Change This, Not That: 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz

Key Takeaways:

• The ID. Buzz revives the classic VW bus in an electric form.
• Offers versatile six- or seven-passenger configurations with rear- or all-wheel drive.
• Delivers strong performance, especially in winter conditions.
• The vibrant exterior contrasts with a surprisingly ordinary interior.
• Electric range decreases significantly when heating is used in cold weather.

A Modern Revival of a Classic

Volkswagen has resurrected the spirit of its iconic VW bus with the 2025 ID. Buzz, an all-electric van that blends nostalgic design with modern technology. Available in six- or seven-passenger configurations and offering rear- or all-wheel drive options, the ID. Buzz aims to capture the hearts of both vintage enthusiasts and contemporary drivers.

Eye-Catching Exterior Design

The ID. Buzz makes a bold statement on the road with its funky and colorful exterior. Sporting vivid hues like greens, yellows, reds, and blues, it commands attention wherever it goes.

“Everyone that sees it wants to stop and stare,” notes the driver.

The two-tone Cherry Red and Metro Silver model exemplifies this head-turning appeal, harkening back to the original VW buses that became cultural icons.

Underwhelming Interior Experience

Stepping inside, however, the excitement diminishes. Despite the promise of the exterior, the interior design feels unexpectedly conventional.

“Unfortunately, when I hopped in it felt mostly…normal,” the reviewer laments.

The lack of vibrant colors and innovative design elements inside contrasts sharply with the outside, leaving a sense of missed opportunity to fully embrace the vehicle’s retro-modern ethos.

Performance on the Road

Beyond aesthetics, the ID. Buzz impresses with its performance. The all-wheel-drive variant tested comes equipped with a front motor, generating a robust 335 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. This power translates to confident acceleration, whether passing traffic on the highway or moving from a standstill at a red light.

During a harsh Michigan winter, the ID. Buzz showcased its capabilities.

Despite the frozen half-inch of snow and ice on the ground, the hefty Buzz… stuck to the roadway, plodding along and stopping when called upon without a hitch.

Weighing in at around 6,000 pounds, its stability and traction in icy conditions provide reassurance for drivers facing similar climates.

Size and Practicality

While spacious, the vehicle’s large dimensions raise questions about practicality. The six-seat configuration tested offers ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, but perhaps more space than necessary.

“It could be a little smaller… if it shrunk 15 percent,” suggests the reviewer.

Reducing the size could maintain comfort while improving efficiency and maneuverability without sacrificing the cool factor or electric range.

Technology and Interface Challenges

The ID. Buzz’s modern aspirations extend to its technology suite, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display. Yet, the lack of physical buttons, especially for climate control, poses a learning curve.

“It’s not easy to understand at first glance… even for someone who test drives cars for a living.”

Functions like fan speed and air distribution require navigating menus, which can be distracting and unintuitive, detracting from the overall user experience.

Electric Range Concerns

Electric vehicles often face challenges with range in cold weather, and the ID. Buzz is no exception. Initially displaying an impressive range of 232 miles, turning on the heater in 17-degree temperatures caused a significant drop.

“It quickly dropped to around 150 miles,” the driver observes.

While the range can recover when the heating demands decrease, this fluctuation may cause anxiety for drivers in colder regions and highlights the need for more accurate range predictions in future models.

Conclusion: A Mix of Old and New

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz delivers a blend of nostalgia and innovation, bringing back the beloved VW bus in an electric package. Its striking exterior and solid performance showcase Volkswagen’s commitment to the evolving automotive landscape. However, the lackluster interior, user interface issues, and concerns about size and electric range indicate there is still room for refinement.

As the automotive industry progresses, addressing these areas could make the ID. Buzz not just a nod to the past but a true icon for the future.