### The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz: A Contemporary Interpretation of a Timeless Classic
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz has emerged as one of the most awaited electric vehicles (EVs) in recent history, and rightly so. With its retro-inspired aesthetics, roomy cabin, and fully electric powertrain, the ID. Buzz is not merely a tribute to the past but also a daring leap into the evolving landscape of transportation. After an extensive seven-year wait, the North American variant of the ID. Buzz is finally poised to arrive at dealerships in November 2024. Let’s take a closer look at the aspects that make this electric minivan stand out and the reasons behind the lengthy delay.
#### A Nostalgic Echo, Transformed for Tomorrow
Volkswagen initially presented the ID. Buzz concept at the 2017 New York International Auto Show, capturing the attention of both automotive enthusiasts and electric vehicle aficionados. The design of the ID. Buzz represents a contemporary reimagining of the legendary VW Microbus (also referred to as the Kombi), which became a cultural icon during the 1960s and 1970s. However, distinct from earlier attempts to resurrect the Microbus, VW has fully committed to bringing this concept into production, primarily due to the advancements in its cutting-edge flexible electric vehicle platform.
The ID. Buzz is integral to VW’s extensive shift towards electric mobility, a strategy that gained traction following the company’s notorious Dieselgate controversy. The foundation that supports the ID. Buzz is the same as that used in other VW electric models, like the ID.4 crossover, but the Buzz introduces something distinct: a spacious, family-oriented electric minivan with a design that differentiates itself amidst a crowd of increasingly homogenized SUVs.
#### What Caused the Delay?
The path from concept to reality has been a protracted one for the ID. Buzz, particularly for the North American audience. While a short-wheelbase variant of the ID. Buzz was launched in Europe in 2022, it wasn’t until 2024 that the long-wheelbase, three-row version tailored for the U.S. market was ready for rolls out. A significant factor contributing to this delay was the creation of VW’s new rear-drive unit, which made its debut with the 2024 ID.4.
This new powertrain features a permanent magnet synchronous motor that produces 40% more power and 30% more torque compared to older systems. In the ID. Buzz, this results in 282 horsepower (210 kW) and 413 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque, more than sufficient to move the nearly 6,000-pound (2,707 kg) minivan. However, while the ID. Buzz delivers performance, it is not engineered for speed enthusiasts. Instead, it provides a smooth and enjoyable driving experience, ideal for families and long-distance travels.
#### Behind the Wheel of the ID. Buzz: A Bay Area Experience
During a recent test drive around the San Francisco Bay Area, the ID. Buzz certainly turned heads. Its inviting and friendly design, highlighted by gentle curves and a “smiling” front end, sharply contrasted with the bold styling of numerous modern SUVs. The vehicle’s driving characteristics were just as agreeable. While it adeptly navigated winding roads with unexpected agility, it’s evident that this vehicle is designed for leisurely cruising rather than aggressive driving.
The rear-wheel-drive (RWD) variant of the ID. Buzz, known as the Buzz Pro S, begins at $59,995. It is equipped with an 86 kWh usable battery (91 kWh gross), allowing for an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles (377 km). Although this range is sufficient for the majority of daily commutes, it might raise concerns among some prospective buyers, particularly considering the vehicle’s substantial frontal area and relatively high drag coefficient of 0.29.
For those seeking enhanced performance or preferring all-wheel drive (AWD), VW provides a dual-motor variant featuring 335 horsepower (250 kW). This AWD version has a starting price of $67,995 and a slightly reduced EPA range of 231 miles (376 km). Both configurations support rapid charging capabilities up to 200 kW, enabling a 10-80% recharge in just 26 minutes.
#### Comfort and Functionality of the Interior
One of the exceptional aspects of the ID. Buzz is its spacious and adaptable interior. The three-row layout offers ample accommodation for passengers, with the middle row available as either a three-person bench or two captain’s chairs (standard with AWD). The third row stands out, offering sufficient room for adults to sit comfortably—a rarity in many contemporary SUVs and minivans.
The interior design is both modern and practical, featuring abundant storage compartments, cupholders, and USB-C ports (eight in total, seven of which can provide 45W of power). The driver’s seat affords a commanding view of the road, although you sit further back than in the
