Test Driving Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz, The All-New EV With Classic Style

After years of teaser shots and concept cars Volkswagen has officially released its all-new ID. Buzz electric car to the U.S. market, and we’ve driven it. Available for over a year in Europe (in a shorter wheelbase form), the 2025 VW ID. Buzz hits dealer showroom next month with a starting price of $61,545 for a rear-wheel-drive model and $69,545 for an all-wheel-drive ID. Buzz. Even the base Pro S model is extremely well equipped, and the electric van offers either 282 horsepower (RWD) or 335 horsepower (AWD), along with a range of 234 miles (RWD) or 231 miles (AWD).

ID Buzz’ Impressive Standard Features List

Standard features on the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S include three rows of seating with 7-passenger capacity, 20-inch wheels, dual power-sliding side doors, a power tailgate, synthetic leather seats, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and three-zone climate control. Moving up to the Pro S Plus ($64,995) adds a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a head-up display and, on AWD models, a heated windshield and second-row captain’s chairs. The top trim 1st Edition ($66,995) gets a panoramic glass roof and a “flexboard” to create a flat load floor in the cargo area.

VW ID. Buzz: Vintage Styling on a Modern EV

Between its relatively high price and low range the ID. Buzz doesn’t appear to offer as much value as other 3-row electric vehicles like the Kia EV9 (304 miles), or hybrid minivans like the Chrysler Pacific and Toyota Sienna. And if your priority is reduced “refueling” time the ID. Buzz might be a tough sell. However, the van offers several characteristics other models can’t match, and that’s before you consider the cool styling that had everyone who saw the ID. Buzz smiling and waving as we drove it along the leaf-strewn streets of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Genuine Functionality

First, the boxy design means it’s got 146 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the front row, which is more than the Kia EV9 (82), Toyota Sienna (101) or Chrysler Pacifica (141). It’s even got more than a Chevrolet Suburban (145) while being shorter than all of those competing people movers. Translation: the ID. Buzz is roomier on the inside and while being easier to maneuver and park. And you can feel it behind the ID. Buzz’s thick, leather steering wheel. The van’s willing acceleration (0-60 takes about 6 seconds) and responsive, confident handling make it downright fun to drive.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz Offers Room For Everyone

The ID. Buzz’ massive interior space is also undeniable. You feel it from all three rows, with abundant head, shoulder and legroom in every seat. The front row uses a high, upright seating position that feels as “vintage van” as the ID. Buzz’ exterior style, and that’s not a bad thing. Everything from comfort to outward visibility benefits, adding to driver confidence on the road and in parking lots. The second row seats slide fore-and-aft, allowing for easy adjustment based on third-row legroom needs. Third-row passengers enjoy plenty of space, and their own USB-C ports.

Technology Beyond The Electric Drivetrain

The ID. Buzz’ technology pedigree is another selling point. Included on all models is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, 5.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, 30 available interior ambient light colors, 8 USB-C ports, a 150-watt, 110-volt home-style outlet, and full complement of driver-assist technology (smart cruise control, lane-keeping assist, pedestrian and cyclist detection, etc.). High-tech options include the aforementioned head-up display, road sign recognition and a 360-degree camera.

Will The “Buzz” Last?

When the Volkswagen ID. Buzz hits showrooms next month you can bet they’ll be a backlog of demand (and the associated dealer gouging, of course). But — the challenge for most electric cars has been maintaining strong demand after the initial launch excitement wears off. Well, that and providing genuine profit for their parent companies. We’re not sure what Volkswagen’s timeline is on the latter, but we’re confident the ID. Buzz’ looks, functionality, driving dynamics and technology pedigree will keep demand strong, even with its high entry price and modest range.