Driving the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an expertise that left an enduring impression. This all-electric micro bus seamlessly fuses the attraction of the basic VW minibus with in the present day’s EV tech, creating one thing really distinctive on the street. All over the place I drove this ID Buzz, it stopped folks of their tracks and everybody had questions on it. Having the prospect to be one of many first to drive this iconic car was very thrilling and I’ve some ideas.
Spec breakdown
The ID Buzz, for the US, was introduced final yr and there have been loads of articles displaying off the specs and all the pieces it has on paper. This text is generally about the way it feels to really drive this automobile and have it as your individual. However I did wish to contact on the excessive stage specs for those who need a refresher. Right here’s a quick 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 helps you to go from 10-80% in simply 26 minutes—ideally suited for these lengthy street journeys.
- House: With the third row eliminated, you’ll have 145.5 cubic ft of area for cargo.
- Listed here are some key high-level specs for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz:
- Battery Measurement: 91 kWh
- Turning Radius (RWD): 37.4 ft
Now that we now have a few of these specs out of the best way, lets get into the driving expertise!
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Visually, the ID. Buzz is unmistakable. The retro design cues, such because the outsized VW brand 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 strains and LED lighting give it a futuristic attraction. As I drove by 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 chunk of historical past reinvented for in the present day. Each pit cease we made, somebody got here as much as me asking about it and advised me tales of their experiences with the unique mannequin. You can really feel the nostalgia from everybody.
Whereas the ID. Buzz captures the spirit of the unique Microbus, it’s a totally totally different beast below the hood. The basic Microbus was recognized 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 trendy EV expertise. It’s designed with superior security options, quick charging capabilities, and a modern aerodynamic profile that the unique may solely dream of. The essence of the beloved Microbus stays, however the ID. Buzz is undeniably a car constructed for the longer term.
Nimble and easy
Behind the wheel, the ID. Buzz feels much more agile than you’d count on from a car of this measurement. Because of its low heart of gravity, courtesy of the battery placement, and its spectacular turning radius, it handles like a a lot smaller automobile. I used to be driving the Professional S Plus RWD model, and navigating sharp curves and tight spots felt remarkably simple. On the winding roads, the ID. Buzz maintained its composure, providing nice traction and a easy, nearly easy experience.
Freeway driving was equally spectacular. The electrical powertrain delivered on the spot torque, making acceleration easy and responsive. So although it wont go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds it nonetheless is in a position to do 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 features I discover was the shortage of out of doors noise. For a automobile 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 car, 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 area
Step inside, and the ID. Buzz continues to impress. The cabin is huge, providing more room than many full-size SUVs, but the car’s footprint is nearer to that of a midsize crossover. The high-quality finishes (which most comst commonplace) give it a refined, but welcoming really feel. The seats had been supportive and cozy, good 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 automobile, 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 ft of cargo area awaits. It additionally ahs eight 45W USB-C ports all through the automobile, giving sufficient energy to cost even your Macbook and there may be even a wi-fi charger for the entrance passengers. There have been additionally different smaller particulars you discover just like the HUD for the motive force in addition to a light-weight bar below the windshield that really has a perform other than aesthetics. It can blink a technique when its time to show, or flip purple 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 area for an outside journey, the ID. Buzz has you coated.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is anticipated to be accessible later this yr. Whereas pre-orders should not open but, you possibly can go to the Volkswagen web site to configure your precise mannequin and see detailed pricing based mostly in your preferences.
- Professional S RWD: Beginning at $59,995, providing an incredible stability of vary, energy, and options.
- Professional S Plus AWD: Out there at $63,495 for RWD and $67,995 for AWD, with extra 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, trendy EV expertise, and sensible options, the ID. Buzz is about to be a well-liked selection as soon as it hits dealerships.
My takeaway
General, driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an incredible expertise. I used to be shocked how they had been capable of give me that nostagic really feel however in a automobile that may simply be used as an on a regular basis automobile. Earlier than seeing it in individual and driving it, I believed to myself “it is a cool wanting automobile 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 suppose. It’s ideally suited for households, adventurers, or anybody in want of a spacious, versatile car that’s enjoyable to drive. I can see myself utilizing this to take my children to a soccer or hockey follow. 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 by the town or tackling a street journey, the ID. Buzz has the area, energy, and attraction to maintain you smiling the entire manner.
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