This is the 2025 VW ID. BUZZ 1st Edition, which is effectively replacing the classic Type 2 microbus launched in the 1950s. That one had just 57 hp and ran on gas; this one has 2 electric motors and runs on electrons. Today I’m going to review it and see just how far we’ve come.

VW is counting on the ID. Buzz’s vintage style, great design, and the eco-friendly benefits of an electric powertrain to attract buyers. However, the price might deter some potential customers (more on that shortly). This isn’t Volkswagen’s first nostalgia trip; the New Beetle, a modern twist on the classic Type 1 Beetle, debuted in the late ’90s and became a favorite among baby boomers who cherished their past.

SIZE and Styling

The design has a chunky look and short overhangs, giving it a retro vibe, but it’s larger than the Type 2. The ID. Buzz measures 16 feet long, 27 inches longer than the previous model. It’s also 10 inches wider and has a wheelbase that’s 3 feet longer than the original.

Interestingly, this version is a bit shorter overall. The front of the Buzz extends a solid seven feet in front of the driver’s seat, something you’ll appreciate if you ever rear-end someone. You can choose from eight two-tone and three solid color options for the outside, plus three different color schemes for the interior. The two-tone paint, especially Cabana Blue and Candy White, enhances its appearance; it just doesn’t look right in a monochrome color

Chassis

It’s exclusively an electric vehicle and features an updated version of the Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, which is also found in the ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron. The front suspension uses control arms, while the rear has a multilink setup.

Wheels and Tires

The Buzz comes with Continental ProContact TX10 tires on 20-inch rims, however, the tire sizes are staggered with 235/50s on the front and 265/45s on the rear. Brakes are 15.0-in vented discs at the front and 13.0-in drums at the rear. If there’s one spec that would truly blow the minds of former Type 2 owners, it’s the ID. Buzz’s 6,200-pound curb weight, it’s a bit of a porker.

Charging and Range

Range is listed as 234 miles for the RWD Buzz and 231 for AWD, which is not really as much as I would have expected given the battery size. You can charge up to 200 kW on a DC fast charger, getting from 10 percent to 80 percent fast charging in 26 minutes.

Under The Hood

You can choose between two powertrains: one with a single rear-mounted electric motor that delivers 282 horsepower, and another all-wheel-drive option featuring two motors that generate 335 horsepower. The single-motor version has an 86.0-kWh battery offering a range of 234 miles according to EPA estimates, while the dual-motor version has a slightly lower range of 231 miles. Mashing the go pedal from a stop brings up 60 mph from a stop in 5.5 seconds.

Driving 

The Buzz offers a smooth and steady power delivery, making it quick in city traffic, easy for passing on country roads, and capable of handling steep climbs even with a couple of large dogs on board. The only miss is that it doesn’t have a one-pedal driving mode; you just have the choice of D or B, which provides some slowing, but it’s not enough to slow the car much or bring it to a stop.

I headed out to San Diego’s back country for some testing on two-lane roads, and I must admit driving the Buzz is a blast! VW has given it a communicative chassis, and it does have some body roll, but since the battery is way down low, the center of gravity is very low, so the car feels very stable. The steering is super responsive and easy to handle, plus you get some feedback.

It’s a head turner too, not only for its futuristic and quirky looks, but from a stop light, the dual motor Buzz is properly quick, going from zero to sixty in 5.5 seconds while squatting down hard on its rear axle. That’s hot hatch, quick and quicker than it needs to be.

One downside is due to the quiet electric motors and the brick shape of the Buzz, you do get a lot of wind noise at higher speeds. One fix is to simply turn up the volume on the excellent Harmon Kardon sound system.

Interior

In the driver’s seat, VW has really put in the effort, and the view ahead is pretty impressive. The tall windscreen feels far away, framed by high quarterlights that make you feel like you’re in a glass bubble. Plus, the dashboard and door trims are cheerful and vibrant.

In this First Edition ID. Buzz, you get captain’s chairs in the first two rows and a sort of captain’s setup in the back, so only six seats in total. The seats are adjustable and pretty comfy. The dashboard and infotainment system are typical Volkswagen, which means haptic controls, something I’m not a huge fan of, but I’m getting used to them.

Unfortunately, the quirky power-window system is carried over from the ID.4, which provides only two switches and a third one to work the rear slider windows.

In the front, the driver has a wireless phone charger next to the steering wheel, a shelf in the door, and spacious door pockets that fit 32-ounce bottles. Passengers in the front have a huge rubber-covered shelf in front, their own door shelf with a USB-C port, and bottle holders. They also share pop-out cupholders in the center stack and a removable center console, which has more pull-out storage underneath.

The ID Buzz First Edition features heated, cooled, and massaging seats for both rows. The second row has heated outboard seats, HVAC controls on each side, door-mounted USB-Cs, shelves, and water bottle holders, while the third row comes with its own USB-Cs, storage cubbies, cupholders, and an extra bottle holder. Every row is nicely finished, with stylish contrast paneling throughout the van and all touchpoints made of soft materials.

Pricing

The starting price for the cheapest model is just under $60,000. My tester had a base of $69,995 and includes things like two row captain’s chairs, an overhead camera system, exclusive 1st Edition 20-inch wheels, and a Panoramic fixed-glass roof with electrochromic smart dimming. Add destination, and the total price for this one is $71,545.

Space

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz offers generous cargo space, boasting up to 145.5 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded down. Behind the third row, you’ll find 18.6 cubic feet, and behind the second row, 75.5 cubic feet.

The optional captain’s chairs can slide back and forth, and also tilt forward smoothly to give you access to the spacious third row. The trunk might look small at first, but don’t forget about all that vertical space you have above, thanks to a flip-up shelf and soft canvas bins underneath, which are ideal for groceries.

VIDEO REVIEW

Verdict

The ID. Buzz brings a wave of nostalgia and a fresh vibe that could really entice buyers. It’s got a solid design, a comfortable ride, and a well-thought-out interior, but it falls short on range compared to its rivals.

2025 VW ID.Buzz 4Motion Numbers

BASE PRICE: $69,995
AS TESTED PRICE: $71,545
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6-passenger, 4-door van
FRONT MOTOR: Induction AC
REAR MOTOR: Permanent-magnet synchronous AC
COMBINED POWER: 335 hp 
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic 
CURB WEIGHT: 6,200 lb
0-60 MPH: 5.5 sec
EPA COMB HWY: 80 MPGe
PROS: Good performance and handling, super fun to drive, spacious, and well-thought-out interior 
CONS: Could use more range