2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz 4Motion EV - Bottom Line Review

PEACE BUS ELECTRIFIED : By the late 1960's index and middle finger formed V's messaged either peace or political victory. Crossing two V's begat that era's characteristic German-made road travel from Berkeley, California to Woodstock, New York. Not uncommonly, along the way they picked up hitchhikers making the pilgrimage to the historic four day festival filled with the sounds of Hendrix, Joplin and Santana.

The passing of five decades since the demise of that rear air cooled petrol powered slow-poke hasn't diminished the Baby Boomers' nostalgia for the VW Type 2 Microbus. Catering to their renewables conscious descendants, the People's Car automaker introduces the first volume production zero tailpipe emissions family van. The all-new 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz wears its retro heritage look with pride.

WHAT: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pro S Plus 4Motion is the group's first battery electric three row family van. It is based on the MEB Modularer E-Antriebs-Baukasten (Modular Electric Drive -Toolkit). Outside the United States, the I.D. Buzz is available in shorter wheelbase and panel commercial versions. "ID" denotes intelligent design, identity, and visionary technologies, while "Buzz" is a play on the Type 2 "Bus" name.

WHAT PROPELS IT:

Electric Motors + Drive Unit(s): VW Group in-house made (Rear) 400 V synchronous PM, (Front) 400 V asynchronous AC traction & reverse polarity regenerative charging motor + 1 x Motor Gear Drive Unit single (1) speed gear reduction drive x 2 E-Motors

• Dual Motor: 335 horsepower Net (250 kW) @ 4919 - 11,100 rpm / 512 lb-ft @ 0-4350 rpm
  

Electric Supply & Charging: 91 kWh Lithium Cobalt Phosphate battery

• On-Board Charging Ports: 11.0 kW SAE J17772, (AC Levels 1, 2); 200 kW CCS Combo 2 (DC, Level 3)
• Quick charge: 20 minutes, 0-80% charge

WHAT (A) STYLING (DIFFERENCE):  That the 2025 ID.Buzz would be a retro revival of the heritage Type 2 Microbus, sans split windshield, was a foregone conclusion. Klaus Bischoff's design is so heavily inspired by the 1930's Burlington Zephyr streamliner railroad locomotive - curved cab forward profile returns, even though the driver sits well behind the front axle.

Height proportions are akin to the Transporter delivery van, towering over every petrol family van.

The optional [and likely most popular] two-tone scheme, accentuates an Earth's curvature nose, with the prominent upper 2/3 in roof matched white, cradled by a lower latticed body color grille, rising to form a fender.

Pillars A through C are darkened to match the privacy glass tint. Belt-line height and above, along with the D pillars claim the lighter color, resulting in an open "C" "floating roof." Given the cab forward corner glass design, the height compromised gloss black capped wing mirrors are mounted on a further aft sail panel.

The smooth body flares at the bottom followed by matte side skirts. Fortunately, bucking the EV trend, VW remains allegiant to body-color conventional exterior loop door handles. Wheel arches adopt the tandem crease widening illusion.

Paying further tribute to the vintage Type 2 rear air-cooled powerplant propulsion, there are lateral "D" pillar striations replicating air intakes.

The rear quarters flare just below wheel arch height, forming a subtle lower bumper cover. The tall liftgate is aesthetically contrasted with a white backlight frame. A wide lower bowl contains middle license plate and flush handle with release button.

2025 ID.Buzz illumination comes courtesy of adaptive LED ID.Lighting, in boomerang housings, connected to an illuminated VW emblem by a lateral light bar. At the tail there is full width lightbar beneath the backlight, with integrated taillamps. While the rear VW emblem DOES NOT illuminate, there are unique design 1st Row puddle lamps.

WHY:  Boomer's kids can experience their parents' peace train pilgrimage electrically.

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since Autumn 2024

WHERE: Volkswagen retail dealers

WHERE MADE: Hanover, Lower Saxony, Germany

WHERE TO: available dual electric motor configuration = constant 25:80% front / rear torque split, with ABS, ASC for foul weather traction

HOW ROADWORTHY: Despite the half-ton pickup truck mass, the battery electric 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz 4Motion weight-to-power ratio magnifies that of the petrol air-cooled powered Type 2 geometrically. With redesigned motors, and a smoother throttle tip-in, the single reduction gear ID.Buzz is nearly Mk. 8 Golf GTI DSG fleet. Other than external creep speed pedestrian warning whine and wisps of wind noise at serious speeds, the VW ID.Buzz deceptively cocoons occupants from the brisk foward movement.

• ID.Buzz EV Driving Learning Curve:
  • Depressing ignition and then applying brake pedal engages power
  • The right steering column stalk is twisted to select drive position
  • "Braking Drive" enhanced regenerative slowing, won't bring things to a halt.
• Four (4) drive modes = Eco, Comfort, Sport, Traction with variable steering & braking settings for Custom mode

Moving casually through local errands, the three plus ton 2025 ID.Buzz 4Motion exhibits a placid ride, shrugging off man-hole divots, while surprising with responsive steering and an atypically small turn radius given its length. Although the seating position is higher than other vans, the deep dashboard makes gauging front corners a test of faith. To that end included sonar park warning and available surround camera are helpful. Unfortunately, the cameras on the tested van were afflicted with a known fun-house image stretching issue.

Fitted with more generous springs, though, VW's new EV van feels tippy in tight turns, exacerbated by a brake pedal that goes spongy at the final 2/3's travel. Out on the highway, the roomy conveyance for six is remarkably quiet given the profile, shutting out wind and road noise, and unusually resistant to wind buffeting for the segment. However, the ride becomes busier at motorway speeds, worse on concrete slabs, which send the body into bobs. On speedier roads, Sport mode summons genuine passing giddy-up, firming up the steering and even the brake pedal feel. Fortunately the body and apertures impart a robustness, seemingly impervious to quakes and quivers.

HOW FAR: 98 mpg-E combined miles per gallon; 2.9 miles / kWh; 285 nominal / 210 miles highway range, (cabin climate off) @  100% state of charge.

HOW IT CHARGES: Proprietary CarNet Remote Access EV subscription telematics (five year free trial included) provides remote vehicle climate preconditioning and home wall charging management. Electrify America public network charging can also be initiated via standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay projection.

Other public charging services can be controlled via the ID.Buzz Amazon Alexa app (via activated accounts) or via their respective smart phone apps. Native cloud navigation maps the nearest charging stations or stations en route.

• -1 No native navigation real time public charger status; No native trip re-charge plotting w/ projected remaining range (available via phone projection or phone apps.)
• -1 Not yet compatible with Tesla V3 Superchargers (anticipated August 2025)

Charge Event(s) sample:

• Electrify America, Lake Zurich, Illinois
  • CCS, 150 kW rating
  • 23% initial state of charge, 28^o deg. Celsius, $0.56 USD per kWh ($0.28 off-peak)
  • 70 kWh added in 35 minutes, 100% end state of charge, 184 kW peak speed*

HOW BIG/ LITTLE: The first battery electric three-row family van on the American market is a welcome addition to the already sparse petrol / hybrid selection. Hence the maximum passenger load is seven and all positions are adult roomy. The tested 2025 ID.Buzz, with second row captains' chairs cuts capacity down to six.

• Six to Seven Occupant, 2+3 (or 2) +2 seating configuration
  • A NHTSA recall clarifies the 3rd Row split bench, equipped with only two safety belts, requires a dealer installed divider
• Tricky narrow and tall first row step up, lacking an A-pillar grab strap / handle. (Only B-pillars feature a 2nd Row entry strap)

- For Comparison's Sake:

• 127.5"-inch Wheelbase: 5.5" > Kia EV9, 7.0" > Toyota Sienna
• Nominal cargo capacity: 8% < Kia EV9, 44% < Toyota Sienna
• Maximum cargo capacity: 77% > Kia EV9, 43" > Toyota Sienna
• 2nd Row legroom: 4.6" < Kia EV9, 1.3" > Toyota Sienna
• Tow Rating: 1500 pounds < Kia EV9, = Toyota Sienna

HOW USEFUL: √ Variable height power liftgate; √ Cargo bay hinged-top, elevated dual cavity box holds collapsible cloth storage bins; √ 50:50% split 3rd Row strap to fold flat and raise; √ Strap release to remove split 3rd Row seats on caster wheels; √ Manual outboard shoulder levers to fold 2nd Row captains' chairs; √ Manual outboard cushion lever to jackknife fold and slide 2nd Row seating for 3rd Row access; √ 2nd Row seating backs 3rd Row exiting release straps; √ Storage cavities below 1st Row seats; √ Movable floor latching center aisle storage bins; √ Middle dashboard driver and passenger shelves.

√ +1 Ample bottom center stack wireless device bin; √ Dashboard driver's and passenger's shelves + gripped inserts; √ Sub-dashboard slide-out storage bin with twin cup-holders; √ 1st Row, 2nd Row upper door shelves, lower + rear door pockets;  √ Cup holders x 4, Bottle holders x 8

• 1st & 2nd Row upper door shelves, lower divided pockets
• 2nd & 3rd row outboard shelf USB-C
• "Buzz Box" detachable modular center aisle storage bin
  • Partitions function as ice scraper, bottle opener
• Front seat sub cushion shelves, 2nd Row accessible
• Twin collapsing cloth accessory storage crates, stowed below cargo bay shelf
• -1 No "Frunk" (aka front trunk); No sub-cargo floor storage
• -1 Low end of class cargo capacity; Thick rear pillars and small backlight make optional surround view cameras nearly imperative

HOW SAFE: IIHS Not Yet Tested (related 2024 VW ID.4 earned Top Safety Pick Plus)

STANDARD: √ 7 airbags; √ Rear camera w/ predictive grid; √ Audible rear park assist; √ Roll mitigation; √ KESSY restrictive access

IQ.Drive: √ Forward collision, pedestrian detection warning w/ avoidance braking; √ Blind Spot, rear cross traffic warning & braking; √ Post collision S.O.S. alert; √ Adaptive Cruise Control w/ Stop and Go; √ Travel Assist semi-autonomous Lane Departure Warning & Steer Correction; √ Medical emergency safety assist; √ Auto high beam headlights

• AVAILABLE (included in tester)
  • Adaptive swivel headlamps
  • Rain sensing windshield wipers
  • Park distance control (fore and aft, sonar)
  • Road sign display
  • Active parallel parking

HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY: Without the constraints of traditional ICE vehicle drive controls and operational monitoring, EV display and controls are minimized and more concisely integrated. Accordingly the 2025 VW ID.Buzz ID.Cockpit instrument panel is a rectangular LCD screen mounted atop the steering column, such that tilt adjustment never impedes the view. Drive controls are uniquely integrated on a stalk at the right side of the instrument screen. Drive modes are engaged either by simple right hand twisting motions while Park mode is button depressed at the right side of the stalk. Possibly requiring more time for acclimation is the actuation of vehicle power simply by depressing the brake pedal (with comfort access keyfob inside). For those who cling onto old habits, the ID.4 is supplied with an old fashioned button switch on the right side of the steering column.

Maintaining some consistency the rest of the brand, the 2021 ID.4 adopts the latest version of Volkswagen's MIB 3 infotainment from the Golf Mk. VIII, on a more traditional upper center dashboard touch landscape LCD display. While minimizing the need for dexterous reach and visual distraction, acclimating to gesture / slider soft touch activation of infotainment and steering wheel controls requires a degree of finesse.

Conventional though the exterior door handles might appear, rather than resorting to a fancy power ejecting blade, a pressure application on the underside of the bezel releases the door latch. In a wise effort not to re-invent what has served driver's well for close to a century, releasing the door latch from the cabin involves laterally pulling a door panel mounted lever.

• -1 Why oh why does VW use a shared single switch for driver's door panel 1st and 2nd Row window lifts? What is the purpose of 1st Row seat outboard tilting armrests?

√ 5.3" inch ID Cockpit instrument cluster pod; √ V-Tex leatherette seating; √ Wide berth, sport bolstered front bucket seats; √ heated 12-way power front seats, w/ 3-setting driver memory; √ Driver's & front passenger's seat massage; √ Leather tilt + telescoping steering wheel with spoke integrated tactile redundant controls; √ Automatic 3-zone climate control; √ 2nd Row headliner outboard climate vents & digital temperature control; 3rd Row headliner outboard climate vents

Cool Gizmo(s): √ Variable mid-dash, color foot well, center console & door panel ambient lighting; √ Navigation direction change dash top segmented LED warning; √ Super bright night LED cabin illumination in all three rows & cargo bay; √ "Buzz Box" movable center aisle bin with ice scraper & bottle opener partitions

Details Done Right: √ Tuck stitched dash top and door panels saddle V-Tex; "Dune" white leatherette cabin with orange mid-dash and door card accents ; √ Upper and lower front seat aft map pockets; √ Rattan style floor mats;

Nearly Non-Descript: -1 Undistinctive center console piano gloss black accents; Low luster lower cabin wall & center console hard plastics; Omission of center console knee padding; Seats low on lateral torso support; White seats + kiddos = recipe for dark scuffs.

HOW CONNECTED: √ Discover Pro Max center dash tablet mount 12.9"-inch portrait oriented, capacitive touch LCD infotainment screen; √ Bluetooth & voice command hands-free communications; √ GPS HDD Navigation w/ 3-D map, voice guidance; √ SMS messaging; √ Android Auto / Apple Car Play smart phone projection; √ CarNet Remote Access EV subscription telematics; √ Qi inductive phone charger pocket

• 45 W USB-C x 7, 12V x 1 (cargo); 110V 150 watt x 1 (under front pax seat);
• +1 Fast screen response, outstanding resolution

Audibly: √ 14 speaker 840 watt Harman/Kardon, √ streaming audio, DAB+ HD radio

• Lacks a theater surround mode, making sound less crisp in 3rd Row.
• 9 speaker, 270 Watt audio standard

HOW "APP" -LICABLE: √ Google Automotive Apps via Play Store; √ Apple CarPlay;

• +1 Many popular entertainment and even foreign news apps
• -1 Many free apps have advertisements

By Subscription: By Subscription: √ Sirius XM satellite radio (90 days yrs. included); √ CarNet logistics, remote access, valet, emergency services; √ Traffic, Metro Weather radio & TravelLink apps (5 yrs. included); √ Wi-Fi hot spot (by Verizon Wireless)

HOW MUCH: $70,540 = as tested 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pro S Plus 4Motion

• 8 years, 100k miles electric propulsion warranty (to 70% state of health) including maintenance.
  • 4 years, 50k miles bumper to bumper warranty, 2 years, 25k miles scheduled maintenance
• INELIGIBLE* for any Clean Vehicle U.S. tax credit, but may be eligible for state tax rebate.

WHAT'S MISSING:  Greater range; True single pedal driving; Faster DC charging and NACS compatibility (anticipated July 2025); Separate driver's & 2nd Row window lift switches; Wider first row steps; A-pillar grab straps

ANY COMPETITION: Kia EV9: generous battery range, super high speed charging, luxury cabin