Volkswagen ID.Buzz: The Retro Revival for an Electric Future

The much-anticipated all-electric Volkswagen ID.Buzz has officially arrived in the United States, bringing with it a surge of nostalgia and excitement. With roots tracing back to the iconic Volkswagen Bus, the ID.Buzz aims to resurrect the classic model’s charisma while driving forward into an electrified future. This new halo vehicle from Volkswagen doesn't just look back; it embraces the retro styling of its predecessor while integrating cutting-edge technology and a forward-thinking approach.

A Symbol of Nostalgia Meets Modern Technology

Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz made a striking debut on the scenic streets of San Francisco—a city known for its progressive mindset, technology-driven culture, and its historical embrace of peace, love, and the counterculture movement. This setting was a perfect match for the ID.Buzz, which hopes to recapture the hearts of those who admired the original VW Bus, a cultural icon of the 1960s and 1970s that sold millions of units worldwide.

With its familiar, yet modernized, boxy silhouette, the ID.Buzz is undeniably eye-catching. While driving through the city, the retro-chic design of the van turned heads and attracted plenty of smiles, waving hands, and curious questions from pedestrians and onlookers. The Volkswagen ID.Buzz's homage to its predecessor is more than just skin deep—it’s an attempt to blend classic character with a modern, electric driving experience, appealing to both seasoned VW fans and new-age electric vehicle enthusiasts.

First Impressions: A Standout Look That Captivates

When it comes to design, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz can only be described as “delightfully distinctive.” From its tall, boxy profile to its oversized VW emblems, the ID.Buzz is immediately recognizable and exudes a playfully nostalgic aura. Available in a wide variety of paint colors—including numerous two-tone roof-and-body combinations—the vehicle stands out in a market often filled with vehicles that blend into the crowd. The ID.Buzz has made its presence known as a love letter to its iconic predecessor, while still boldly asserting itself as a modern EV.

The ID.Buzz is offered in three distinct trim levels, allowing for customization based on personal preferences and needs. The base trim, named the Pro S, comes equipped with 20-inch wheels, power-folding mirrors, and seating for up to seven passengers, thanks to a middle-row bench seat. The Pro S Plus trim provides additional versatility, offering a choice between a standard middle-row bench seat or optional middle-row captain's chairs—a $695 upgrade available exclusively on the rear-wheel-drive (RWD) models. It also features conveniences like power sliding rear doors, a retractable tow hitch, and the Flexboard storage solution, providing a flat load floor with the rear seats folded down. For those seeking an open-air vibe, an electrochromic panoramic glass roof is available for $1,495.

The Exclusive 1st Edition: Going All-In on Nostalgia

To celebrate the debut of the ID.Buzz, Volkswagen has released a limited-run trim—the 1st Edition. Building upon the Pro S Plus trim, this exclusive version adds unique wheels, roof rail crossbars, and subtle but distinctive 1st Edition badging. It also includes the electrochromic roof as standard equipment. These thoughtful touches make the 1st Edition a more collectible version for those looking to own a piece of automotive nostalgia that truly stands out.

Driving Dynamics: Charm with a Few Quirks

In terms of driving dynamics, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is, at its core, a cruiser rather than a performance machine. Designed to evoke a sense of freedom and joy rather than offer sporty, sharp handling, the ID.Buzz provides a comfortable and leisurely driving experience. During the day-long test drive, the vehicle delivered a smooth and cushioned ride, gliding over the San Francisco streets with ease. That said, the driving dynamics do come across as a bit quirky, with noticeable body roll in sharp turns—a side effect of its tall, boxy design and substantial weight.

The electric powertrain, however, does deliver quick acceleration from a standstill, typical of most EVs. The ID.Buzz features rear-wheel drive and a single electric motor, producing around 282 horsepower. While this output is more than adequate for everyday city driving and cruising, the van’s size and weight can make it feel slightly cumbersome on tight, twisty roads. As a family-friendly cruiser, it excels in delivering a calm, predictable ride, though enthusiasts seeking a more dynamic experience might find it a tad underwhelming.

Interior Experience: Looks Over Touch

The interior of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a testament to playful design, but it’s not without its flaws. The cabin is available in three distinct color palettes: Copper, Dune, and Moonlight, each designed to add a bit of visual excitement to the space. Despite these appealing colors, the interior materials leave much to be desired. The heavy use of hard plastic throughout the cabin detracts from the premium feel one might expect from a vehicle of this price range. While the seats, armrests, and steering wheel feature soft-touch materials, much of the rest of the interior is dominated by plastic—an unfortunate drawback for an otherwise exciting vehicle.

However, the ID.Buzz offers a variety of tech features that help to enhance the overall experience. The dashboard features a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is both responsive and easy to use, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. A 5.3-inch digital instrument cluster is also present, displaying key information directly in the driver’s line of sight. Additionally, the Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims include a premium sound system that delivers rich, clear audio—perfect for blasting your favorite classic rock tunes as you relive the glory days of the original VW Bus.

Range and Charging: A Key Consideration

One area where the Volkswagen ID.Buzz may fall short for some prospective buyers is its electric driving range. The vehicle is estimated to offer around 260 miles of range on a full charge, which is respectable but not class-leading. While this range is suitable for city driving and short road trips, those planning longer adventures might find themselves needing to plan around charging stops more frequently than they’d like.

Charging, however, is made convenient with support for DC fast charging. The ID.Buzz can recharge from 10% to 80% in roughly 30 minutes when using a 150-kW DC fast charger, making it feasible to top up quickly during a lunch stop. Volkswagen also offers access to the Electrify America charging network, providing a broad range of charging locations across the U.S. for added convenience. Still, potential buyers should consider whether the available range meets their specific lifestyle needs, particularly if they envision using the ID.Buzz for long-haul road trips.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Volkswagen has equipped the ID.Buzz with an impressive array of safety and driver assistance features designed to provide peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike. Standard features include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims add lane-keeping assist and a 360-degree camera system, making it easier to navigate tight spaces and avoid obstacles.

Additionally, Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite is available, offering advanced features like lane centering, predictive adaptive cruise control, and travel assist, which provides semi-autonomous driving capabilities on highways. These features help enhance the vehicle’s usability as a practical family hauler, contributing to a relaxed and enjoyable driving experience—particularly on longer journeys.

Price and Value: A Premium for Nostalgia

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz comes with a premium price tag, reflecting both its unique status as a nostalgic reincarnation of an iconic vehicle and the advanced electric technology it packs. Pricing for the base Pro S trim starts around $68,000, with the Pro S Plus trim coming in closer to $72,000. The 1st Edition, being a limited-run model with exclusive features, is priced even higher.

For those seeking a combination of modern electric technology, classic charm, and the utility of a family-friendly vehicle, the ID.Buzz offers a unique proposition. However, the price may be a sticking point for some, particularly when compared to other electric vehicles that offer longer range or more luxurious interiors at similar or lower price points. That said, for buyers who value nostalgia, distinctive styling, and the heritage of the VW Bus, the ID.Buzz is likely to be worth the investment.

Final Verdict: A Symbol of Joy with Modern Electric Capabilities

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is, without a doubt, a vehicle that tugs at the heartstrings. Its bold, nostalgic design and nod to the past make it a standout in the current automotive landscape, particularly in an era dominated by crossovers and SUVs that often look strikingly similar. While the ID.Buzz may not be the most practical or affordable electric vehicle on the market, it offers something that few others do: character, charm, and a strong connection to the past, all while embracing a sustainable future.

The driving experience may not be perfect, and the range could be longer, but the ID.Buzz is more about the journey than the destination. It’s a vehicle that makes you smile—whether you’re behind the wheel or simply watching it drive by. For those seeking a unique and joyful driving experience that bridges the gap between past and future, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is a remarkable choice.

FAQs About the Volkswagen ID.Buzz

What is the range of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz?

The Volkswagen ID.Buzz offers an estimated electric driving range of around 260 miles on a full charge. This range is suitable for city driving and shorter road trips, but it may require careful planning for longer journeys.

How many passengers can the ID.Buzz seat?

The ID.Buzz offers seating for up to seven passengers, thanks to its flexible interior layout. Depending on the trim level, buyers can choose between a middle-row bench seat or captain's chairs for added comfort.

What safety features does the Volkswagen ID.Buzz include?

The ID.Buzz comes equipped with a wide range of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims also feature lane-keeping assist, a 360-degree camera system, and Volkswagen's IQ.DRIVE suite for semi-autonomous driving assistance.

Is the Volkswagen ID.Buzz available in different trims?

Yes, the ID.Buzz is available in three trims: Pro S, Pro S Plus, and the limited 1st Edition. Each trim offers unique features and varying levels of equipment to suit different preferences and needs.

How much does the Volkswagen ID.Buzz cost?

The base Pro S trim starts at approximately $68,000, while the Pro S Plus is priced around $72,000. The limited-run 1st Edition trim is available at a higher price point, reflecting its exclusive features and collectibility.