inconvenience.
- Your budget is strict, and you need the most range or space for your dollar.
- You prefer the driving dynamics and lower step-in height of a traditional SUV or minivan.
As Top Gear concludes, the ID. Buzz is “a convincing vision of a family car done better… a new anti-SUV template”. It’s a vehicle that makes a statement not just about how you drive, but how you want to feel while doing it.
FAQ: Your ID. Buzz Questions Answered
Is the ID. Buzz a practical family car?
Yes, with caveats. Its sliding doors, massive interior space, and easy car-seat installation make it excellent for family duty. However, its high step-in height can be challenging for small children or older adults, and the limited range may add stress to longer trips.
How does it compare to the Kia EV9?
The Kia EV9 is a direct competitor as a three-row electric family vehicle. The EV9 generally offers more range (often over 270 miles) and features an 800-volt charging architecture for potentially faster top-ups. The ID. Buzz counters with more distinctive styling, a more spacious and configurable cargo area, and a lower load floor.
Can you go camping in the ID. Buzz?
Absolutely. The flat-folding seats create a large sleeping area, and Volkswagen offers a cargo divider/shelf system that enhances this functionality. While an official camper conversion from Volkswagen is still in development, numerous third-party companies are expected to offer full conversion kits.
What are the biggest drawbacks?
The most consistent criticisms from reviewers are its limited real-world driving range, its high price for that range, some frustrating ergonomic controls (especially the window switches), and its tall step-in height.
