ID. Buzz
Electric

Surfing the Electric Tide: Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz Channels ’60s Freedom with a Modern Charge

It’s hard to believe that the beloved Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus stopped production decades ago! From its birth in the 1950s to becoming the ultimate symbol of freedom in the ‘60s, the Microbus has been etched into our hearts and pop culture. Everywhere you turn, whether in movies, retro art, or on bumper stickers, Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz channels ’60s freedom with a modern charge. 

Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz Channels ’60s Freedom with a Modern Charge        

And now, after years of admiration and fan love, Volkswagen has finally tapped into that nostalgia in a big way. It’s as if they’ve been holding back, waiting for the perfect moment to reignite the magic for a new generation of dreamers and wanderers. Volkswagen has always known how to tug at our nostalgic heartstrings. 

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The Beetle’s Comeback: A Love Letter to Vintage VW with a Modern Spin

Remember the New Beetle? When it debuted in the late ‘90s, it was like a love letter to the original Type 1 Beetle—only with a modern twist. Swapping out the rear engine for a front one and giving it a water-cooled system, VW gave the iconic Bug a fresh, new vibe. It became an instant classic, capturing the imaginations of everyone who grew up with the original—and sparking a wave of retro love for a new generation.

Bringing the new ID.Buzz EV into today’s world is a whole new kind of adventure. It’s not just about tapping into those nostalgic vibes; it’s about blending that classic, free-spirited feel with cutting-edge electric technology and modern comforts. Think safety features, refined designs, and all the tech goodies we couldn’t have even dreamed of 20 years ago—let alone back when the original bus hit the road in the ‘50s. 

Longer, Wider, and Ready for Adventure: The ID.Buzz’s New Dimensions Explained 

It was tricky doing all of this while staying true to the soul of the beloved Type 2, even as it stands toe-to-toe with the latest new wave of three-row EVs, like the Kia EV9.  It does a great job of keeping that iconic spirit alive while embracing the future! The new ID.Buzz may have grown a bit compared to its iconic predecessor, but its design still captures that classic vibe we all love. 

For perspective, the ID.Buzz stretches 195.4 inches long—nearly 27 inches more than the first-generation. It’s also wider by over 10 inches and just a tiny bit shorter in height. The wheelbase, though, is where it really stands out, measuring three feet longer than the original! 

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A Crowd Favorite: The ID.Buzz Draws Attention Everywhere It Goes 

If you’re comparing it to a more modern ride, the ID.Buzz is a little shorter and narrower than a Honda Odyssey, but it’s got a nice, tall stance, towering over it by 6.6 inches. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern-day flair! During Car and Driver’s test drive of the ID.Buzz, one thing that stood out was how instantly recognizable it was to kids of all ages. 

One young onlooker excitedly exclaimed, “Look, Mom! Is that Fillmore?”—a nod to the beloved Bus from the movie Cars. Everywhere it went, the ID.Buzz drew attention, with people eager to check it out up close, both inside and out. Its nostalgic charm clearly hasn’t faded, and it still sparks joy and curiosity in every generation.

Electric Power with a Punch: Exploring the ID.Buzz’s Two Powertrain Options 

The ID.Buzz is an all-electric dream, built on Volkswagen’s updated Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform—the same one that powers popular models like the VW ID.4 and the Audi Q4 e-tron. There are two powertrains to choose from: a rear-wheel-drive option with a single electric motor delivering 282 horsepower, and an all-wheel-drive version packing two motors for a punchier 335 horses. 

Car and Driver took the latter for a spin, and it didn’t disappoint. The 86.0-kWh battery provides up to 234 miles of range in the single-motor setup and 231 miles for the dual-motor. However, during the 75-mph highway test with the all-wheel-drive model, the range landed at 190 miles. Still, this EV manages to mix power with practicality while keeping that signature Volkswagen charm.

Hear That? It’s the ID.Buzz Blending Serenity with Speed! 

At low speeds and when idling, the ID.Buzz creates a near-silent experience that might leave those new to electric vehicles scratching their heads. As speed picks up, so does the sound inside, with a cozy hum registering around 70 decibels at 70 mph. That’s just a smidge louder than both the Odyssey and the EV9. 

The ID.Buzz’s spacious and upright front design likely plays a role in this gentle increase in interior noise, adding a bit of character to the ride. Whether cruising through city streets or gliding down the highway, the ID.Buzz offers a unique blend of peace and presence! The ID.Buzz offers a delightful surprise with its zippy electric powertrain, zooming to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. 

Everyday Adventures: The ID.Buzz Shines on the Open Road! 

That’s a full second faster than the Honda Odyssey, making it a fun ride to take out on the road. While the Kia EV9 might edge it out by another second, the Buzz holds its own with a quarter-mile time of 14.2 seconds, leaving the Odyssey trailing by 0.9 seconds and falling just shy of the EV9’s pace.

This energetic van doesn’t just stop at speed—it delivers a driving experience that’s both engaging and smooth. With responsive steering and a stable chassis, it handles corners with confidence. It achieved a solid grip of 0.80 g on the skidpad, offering just a hint of understeer. While it’s tempting to push the limits, the ID.Buzz shines best in everyday adventures rather than high-octane thrills. 

Bobbing Through Bliss: A Smooth Ride Awaits in the ID.Buzz

Perfect for cruising through town or hitting the open road, it’s all about enjoying the journey! In the ID.Buzz, comfort takes center stage, especially in everyday driving situations. Sure, you might notice a gentle bobbing sensation on softly rolling roads, but it’s all part of the experience—think of it as a playful dance rather than a rollercoaster ride! This little quirk might feel a bit more pronounced in the shorter wheelbase versions available in other markets, but it adds to the character of the ride.

The brake pedal has a bit of personality that new drivers might want to get acquainted with. Instead of an immediate response, the initial bite feels more like a gentle nudge, followed by a longer travel before everything syncs up for a smooth stop. It’s likely due to the way the regenerative braking is set up, so once drivers learn the ropes, they’ll be ready to roll with confidence!

Hippie Vibes, Modern Touch: ID.Buzz Strikes the Perfect Chord

Overall, the ID.Buzz blends comfort and quirks beautifully, making every drive a delightful journey. With its spacious, flat floor—thanks to the nifty drive shaftless battery-electric powertrain—the ID.Buzz maximizes interior space like a dream! The design leans into minimalism but never feels lacking; it strikes the perfect balance between style and simplicity

The crew’s test drive showcased the delightful Dune color scheme, where creamy off-white meets warm tan accents for a look that’s both inviting and chic. Volkswagen also offers two more captivating themes: Copper and Moonlight, adding even more personality to this charming ride. It’s refreshing to see how the designers resisted the temptation to overload the interior with retro graphics or overly nostalgic hippie symbols. Instead, they’ve crafted a space that invites creativity and joy. 

Heritage and Innovation: Infotainment That Speaks to Every Generation!

The ID.Buzz offers a fantastic array of adjustments, ensuring you find that sweet spot for supportive comfort. The instrument panel and infotainment system deliver that classic Volkswagen vibe we know and love. While the haptic controls still have a bit of a learning curve, recent enhancements in the 2024 ID lineup make them more user-friendly. 

With just two switches for the windows, you’ll need to toggle a third one for the rear sliding windows—an interesting choice that has made its way over from the ID.4. It’s a quirky feature, but a ride can benefit from a bit of personality, right? Overall, the ID.Buzz invites drivers to enjoy the journey in style and comfort, making every adventure feel like a breath of fresh air.

Trims to Fit Every Taste: Explore the ID.Buzz Lineup! 

The ID.Buzz comes in three exciting trims: Pro S, Pro S Plus, and the exclusive launch-only First Edition, making it easy for drivers to find their perfect match. You can also choose from three classic exterior colors—Metro Silver, Candy White, or Deep Black Pearl—plus a vibrant selection of eight two-tone combinations. Our delightful Pro S Plus all-wheel-drive model sported the eye-catching Candy White and Mahi Green combo, turning heads wherever it went!

For those seeking a touch of magic, the innovative electrochromic glass roof, which can change tint at the flick of a switch, is an irresistible addition. While this special feature adds a bit to the overall experience, it certainly elevates the vibe inside the ID.Buzz. Although the short-wheelbase two-row and commercial versions are available in Europe, they won’t be crossing the pond to the States. 

VW ID. Buzz

From Errands to Escapades: The Versatile ID.Buzz Awaits!

The ID.Buzz truly embodies everything we love about retro charm with a modern twist! While it may not aim to lead the electric vehicle revolution or break sales records, this delightful minivan is all about fun and nostalgia. With its playful design, it’s hard not to smile as you spot the clever little Easter eggs hidden throughout!

Inside, the ID.Buzz shines bright, offering a wonderfully spacious environment filled with natural light. You’ll find a treasure trove of storage solutions to keep your gear organized, making it perfect for spontaneous adventures or everyday errands. Plus, it packs a punch with a peppy powertrain that brings excitement to every drive!

What do you think of the new ID.Buzz? Many painstaking hours were spent by engineers making sure the final product turned out just right. After so many years of diehard Volkswagen fans’ love, it’s nice to see an option that evokes the same carefree vibe of the original. Let us know what you think in the comments below, or check out another article about this releases’ early details!

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Jon Weirman
I am a freelance writer in the Midwest who specializes in vehicles built for expert-level off-roading, and anything with a staggering amount of horsepower. In my first life I worked in broadcasting for Starz Network and Discovery Channel. I also love retro video games and sci-fi movies. Everything from the loud and burly muscle cars of the late 1970s to new crossover SUVs with futuristic tech features have populated my inbox!

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