Twenty years after the last internal combustion VW Van left the market, Volkswagen has “recharged” automotive media and enthusiasts worldwide with the launch of the 2025 ID. Buzz.
The ID. Buzz represents a resurrection of the iconic VW Bus, first sold in the U.S. in the early 1950s, which stole the hearts of the free spirited as the Bus was the original minivan. Over the years, it was available in pickup and camper configurations, and even with rear-wheel drive, possessed the ability to do light off-roading on trails and beaches.
“Worldwide, this beloved vehicle is known as the Bus, Microbus, Camper, Bulli, Samba, and Campervan. The VW Bus became an icon of the American counterculture movement and eventually an iconic staple in film, music and fashion.
The ID. Buzz keeps the legacy alive. It’s the spiritual reincarnation of the Microbus, reimagined for an electric future.” – Cameron Batten, Senior Vice-President, Chief Communications Officer-Volkswagen of America.
Today, there are scores of the original, highly collectible VW Bus on the road, with coveted 23 window and T1 Samba versions selling at auctions for over $300,000.
And while it took VW a few years to finally introduce the production ID. Buzz, the wait was worth it as the full electric 2025 ID. Buzz, now classified by VW as a Sport Utility Vehicle, is nothing short of sensational. It does everything well, and is priced fairly. Yes, the overall range could be better, more on that later in this review.
ID. Buzz Exterior
When iconic designs are recaptured, the response from consumers runs high. Think back to the “buzz” created when the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Plymouth Prowler hit the market. Both models were throwbacks to an earlier time when freedom of design rang true. The ID. Buzz continues the tradition as VW wisely kept as many of best design cues of the original Bus were incorporated into the new design, including a short front overhang and long wheelbase, tall power sliding second row doors with a smallish power window are unique, and the iconic VW grille badge is now illuminated.
Staggered wheels up to 20-inch diameter (1st Edition Trim only) are positioned in a “stretch” configuration that contributes to Buzz’ superb ride quality.
The ID. Buzz is beautifully designed and a head turner no matter where you go. If you eschew attention, then this is not the vehicle for you. During the media drive in San Francisco, California, the ID. Buzz was photographed by many bystanders, particularly during our drive down Lombard Street, with its well-known and photographed downhill curves.
Eight two-tone and three single tone vibrant exterior colors add to the excitement the ID.Buzz has created, as Cherry Red, Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, Blue Charcoal and Indium Gray lower body colors can be paired with Metro Silver or Candy White in two-tone configurations (Metro Silver two tone only) on Cherry Red-all other two tone schemes feature Candy White upper body paint. Want a single color? Choose Candy White, Metro Silver of Deep Back Pearl.
ID. Buzz Interior
Inside the seven passenger, three-row (2/3/2 with 2/2/2 six passenger on 1st Edition with AWD) ID.Buzz, good things continue, as the SUV offers upscale interior features, including a 5.3” digital driver’s display; 12.9” touchscreen center display; seven 45-watt USB-C ports and a 15-watt USB-C dashcam port; 12-volt trunk power outlet and 110-volt/150-watt power outlet; “Buzz Box” removable/relocatable center console, heated steering wheel, V-Tex leatherette upholstery, multicolor ambient lighting, and nine-speaker (14-speaker including subwoofer harman/kardon system on Plus and 1st Edition trims) audio system. Overhead, a huge electrochromic smart-glass roof (depending on trim) is the first ever offered in any VW.
VW’s standard ID. Light uses different upper dashboard light pulses to signal whether the car is ready to drive, which direction – according to the navigation system – it should turn next or whether the battery is currently being charged. A head-up display and remote parking are available or standard depending on trim.
Three interior color schemes are offered: Copper, Dune and Moonlight. Our fave was Dune paired with the Energetic Orange/Candy White exterior.
The ID. Buzz looks deceptively smaller than the VW Atlas SUV, but sports more cargo space than the Atlas. The third row of seats are easily removable to increase cargo capacity.
Behind the third row is what VW calls “Flexboard,” a rear shelf with cool removable storage bins with the VW logo underneath.
ID.Buzz Powertrain and Drive Experience
On roads in hilly San Francisco and surrounding Marin County, ID. Buzz showed the road chops VW’s are known for, as solid performance and handling are ID. Buzz hallmarks in both RWD and AWD models.
Two powertrains are available: A rear-wheel drive version with 282-horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque rear and 99 pound-feet front, and an all-wheel drive version (dubbed 4Motion) outputting 335-horsepower and the same front/rear torque figures as the RWD version.
Even in less powerful RWD guise, acceleration is impressive. What impressed us the most is the serenely quiet nature of the ID. Buzz. Now most EV’s have quiet drivetrains due to lack of ICE noise, but ID. Buzz excelled with virtually no road or wind noise cabin intrusion. My frequent media drive partner, Kimatni Rawlins of Automotive Rhythms and Men’s Journal, and I did something we’ve never done – not turning on the audio system because we enjoyed the quiet. Yes, since I’m a child of the 60s and 70s. I couldn’t help thinking about the Simon and Garfunkel hit song The Sound of Silence. When we did turn on the 14 speaker harman/kardon system, we were impressed with the system’s sonic quality.
ID. Buzz Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims come with a slick retractable tow hitch, allowing for 2600 pounds of towing capacity for RWD models, and 3500 for AWD models.
Range is 234 miles RWD and 231 for AWD models. These figures are acceptable, but given the look and utility of the vehicle, we’re certain future models with higher range numbers would be a plus for consumers. Given the current worldwide slowdown of EV sales, during the media press conference, we asked if a hybrid and/or plug-in hybrid ID. Buzz models were part of future planning for the model. VW’s response was non-committal to both platforms, but stated the brand is always looking at ways to enhance future models.
ID. Buzz Safety
Volkswagen has long been a leader in automotive safety. When my daughter was old enough to drive, I bought her a 2005 VW Passat based on the model’s standard safety gear and excellent crash ratings. The VW safety legacy continues in all of their models, and the ID. Buzz features and impressive array of standard and available (based on trim) safety gear.
ID. Buzz Trims and Pricing
The 2025 VW ID. Buzz is available in three trim levels:
Pro S – $59,995 (RWD only)
Pro S Plus – $63,495 RWD/$67,995 4Motion AWD
1st Edition – $65,495 RWD/$69,995 4Motion AWD
All trim prices are exclusive of a $1,550 destination charge.
The final assembly point for all 2025 ID. Buzz models is Germany, so the vehicle does not qualify for U.S. built tax credits.
Although Pursuitist doesn’t assign numerical scores during our vehicle evaluations, the ID. Buzz would score a near perfect 9.8 out of 10. The only dings are the aforementioned range and a single note horn that sounds cheap and is out of place given the luxe interior and overall nature of the ID. Buzz.
