Driving the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an expertise that left a long-lasting impression. This all-electric micro bus seamlessly fuses the allure of the traditional VW minibus with as we speak’s EV tech, creating one thing actually distinctive on the street. All over the place I drove this ID Buzz, it stopped individuals 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 12 months and there have been loads of articles displaying off the specs and every little thing it has on paper. This text is generally about the way it feels to really drive this automobile and have it as your personal. However I did need 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 allows you to go from 10-80% in simply 26 minutes—best for these lengthy street journeys.
- Area: 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’ve got a few of these specs out of the way in which, lets get into the driving expertise!
On the spot icon
Visually, the ID. Buzz is unmistakable. The retro design cues, such because the outsized VW emblem 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 smooth traces and LED lighting give it a futuristic enchantment. As I drove via the winding roads north of San Francisco and again onto the freeway, I couldn’t assist however discover the eye it acquired. Heads turned, individuals pointed, and it felt like driving a bit of historical past reinvented for as we speak. 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 might 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 traditional Microbus was identified 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 fashionable EV know-how. It’s designed with superior security options, quick charging capabilities, and a smooth 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 long run.
Nimble and easy
Behind the wheel, the ID. Buzz feels much more agile than you’d count on from a car of this dimension. 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 prompt torque, making acceleration easy and responsive. So regardless that it wont go 0-60 mph in 3 seconds it nonetheless is in a position to try this in 6 seconds, permitting you to overhaul automobiles 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 facets I discover was the dearth of outdoor 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 customary) give it a refined, but welcoming really feel. The seats have been supportive and comfy, good for lengthy drives, and the general structure 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’s even a wi-fi charger for the entrance passengers. There have been additionally different smaller particulars you discover just like the HUD for the driving force in addition to a lightweight bar below the windshield that truly has a operate other than aesthetics. It’s going to 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 further area for an out of doors journey, the ID. Buzz has you coated.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is anticipated to be obtainable later this 12 months. Whereas pre-orders usually are not open but, you possibly can go to the Volkswagen web site to configure your actual mannequin and see detailed pricing based mostly in your preferences.
- Professional S RWD: Beginning at $59,995, providing an excellent 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, fashionable EV know-how, and sensible options, the ID. Buzz is about to be a preferred alternative as soon as it hits dealerships.
My takeaway
Total, driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz was an excellent expertise. I used to be stunned how they have been in a position to 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 trying automobile however is it sensible as your day by day driver”? The reply is, sure. I wager we see extra of those on the street than you suppose. It’s best 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 youngsters to a soccer or hockey observe. 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 via town or tackling a street journey, the ID. Buzz has the area, energy, and allure to maintain you smiling the entire means.
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