Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Professional S Plus 4Motion
Specs
Class: Minivan
Nation of Manufacture: Germany
Shade:Energetic Orange
Miles pushed: 173
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | A |
| Energy and Efficiency | A |
| Match and End | B |
| Gasoline Economic system | A |
| Worth | C |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation scores are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 335-horsepower |
| Engine Kind | Twin electrical motors |
| Transmission | Computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Battery capability: 86 kWh
EPA-estimate MPGe: 87 metropolis/74 hwy/80 mixed
EPA-estimated driving vary: 231 miles
Client Information vary estimate (ultimate situations): 275+ miles
Cost Port Location: Rear passenger-side fender
Snow Efficiency: N/A
Base worth: $67,995 (not together with $1550 vacation spot cost)
Choices on check automobile: 2-tone paint ($995)
Worth as examined: $70,540
Professionals and Cons
The nice: Temper-improving design, roomy and cozy cabin, enjoyable to drive
The nice: Nice outward visibility, inside quietness
The not so good: Restricted battery vary, disappointing cargo area aft of Third-row seatbacks
Assessment
Relying on once you first turned conscious of Volkswagen’s intentions to provide a Microbus-revival minivan, it’s potential you’ve been ready for this attention-grabbing household hauler for fairly some time.
Microbus Idea Automobiles
Volkswagen first confirmed a retro minivan on the 2001 Detroit Auto Present, greater than 20 years in the past. Although the Bulli Idea was not an electrical automobile (EV), it was each trendy trying and fairly trustworthy to VW’s design heritage.
The German maker once more teased model followers, this time with the ID. Buzz Idea, additionally revealed in Detroit, this time in 2017. The “Buzz” was meant to be an electrical automobile from the beginning, however its arrival within the U.S. as a manufacturing mannequin was delayed by plenty of obstacles, together with company infighting over which variations of the van had been greatest suited to the U.S. market. (Solely the long-wheelbase model of the ID. Buzz is exported to the U.S., whereas European prospects even have entry to a considerably tidier, less-expensive model of the van.)
Given the electrical van’s retro-fun design, and normal get together angle, it got here as no shock that consumers, fanatics, and members of the media, referred to as loudly for manufacturing of the ID. Buzz, and, in fact, availability within the U.S.
Sluggish Gross sales
However American automotive consumers might be unpredictable, and regardless of the thrill previous the ID. Buzz retail launch late final yr, gross sales in 2025 have been disappointing. By way of the primary three quarters of ’25, VW has offered fewer than 5000 examples of its electrical minivan. Throughout the identical interval, Toyota put greater than 75,000 Sienna minivans in American garages.
Remembering the New Beetle
Be aware that Volkswagen has loved nostalgia-based mannequin success earlier than. The German maker efficiently peddled greater than 1,000,000 New Beatles within the U.S. between 1998 and 2010, and a pair hundred thousand extra dubbed merely “Beetle” after that. This although the New Beetle had nearly nothing in widespread with the unique VW Kind 1, besides its scarab-like silhouette.
ID Buzz Gross sales Boundaries
There are just a few elements working in opposition to the ID. Buzz acceptance nonetheless, and we’ll tackle every of those:
- It’s electrical
- It’s costly
- It’s shy on cargo area
- Its battery vary is disappointing
However, within the van’s protection, it is usually a pleasure to drive.
Halo Automotive
In a dialog with this writer on a latest episode of the Client Information Automotive Stuff Podcast, Volkswagen Head of Communications (since retired) Mark Gillies defined that the ID. Buzz was by no means meant to be a quantity vendor, however as an alternative a boutique mannequin meant to function a halo product for the model. You may take heed to that dialog right here.
In that dialog, Gillies famous that regardless of the Buzz’s early gradual gross sales, the maker has no plan to supply a gasoline or fuel/electrical hybrid variations of the van. The ID. Buzz was designed to be an electrical automobile.
Costs and Trim Ranges
For 2025, the ID Buzz is obtainable in three trim ranges:
- Professional S ($61,545)
- Professional S Plus ($65,045)
- 1st Version ($68,040)
We count on the 1st Version mannequin to vanish for 2026, seemingly to get replaced by a special-edition trim degree of some kind.
Engines
Professional S fashions characteristic a single rear-axle motor rated at 282 horsepower, and are EPA estimated to journey 234 miles on a single cost. Professional S Plus and 1st Version Buzz variants characteristic entrance and rear motors (making them AWD) and are rated at a mixed 335 horsepower, and journey 234 miles on a full cost. All fashions draw energy from a normal 86-kWh battery.
Commonplace Tools
All three fashions come properly outfitted with a full complement of security equipment and worthwhile equipment. Professional S Plus and 1st Version additionally embrace head-up instrumentation, Harman Kardon-brand premium audio, overhead-view digicam, and a nifty cargo-area storage system (see image beneath), amongst different options.
Shade Availability
Sadly–including to the impression that that the van is pricey–one of many ID. Buzz’s signature traits, it’s enjoyable shade palette, is proscribed on base fashions. Professional S consumers have solely two 2-tone selections, blue and white, and purple and grey. And, as seen above, stepping as much as the following trim degree provides $4000 to the underside line, PLUS the price of the 2-tone paint choice ($995).
Check Automotive
Client Information not too long ago spent every week behind the wheel of a 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Professional S Plus trim that includes the perky Energetic Orange and Sweet White 2-tone paint scheme. All advised, together with vacation spot cost, our check van got here to $70,540.
As famous above, we’re eager to deal with what we imagine are the obstacles to market acceptance of VW’s plucky minivan, and share our ideas on the matter. First, the electrical factor…
It’s Electrical
With U.S. EV market share operating about eight % of whole new-vehicle gross sales, any electrical automotive or crossover is hampered by its enchantment being restricted to only a fraction of the American car-shopping public.
That stated, VW clearly believed that the ID. Buzz’s enjoyable design, spunky angle, and, in the end, actual practicality, would assist clear that market hurdle. And, to some extent, being the one electrical product within the minivan phase may very well be seen as a gross sales asset.
And whereas minivan prospects might typically be a practical—and cost-conscious—bunch of automotive consumers, and unlikely to experiment with plug-in energy, there’s a lot concerning the ID. Buzz being electrical that makes it a wonderful minivan.
Merely, the ID. Buzz is the quickest, quietest, most rewarding to drive van minivan. Along with its EV attributes, the Buzz can be fast dealing with, clean using, and encompasses a contemporary tackle automotive inside design. The ID Buzz is the form of automobile that sells itself on the check drive.
It’s Costly
Sure it’s. Whereas the surprisingly nice and succesful 2025 Kia Carnival boasts a beginning worth simply over $38,000, the ID Buzz kicks in at a sobering $61,545. Clearly, Volkswagen believes that the Buzz’s joyful demeanor and funky styling command a worth premium, however we doubt most minivan consumers are ready to increase the quantity of their month-to-month funds by 50 % or extra for the sake of a little bit further enjoyable.
Certainly, the enchantment of the ID. Buzz is more likely to sporty- and luxury-car consumers on the lookout for new high-profile trip. To such consumers, the Buzz’s actual utility might show to be an asset, except stated of us regard practicality as demerit.
It’s shy on cargo area
The ID Buzz boasts all kinds of passenger room, and can make six grownup passengers very pleased, even on lengthy journeys. Nonetheless, VW’s electrical van is in need of area aft of the threerd row. What the van can’t do, is transport six folks on an extended journey, and all of their baggage. For five- and 6-person households with road-trip trip aspirations, this lack of cargo-area area is probably going a deal breaker. And that’s a disgrace, as a result of the van is a lot enjoyable to journey in. For inside dimensions in comparison with different minivans, click on right here.
Its battery vary is disappointing
Frankly, we had hoped for larger vary from the ID Buzz’s comparatively giant battery. And, throughout a interval of pleasant Chicago-summer climate we loved a lot better-than-advertised vary. However in the end, vacationers and weekend-getaway varieties will discover the German EV’s vary an inconvenience.
Now, positioned into largely native “soccer-mom” service, the ID. Buzz will shine, serving up all of the utility a busy household would possibly want, plus low-cost and handy dwelling charging. That stated, we predict the Buzz would promote appreciably higher had been the vary estimate nearer to 300 miles, even at present costs.
Worth
Whereas the ID Buzz’s worth to conventional minivan prospects is blunted by its excessive worth and restricted vary, the van is in any other case an absolute delight to drive and be seen in. We admire the brilliant, ethereal, and cozy cabin, in addition to the fast acceleration and sporty dealing with.
Had been it not for the worth and vary, we’d identify the ID. Buzz to our annual Finest Purchase record. Frankly, we envy anybody who could make this rolling pleasure machine part of their every day lives. It’s a fantastic van, and it makes onlookers smile. That’s one thing few crossovers can do.
Take heed to the Automotive Stuff Podcast
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
