SUV.ME
Volkswagen has finally pulled the curtain back on the much-anticipated 2025 ID. Buzz, an all-electric minivan that pays homage to the iconic VW Microbus.
After years of teasers and concepts, the ID. Buzz is set to make its debut in North America in 2024, bringing with it a blend of retro styling, cutting-edge technology, and eco-friendly power.
However, this nostalgic nod to the past comes with a modern price tag, starting at $61,545 USD, including a $1,550 destination charge.
A Look Under the Hood
The 2025 ID. Buzz is available in two powertrain options. The standard model features a rear-wheel-drive setup powered by a 282-horsepower motor. This variant comes with a 91-kWh battery pack, which provides an estimated range of 234 miles on a single charge.
For those seeking a bit more oomph, Volkswagen offers an all-wheel-drive version, which bumps the power up to 335 horsepower. Despite the extra power, the all-wheel-drive variant delivers a comparable range of 231 miles, making it a practical choice for those who need both performance and range.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Volkswagen has introduced three distinct trim levels for the ID. Buzz: Pro S, Pro S Plus, and 1st Edition.
- Pro S: Starting at $61,545, this base model may lack the flashy color options of its siblings but is far from “basic.” It includes 20-inch alloy wheels, animated LED head and tail lights, and a 12.9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The interior offers two color choices: Copper, featuring saddle brown upholstery with yellow piping, and Moonlight, which includes dark-brown upholstery with white piping. Heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a nine-speaker audio system are also part of the package.
- Pro S Plus: Priced at $65,045, this trim level introduces the option for two-tone exterior paint for an additional $995. It also adds a head-up display, surround-view cameras, and a 14-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system. The Pro S Plus offers more customization with all three interior color options available, including the Dune, which features light grey leatherette with orange-brown piping.
- 1st Edition: The top-of-the-line 1st Edition comes with a $67,045 price tag and is limited to the first year of production. This exclusive model is available only in specific two-tone color combinations, including Energetic Orange, Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Cabana Blue, and Metro Silver. It includes all previously optional features as standard, along with unique wheels, badging, floor mats, and some surprise gifts for the initial buyers.
Comfort and Convenience
Volkswagen has not skimped on comfort and convenience features in the ID. Buzz.
The Pro S model includes a 5.3-inch instrument screen, automatic three-zone climate control, and heated second-row outboard seats. The Pro S Plus adds even more luxury with options like a heated windshield and an electrochromic panoramic sunroof.
The ID. Buzz also comes equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive suite, offering advanced driver-assist features such as adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
Competition in the Market
The ID. Buzz enters a competitive field of three-row electric vehicles. Its primary competitor, the Kia EV9, starts at a lower price point of $56,395, offering a similar range but with less power.
However, the EV9 can be configured to achieve a greater range of 304 miles, although this still comes with less power than the VW. The Tesla Model X, another rival, offers superior performance and range but at a much higher starting price of nearly $80,000.
A New Era for a Classic Icon
The 2025 VW ID. Buzz is more than just a modern update of a beloved classic. It represents Volkswagen’s commitment to the future of electric vehicles, combining nostalgic design with the latest in EV technology.
Whether you’re drawn to it for its iconic look, its eco-friendly credentials, or its array of comfort and tech features, the ID. Buzz is set to be a standout in the growing EV market.
As this long-awaited model prepares to hit North American roads in 2024, it promises to capture the hearts of both longtime VW enthusiasts and a new generation of drivers looking for a unique blend of style, utility, and sustainability.