Volkswagen bus enthusiasts have eagerly awaited a modern reincarnation of the iconic vehicle for decades, and the wait is finally over with the arrival of The New Volkswagen Van, the all-electric ID. Buzz. This isn’t just a nostalgic throwback; it’s a bold step into the future, blending the beloved spirit of the classic VW bus with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology. After years of anticipation and concept teases, the ID. Buzz has made its debut, first in Europe and now in a slightly larger version for the United States, sparking excitement and curiosity among both long-time fans and new generations of drivers. Having the opportunity to test drive the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz, in a striking two-tone lemon yellow, provided a firsthand experience of whether this electric reboot truly captures the magic of its predecessors while paving its own innovative path.
From Wrecks to Electric Dreams: A Vanagon Veteran Takes the Wheel
My personal history with Volkswagen vans stretches back decades, a journey filled with Fahrvergnügen and the occasional breakdown. From my first used VW Golf in 1989, adorned with a Fahrvergnügen sticker, to a succession of VW buses including two trusty Vanagons and a 2002 Eurovan, these vehicles have been more than just transportation; they’ve been part of life’s adventures. The recent departure of our last Eurovan left a VW-bus-shaped hole in our lives, a void filled unexpectedly when the new Volkswagen van, the ID. Buzz, arrived in our driveway. Its presence felt instantly familiar, like the return of a cherished member of the family.
Before the Buzz arrived, my expectations for electric vehicles were, frankly, low. The typical EV experience seemed to lack the engagement of traditional cars – often missing manual transmissions and feeling somewhat overly automated in the driving experience. However, the new Volkswagen van defied these preconceptions. It wasn’t just an electric vehicle; it was an experience, a “trip” as I found myself describing it. The interior felt like stepping into a spaceship, but with a comforting familiarity. Even Gefen, a young car enthusiast with a penchant for classic wrecks and a stable of vintage vehicles including a roaring 1972 Saab Sonett, remarked after a ride, “It’s just like your Eurovan, except it runs.” This simple statement spoke volumes, highlighting the Buzz’s seamless blend of nostalgic comfort and modern reliability.
Drag Racing the Future Against the Past
To truly put the new Volkswagen van to the test, and perhaps inject some “Top Gear”-inspired fun into the review process, a drag race seemed appropriate. Consulting with Gefen, whose automotive expertise extends to owning eleven cars with his brother Yona, we devised a plan to pit the electric might of the Buzz against the vintage charm of his 1972 Saab Sonett. The specs were undeniably skewed in the Buzz’s favor: 282 horsepower compared to the Sonett’s 65, and a zero-to-sixty time that left the Sonett in the dust. Gefen himself admitted his Sonett “can’t get to sixty.”
Alt text: A tangerine-colored 1972 Saab Sonett is parked on a driveway, with two people, Gefen and the author, standing beside it engaged in conversation about automobiles.
Gefen’s Sonett, acquired for a modest $2900 and lovingly rebuilt, represented the appeal of classic cars – hands-on restoration and raw, unfiltered driving experience. In stark contrast, the VW ID. Buzz, with a starting price around $60,000 and quickly escalating with options, embodies the premium pricing of modern electric vehicles. This price point, as Ray Magliozzi of “Car Talk” later pointed out, might be a barrier for some, especially those who appreciate the affordability and fixability of older vehicles.
The race itself was a lighthearted affair, inspired by scenes from “American Graffiti” but thankfully without the fiery crash. Staging the impromptu drag race near a synagogue on a Tuesday evening, amidst Hebrew school traffic, added a touch of unexpected suburban normalcy to the electric versus gasoline showdown. With Yona counting down, the Buzz unleashed its instant electric torque and, to put it mildly, smoked the Sonett. The victory wasn’t about speed alone; it was a symbolic triumph of the new Volkswagen van representing a leap forward in automotive technology, effortlessly outpacing a relic of the past.
Conversations and Commuters: Gauging Public and Expert Opinions
Beyond the thrill of a drag race, understanding the broader appeal of the new Volkswagen van required gathering opinions from both experts and the general public. A visit to Ray Magliozzi at Good News Garage, the legendary home of NPR’s “Car Talk,” provided valuable insights from a seasoned automotive expert. Ray, after experiencing the Buzz firsthand, acknowledged its impressive performance, admitting “This thing does fly, though.” However, he remained skeptical about its mass-market appeal at the current price point, expressing a preference for classic VW buses from the late 60s and early 70s.
Alt text: Ray Magliozzi, co-host of Car Talk, is shown examining the interior of the lemon yellow Volkswagen ID. Buzz, focusing on the seating arrangement.
A subsequent visit to Boston Volkswagen offered a perspective from the dealership side. The general manager expressed strong sales expectations, anticipating selling hundreds of Buzzes despite a limited initial allocation from Volkswagen. This enthusiasm from the retail front contrasted slightly with Ray’s price concerns, suggesting a potentially strong market demand for the new Volkswagen van, even at a premium.
Public reaction further reinforced this positive reception. Everywhere the Buzz went, it attracted attention. At parking lots, taco stands, and grocery stores, people approached, eager to inquire about the new Volkswagen van, often asking if it was for sale. Even parked in my driveway, the Buzz became a neighborhood attraction, with passersby knocking on the door expressing interest. This spontaneous public curiosity underscores the inherent appeal of the VW bus legacy and the successful translation of that charm into the modern ID. Buzz.
Range, Road Trips, and a Vanagon Veteran’s Verdict
To assess the practicality of the new Volkswagen van beyond city driving, a road trip to John’s Car Corner in Vermont, a veritable VW bus graveyard, was in order. John Hamill, an 84-year-old VW enthusiast and owner of over 2700 cars, including three Vanagons, offered a unique perspective rooted in decades of VW experience. His daily joy in driving his 1990 Vanagon highlighted the enduring appeal of these vehicles for their owners. John’s initial reaction to the Buzz was open-minded; he recognized the “bus in the bones,” even noting a resemblance to a Toyota Sienna in its overall shape.
Alt text: John Hamill, owner of John’s Car Corner, stands alongside the author in front of his shop filled with VW buses, with the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz parked prominently in the foreground.
Driving John in the new Volkswagen van, it became clear that the electric powertrain, while modern, still resonated with the spirit of the classic bus. The range of the Buzz, estimated between 230 to 250 miles, proved adequate for day trips but might require more planning for longer journeys – a typical consideration for current EV technology. However, the overall driving experience and the undeniable connection to the VW bus heritage won over even a Vanagon purist like John.
Conclusion: The Buzz is Back, Electrified
The new Volkswagen van, the ID. Buzz, successfully navigates the delicate balance of honoring its iconic past while embracing the electric future. It’s more than just a nostalgic nod to the classic VW bus; it’s a thoroughly modern vehicle that delivers a surprisingly engaging and enjoyable driving experience. While the price point may be a consideration for some, the enthusiastic public reception and positive expert opinions suggest a bright future for this electric reincarnation. The ID. Buzz is not just a new van; it’s a revival of a cultural icon, reimagined for a new era, proving that the spirit of the Volkswagen bus is alive and well in the electric age.
