Say goodbye to gas and hello to electric power. This revolutionary vehicle offers so much more than just an eco-friendly ride. With its three rows and six- or seven-seat configurations, it’s like having a mobile volleyball team inside. The ID.Buzz is all about spaciousness, and its eye-catching two-tone paint ensures you’ll never lose it in a crowded parking lot. As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity, the ID.Buzz aims to fill a gap in the market by providing a capacious option for families. Inspired by Volkswagen’s iconic Type 2 Microbus, this van combines retro design with modern features.
Buckle up and get ready to experience a new era of electric mobility with the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
Exterior
The ID.Buzz offers an optional two-tone paint scheme that pays homage to the iconic Microbus of the 1960s. Its visually striking design sets it apart from typical minivans, with a notably flat front showcasing an engine compartment’s absence. The body lines form a V-shaped hood adorned with an oversized VW logo, while the LED headlights add an unexpected touch with their fierce and angry appearance. The lower grille features a wide weave pattern, resembling a laundry basket rather than a conventional air intake.
The North American version of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz boasts an extended wheelbase, measuring 117.6 inches, which is 10 inches longer compared to the two-row Buzz model. This elongation contributes to an overall length of 194.4 inches. In terms of width, the ID.Buzz matches the Volkswagen Atlas big crossover but is 10 inches shorter. While it is nearly 30 inches longer than the original classic VW bus, it retains the distinctive characteristics of ultrashort overhangs and a boxy shape.
Standard features include heated windshield washer nozzles, and an optional heated windshield is available. The ID.Buzz boasts a wide wheelbase with tires pushed out to the corners, accentuating its spaciousness. The front and rear sliding side doors are positioned between them, while the dual sliding power doors align with their competitors. For added luxury, an optional panoramic sunroof with electrochromic tinting is also offered, allowing the glass top to turn opaque when desired.
Interior and Cargo
The interior design of the ID.Buzz strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity, embracing a minimalist approach. The instrument panel is compact, measuring 5.3 inches, and is positioned behind the heated steering wheel like a small pod. A standard head-up display provides essential information directly within the driver’s line of sight.
Similar to other electric Volkswagen models, there are lights located at the base of the windshield that serve as warnings, such as indicating obstacles during parking or the need to brake. Additionally, the driver has the option to choose from various ambient interior lighting colors, enhancing the psychedelic experience of traveling. The standard seating configuration accommodates seven passengers, with three seats in the middle row and two in the rear. Alternatively, a six-passenger arrangement with captain’s chairs in the middle row is available.
During the launch, Volkswagen did not provide specific cargo capacity figures for the ID.Buzz. However, the Euro version with a shorter wheelbase has a spacious cabin that accommodates approximately 78 cubic feet of cargo. It is expected that the North American version will offer even greater capacity, potentially surpassing 90 cubic feet. The second and third rows of seats can be folded flat, and an optional Flexboard enables the creation of a completely level floor. Furthermore, the third row has the flexibility to be completely removed if desired.
The typical center stack of climate and audio controls is absent in the ID.Buzz. Instead, all these functions are accessed through a large 12.9-inch touchscreen display. The interior design also follows a contemporary trend of featuring air vents that stretch across the dashboard as a unified element, eschewing separate individual vents. This design choice creates a clean and uncluttered appearance while visually expanding the width of the cabin.
Technology
The ID.Buzz breaks away from the conventional setup of climate and audio controls typically found in vehicles. Instead, it features a prominent 12.9-inch touchscreen that handles all of these functions. The screen appears to be affixed to the center dashboard, resembling a floating tablet. This advanced infotainment system is shared with the ID.7 sedan.
In terms of seating comfort, the front seats offer extensive adjustability with 12-way controls, a memory function, heating, ventilation, and even a massage feature. Additionally, the outboard seats in the second row are equipped with heating capabilities, ensuring passenger comfort throughout the cabin.
To cater to the power needs of passengers’ devices, the ID.Buzz provides convenient charging options. There is a wireless charging mat located up front, allowing for hassle-free charging of compatible devices. Furthermore, the rear area is equipped with eight USB-C ports, a 110V outlet, and a 12-volt port, ensuring ample charging opportunities for all passengers.
Performance
Similar to the original Type 2 Bus, the ID.Buzz positions its motor in the rear. However, unlike the Type 2’s modest 24-horsepower air-cooled four-cylinder engine, the ID.Buzz is equipped with a much more powerful electric motor that generates 282 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque.
Volkswagen’s latest motor design for the ID.Buzz is a permanent magnet synchronous motor. It incorporates a new stator with additional wiring turns and features a water-cooling jacket, enhancing both power output and efficiency. The motor is paired with a one-speed transmission, and Volkswagen’s advanced power electronics system optimizes the utilization of the battery’s power.
Given its increased length and power, the ID.Buzz comes with a larger battery capacity. The battery pack has a capacity of 91 kWh, which is 9 kWh more than the short-wheelbase Buzz model. Although Volkswagen has not provided a specific range estimate for the larger battery pack in North America, the Euro version of the Buzz achieves an estimated 258 miles with its 82 kWh battery pack.
In North America, the options list includes the availability of all-wheel drive, which is not offered in Europe. Selecting the all-wheel drive option adds a second motor in the front, resulting in a total power output of 330 horsepower. Volkswagen has not disclosed the power distribution between the front and rear axles.
Pricing and Options
Volkswagen has not disclosed the exact pricing for the ID.Buzz, which is scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2024. However, we anticipated that Volkswagen would capitalize on the nostalgia and spirit of peace and love with an estimated starting price of around $45,000.
Standard features will include a heated steering wheel and heated windshield washer nozzles, while an option for a heated windshield will be available for added convenience. Audiophiles will appreciate the available 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ensuring a premium audio experience for music enthusiasts.
Drawing inspiration from the classic Volkswagen microbus, the ID.Buzz has the potential to become a unique and iconic vehicle that transcends social classes and appeals to a diverse range of people. Its striking appearance is enhanced by the bold and vibrant two-tone color palette chosen by Volkswagen. These bold exterior colors, including Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, and Mahi Green, have been carried over from the two-row ID.Buzz model. Additionally, Volkswagen introduces new color options such as Cabana Blue, Metro Silver, and Indium Grey to further enhance the visual appeal of the vehicle.
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz represents a compelling fusion of old-school charm and new-school innovation. With its electric powertrain, spacious cabin, and eye-catching design, the ID.Buzz aims to address the untapped market for capacious electric vehicles suitable for families.
With its combination of style, functionality, and environmentally friendly technology, the ID.Buzz has the potential to become a standout vehicle that appeals to a wide range of individuals, transcending boundaries and embodying the spirit of the beloved classic VW bus.