What’s the Buzz?
3/5/2025
Road trip.
That’s what I imagined when I hopped into the new Volkswagen I.D. Buzz.
Yet, my setup was lacking. I didn’t wear flowery bell bottoms, bring a stack of 8-track tapes, or invite a bevy of friends with Grateful Dead concert tickets.
The 2025 VW I.D. Buzz promises nostalgia with the VW van of yesterday. But this model is far from the original, aroma-wafting hippie van.
The first-edition Buzz is all-electric and stands out among clunky minivans and an over-saturated SUV market.
For starters, it comes in a five-color palette that’s not gray. The Energetic Orange with candy white exterior resembles a creamsicle popsicle. Inside, the “dune” and white steering wheel and dash create a bright and airy feel as opposed to dark interiors. Other colors include Cabana Blue, Mahi Green, Pomelo Yello and Metrosilver Metallic.
One feature that immediately stood out was the gigantic front windshield. This deep windshield offers a widescreen and unobstructed view of the great outdoors.
It sits fairly low to the ground and is easy to get into. As with other electric vehicles, the start-up is smooth with no lag when accelerating.
The center console cup holder flips up for more room in the center. Here, you can pack your lunch and other essentials.
The 12.9-inch touchscreen navigation takes care of your needs. One exciting find was the massaging seats mode. There is nothing better than someone — or something, in this case — rubbing your lower back on a long trip.
Hands-free technology is also available. Just tell the Buzz you are cold, and the heat will notch up a few degrees. Remember the key word first — “Hello I.D.” — before any command. No, it is not Alexa, Siri or Google; it is just another bot designed to confuse you.
Three rows of seating and passenger amenities are abundant with cupholders, spacious cubbies, USB ports and LED reading lights. A 115-volt power outlet under the front passenger seat comes in handy. Music lovers will appreciate the 13 Harman Kardon speakers positioned throughout the vehicle to crank up those Janis Joplin tunes and get the groove going.
Need more room in the back? Just fold down the third- or second-row seats. Plus, if you need a place to crash, fold down both seats and whip out your sleeping bag for a snug slumber.
The all-electric engine with its 91-kwh battery gets about 234 miles on a charge. Wonder where the nearest EV charging station is? Consult the “Nav EV,” which shows updated maps, traffic jams and charging stations.
The panoramic fixed roof means you can’t crank the top open. Yet, it does provide electrochromic smart dimming to keep the hot sun out.
The I.D. Buzz offers a unique and entertaining drive. The big windshield, along with the whimsical colors, provides a throwback to the old VW minibus. As people crave nostalgia, it also comes with a price — $72,385. Other models start at $60,000.
The I.D. Buzz is guaranteed to turn heads and provide adventure on your next road trip. ♦
