Volkswagen has finally delivered on years of anticipation with the ID. Buzz, a brand new electric van that’s aiming to recapture the spirit of the iconic VW bus for a modern era. For decades, fans and families alike have longed for a true successor, and the ID. Buzz represents VW’s attempt to blend retro charm with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. Having spent a week test-driving this much-hyped New Vw Van, and even pitting it against a classic sports car in an impromptu drag race, here are my expert insights as a seasoned auto repair professional.
The buzz, quite literally, around this new VW van has been building for years. Ever since Volkswagen teased the idea of an electric bus reboot in 2001, shortly after resurrecting the Beetle, enthusiasts have eagerly awaited its arrival. After its initial launch in Europe in 2022, the slightly larger, US-spec version is now making its debut. Volkswagen generously lent me a two-tone, lemon-yellow 2025 ID. Buzz for an extended test drive, providing a perfect opportunity to assess whether this new electric van lives up to the legendary nameplate and the fervent expectations.
Initially, I approached the ID. Buzz with a degree of skepticism, as many electric vehicles can feel somewhat sterile and detached from the driving experience. However, from the moment I slid behind the wheel, it was clear that the ID. Buzz is different. This isn’t just another EV; it’s a vehicle brimming with personality and a surprising amount of fun. To truly put it to the test, and channel my inner “Top Gear,” I consulted with a young car enthusiast, Gefen, who owns a fleet of vintage vehicles. Together, we hatched a plan to race the ID. Buzz against his temperamental but charming 1972 Saab Sonett. While on paper, the Buzz, boasting 282 horsepower and a brisk zero-to-sixty time, should easily outclass the Sonett’s modest 65 horsepower, the spirit of the race was more about celebrating the old versus the new, and seeing where this new VW van truly stands.
Gefen’s Saab Sonett, a tangerine-colored coupe he acquired for a mere $2,900 and subsequently rebuilt, represents the classic appeal of affordable, hands-on car enthusiasm. In stark contrast, the VW ID. Buzz starts at a considerably steeper price point, around $60,000, and can quickly climb above $70,000 with options like a sunroof and all-wheel drive. This price tag puts it firmly in the premium EV category and raises questions about its accessibility compared to the classic, more budget-friendly VW vans of the past. Reflecting on my own youth spent tinkering with beat-up cars with my brother, I appreciate the hands-on nature of classic car ownership. However, the ID. Buzz offers a different kind of appeal – one of modern convenience, electric efficiency, and a nostalgic nod to a beloved design.
My first impression behind the wheel of the new VW van was surprisingly positive. Despite being an electric vehicle, the ID. Buzz doesn’t feel like a soulless appliance. It’s genuinely engaging to drive, almost spaceship-like in its futuristic yet retro-inspired cabin. Taking Gefen for a ride confirmed this initial feeling. His immediate reaction, “It’s just like your Eurovan, except it runs,” perfectly captured the essence of the Buzz. It retains the spaciousness and practicality of the classic VW vans but with the smooth, silent power of an electric drivetrain.
To further explore the ID. Buzz’s real-world usability, I embarked on a series of mini-adventures. Recalling fond memories of taking our older VW vans to the legendary Good News Garage, home of “Car Talk” hosts Tom and Ray Magliozzi, I decided to pay a visit to Ray. His initial reaction to the Buzz was one of impressed acknowledgment, calling it “pretty swanky” as he examined the spacious three-row interior. During a drive, Ray, despite his preference for older VW buses from the 60s and early 70s, begrudgingly admitted, “This thing does fly, though,” after experiencing its electric acceleration on Memorial Drive. His slightly hesitant praise speaks volumes – even a classic VW purist can appreciate the performance of this new VW van.
Continuing my exploration, I visited Boston Volkswagen, where the general manager expressed high hopes for the ID. Buzz, anticipating strong demand but limited initial availability from VW. This potential supply constraint could impact the Buzz’s immediate market presence, even with significant consumer interest. Adding to the real-world testing experience, a minor mishap occurred when one of the sliding doors became stuck open on a chilly day. This incident, while inconvenient, highlighted a potential area for improvement and even inspired a humorous new VW motto from my passenger: “Our E.V. van brings you closer to the great outdoors, whether you want it or not.” These real-world experiences, both positive and slightly challenging, provided a comprehensive understanding of living with the new VW van.
To test the range of the ID. Buzz, rated at around 230-250 miles, I planned a longer drive to John’s Car Corner in Westminster, Vermont – a place renowned as a VW bus haven. There, I met John Hamill, an 84-year-old VW enthusiast who has owned over 2,700 cars and currently drives three Vanagons. John’s daily joy in driving his Vanagon resonated deeply, highlighting the enduring appeal of these vehicles. His initial encounter with the ID. Buzz was intriguing. While he noted its resemblance to a Toyota Sienna, he also recognized the underlying VW bus DNA. During our ride, the Buzz attracted attention, even garnering a spontaneous purchase offer from a passerby, underscoring the public’s fascination with this new VW van. The constant attention and inquiries about purchasing the ID. Buzz, even while parked in my driveway, further emphasized its desirability and head-turning design.
Finally, the stage was set for the drag race against Gefen’s Saab Sonett. To prepare, we watched the iconic race scene from “American Graffiti,” setting a lighthearted and humorous tone for our own contest. While explicitly avoiding any “American Graffiti”-style vehicular explosions, the friendly rivalry was definitely on. Yona, Gefen’s brother, scouted a suitable two-lane stretch of road near a synagogue, adding an unexpected local flavor to our impromptu event. The night of the race saw us convoying to the chosen location, navigating through the synagogue parking lot amidst Hebrew school activities, which injected a touch of everyday life into our automotive adventure. Recalling memories of cramming kids into an old Eurovan after a bar mitzvah party further highlighted the family-oriented legacy of VW vans, a tradition the ID. Buzz aims to continue.
Lining up the lemon-yellow Buzz against the tangerine Sonett under the night sky created a striking visual contrast – modern electric versus classic combustion, nostalgia facing the future. With Yona counting down, the race commenced. The result? The ID. Buzz, with its instant electric torque, decisively “smoked” the vintage Saab. While the outcome was predictable, the experience was less about outright victory and more about celebrating the evolution of the VW van. The drag race served as a fun, memorable way to underscore the performance capabilities of this new VW van while acknowledging its heritage.
In conclusion, the new VW van, the ID. Buzz, is more than just an electric vehicle; it’s a successful reimagining of a cultural icon for the 21st century. It blends the beloved design language of the classic VW bus with the technology and performance expected of a modern EV. While the price point might be a barrier for some, the ID. Buzz delivers a unique and compelling package that is both practical and enjoyable to drive. It’s a vehicle that attracts attention, sparks conversations, and, most importantly, captures the spirit of adventure and freedom that has always been associated with the Volkswagen van. For those seeking a new electric van with a healthy dose of nostalgia and a genuinely fun driving experience, the VW ID. Buzz is definitely worth considering. It’s not just a van; it’s a vibe, and it’s electric.
