The 2025 VW ID.Buzz RWD: Retro Cool Meets Electric Reality
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz doesn’t just evoke memories of the classic VW Microbus — it takes those feelings and electrifies them, quite literally. Designed as a nostalgic nod to the 20th-century icon, the ID.Buzz is one of the few minivans that manages to turn heads on every street corner. Our test model in Candy White and Mahi Green, a $995 two-tone livery, stood out like a rolling art installation. While most modern minivans are utilitarian in form and bland in personality, the ID.Buzz beams with character and whimsy, bringing smiles and thumbs-up from onlookers like few vehicles ever manage. From the front’s friendly face to the short overhangs and long wheelbase, the proportions are unlike anything else on sale today. But this version isn’t just about looks — it’s the rear-wheel-drive, single-motor variant, the “purer” take on the EV minivan that costs less than its dual-motor counterpart. That said, being closer to the original’s spirit also means dialing back performance, and unfortunately, not gaining much in the way of range. So, the question becomes: is the nostalgic charm worth the compromises in capability, or is this just style over substance?
Performance That Echoes the Past, For Better or Worse
If you were hoping the single-motor ID.Buzz would be a rocket disguised as a retro van, you’re in for a mellow experience — and that’s entirely by design. Equipped with a rear-mounted 282-hp electric motor and 413 lb-ft of torque, this version is far from slow, but it doesn’t exactly leap off the line either. In our tests, it clocked a 0-60 mph time of 6.7 seconds, which puts it 1.2 seconds behind the dual-motor version. While this pace is acceptable for a vehicle weighing nearly 6000 pounds, it’s not the kind of instant torque thrill people often expect from EVs. The quarter-mile came up in 15.3 seconds at 90 mph — again, not lazy, but definitely not sporty. However, in real-world driving, the ID.Buzz feels adequately zippy for urban and suburban routes. The 235-pound weight advantage over the AWD version gives it a slightly more nimble character, though the high center of gravity and soft suspension tuning still favor comfort over dynamism. This laid-back character might frustrate speed junkies, but for buyers seeking a chilled-out cruiser, it might feel just right.
Range That Disappoints and Charging That Impresses
You might expect a rear-wheel-drive EV with a single motor to offer better range than its all-wheel-drive sibling, but that’s not the case here. With an EPA-estimated 234 miles, the ID.Buzz RWD version falls just short of being a proper long-distance family hauler. Compared to the dual-motor’s 231-mile rating, the difference is effectively negligible. In our own real-world 75-mph highway range test, it managed just 180 miles — 10 fewer than the dual-motor model. That’s disappointing, especially considering that range anxiety is still a real concern for buyers stepping into their first EV. On the bright side, the ID.Buzz makes up for its so-so endurance with impressively fast charging. During testing, the van peaked at a strong 204 kW and averaged 137 kW during a charge from 10 to 90 percent, taking only 33 minutes. That charging performance places it on par with the Kia EV9, one of the segment’s benchmarks. For those planning to use the Buzz for around-town commuting or as a fun second vehicle, this range might suffice, but it’s a tough sell as the primary family vehicle if frequent road trips are in the cards.
Driving Experience: Smooth and Surprising
Despite its relaxed acceleration and underwhelming range, the ID.Buzz manages to deliver a driving experience that’s pleasant and, in some ways, surprisingly refined. The steering is light but direct, and the turning circle is impressively tight for such a long van, making it a breeze to maneuver in urban environments. What really stood out, however, was the ride quality. The suspension soaks up potholes and broken pavement with the grace of a much more luxurious vehicle. At highway speeds, the van remains composed and quiet, with wind noise only starting to intrude near the triple-digit top speed, which is electronically limited to 101 mph. On a test track, the Buzz even managed to impress with 0.83 g of lateral grip on the skidpad, outperforming its dual-motor sibling. Braking was also respectable, stopping from 70 mph in 165 feet — not sports car territory, but certainly confidence-inspiring for a van of this size. The biggest letdown dynamically is the regen braking system, which lacks consistency. Comfort mode offers no noticeable regen, while Sport adds a modest amount. To maximize regenerative braking, you must manually switch from Drive to the “B” setting, which adds a bit more deceleration when lifting off the throttle.
Interior: Clever, Playful, and Packed with Light
Step inside the ID.Buzz, and the mood instantly lifts. This isn’t just a sea of dark plastics and utilitarian shapes — it’s a bright, airy space with thoughtful details and a hint of playfulness. The Dune interior package in our test vehicle features a combination of light tones and clever textures, channeling a modern IKEA vibe with just the right touch of fun. The cabin feels expansive, especially up front, where the massive windshield wraps around and thin A-pillars maximize visibility. The dashboard design is refreshingly minimal, and the low cowl gives a commanding view of the road. This is, without exaggeration, one of the best interiors Volkswagen has made in decades. It recalls the quality and thoughtfulness of VW’s golden era — think early-2000s Passat and Golf models — but now reinterpreted through a futuristic, sustainable lens. Storage space is everywhere, and USB-C ports abound, though surprisingly, the second-row seats lack cupholders. With 17 cupholders in the Atlas, VW knows how to do beverages, so this omission in a people-mover is baffling. The third-row seats are removable but don’t fold into the floor, which might limit utility for some families.
Infotainment Frustrations and Digital Glitches
While the interior scores high marks for design and ergonomics, the infotainment system is more of a mixed bag. On the plus side, smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto works flawlessly. The system also excels at quickly pairing multiple phones and switching between them for music or navigation. The 12.9-inch center touchscreen is bright, clear, and logically laid out — but marred by some frustrating usability quirks. Chief among these is the touch-slider volume control beneath the display, which is awkward to use and lacks any haptic feedback. Another irritant is the satellite-radio interface, which locks you out with a warning to “Please focus on driving” if you try to browse more than a few stations at once. It’s an ironic feature in a vehicle that encourages relaxed, leisurely cruising. Other quirks include the occasionally sluggish system response and inconsistent menu structure. VW’s digital instrument cluster, on the other hand, is crisp and useful, giving you just the right amount of information without overwhelming the driver. The optional head-up display included in our Pro S Plus test model added another layer of helpful data at a glance, further enhancing the driving experience — when everything worked as intended.
Space, Comfort, and Real-World Utility
From a functionality perspective, the ID.Buzz delivers what you expect from a modern minivan, albeit with a few compromises. Seating for seven is standard, with second-row captain’s chairs and a removable third-row bench. Passenger space is generous in all three rows, and legroom is particularly notable in the second row, thanks to the long 127.5-inch wheelbase. However, the third row is best suited to kids or shorter adults for anything beyond a short trip. Unlike some rivals, the third-row seats don’t fold flat into the floor, meaning you’ll have to wrestle them out entirely to maximize cargo space. Once removed, they reveal a subfloor with fabric-lined storage bins — a unique solution, though less convenient than a folding setup. Behind the third row, cargo capacity is a modest 19 cubic feet, but this expands to 76 with the seats down and up to 146 cubic feet with both rear rows stowed or removed. This makes the Buzz a strong contender for families with gear or small-business owners looking for a stylish, zero-emission cargo hauler. It’s not the most space-efficient van on the market, but the flexibility is there if you’re willing to work with its limitations.
Price Tag vs. Value: Still a Premium Proposition
The ID.Buzz is not cheap. Even the base Pro S starts at $61,545, and our tester rang up at $66,040 with the Pro S Plus package and the two-tone paint option. If you spring for the First Edition or opt for the more powerful dual-motor configuration, you’re looking at over $70,000. That’s luxury SUV money, and while the Buzz offers a lot in the way of design and charisma, its limited range and average performance metrics may give some buyers pause. The single-motor setup saves you $4500 versus the dual-motor version, but that’s a relatively small discount considering there’s no substantial improvement in efficiency or driving range. Factor in the federal tax credit (for those who qualify), and the price becomes a bit more palatable — but it’s still a premium offering in a segment typically defined by value and practicality. That said, there is undeniable emotional appeal here. You’re not just buying transportation — you’re buying a lifestyle statement, a rolling conversation piece, and a piece of automotive history made new again. For buyers who value these intangibles, the ID.Buzz might just be worth every penny.
Verdict: A Joyful Nostalgic Journey with Limits
In many ways, the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is exactly what we hoped for: a lovable, nostalgic reimagining of the Microbus that adds joy to the daily commute and gets noticed wherever it goes. The styling is iconic, the interior is imaginative, and the overall execution feels fresh and friendly. However, as a practical electric minivan, it still has room for improvement. The single-motor version doesn’t offer better range than the dual-motor model, and its performance lags behind. While recharging is fast and ride comfort is excellent, the vehicle’s real-world utility is hampered by a third-row that doesn’t fold away and a high price that excludes many families. It’s not the most rational choice — but then again, neither was the original Bus. For buyers who value character, comfort, and uniqueness over cold, hard metrics, the ID.Buzz will hit the sweet spot. It’s not about getting there the fastest — it’s about smiling every mile along the way. And in that mission, the ID.Buzz succeeds brilliantly, even if it takes the slower road to get there.
(image source : top gear)
