2025 VW ID. Buzz: The Electric Family Hauler with Retro Cool

The Volkswagen Bus is back. And this time, it runs on electrons instead of gasoline. Meet the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz — a retro-inspired, fully electric family hauler that blends nostalgia with modern practicality. I spent a full week with the Pro S trim, putting it through daily errands, long hauls, charging stops, and family duties. As a minivan guy — I’ve owned a Dodge Grand Caravan, I currently drive a Kia Carnival, and I’ve tested just about every minivan in the segment — I came away with one clear conclusion: I absolutely love this thing.

This review dives deep into the details of the ID. Buzz, from trims and specs to my hands-on charging experience and family usability. And if you want to see it all in motion, be sure to check out my full video review on TXGarage’s YouTube channel.

Retro Soul, Modern Choices

Volkswagen offers the ID. Buzz in three trims: the entry-level Pro S, the more luxurious Pro S Plus, and a limited 1st Edition. My test model was the Pro S, finished in Deep Black Pearl over a Moonlight leatherette interior. Pricing starts at $59,995 plus $1,550 destination, bringing my tester’s MSRP to $61,545.

Design That Gets Noticed

There’s nothing else on the road that looks like this. VW leaned hard into nostalgia, and it works. The short overhangs, the massive VW badge, and the upright windshield all echo the iconic Microbus. Yet details like the LED light bar across the front and the sleek “Disc” 20-inch wheels keep it fresh.

In black, the Buzz looks surprisingly modern and premium. Sure, the two-tone colors call back stronger to the classic bus, but the all-black finish drew just as many stares — and I loved its stealthy vibe. Everywhere I went, people approached me. And interestingly, it was often older folks who lit up with excitement: they remember the original Bus, and this one spoke to them instantly.

Family Hauling Space

Behind the third row, the Buzz offers 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the seats and you get 75.5 cubic feet. Pull out the third row entirely and fold the second, and you’re left with a cavernous 145.5 cubic feet. That’s more than my Kia Carnival and even more than VW’s own Atlas SUV. During my test week, we loaded it up to the roof multiple times without issue.

And here’s the kicker: car seats. With my grandchild’s seat strapped in, access in and out of the second and third rows was a breeze. Better than some traditional minivans, honestly. The Buzz seats seven (2 up front, 3 in the middle, 2 in back). It feels like VW could’ve squeezed three across the rear for an eight-passenger setup, but space wasn’t an issue.

Charging at Buc-ee’s

This is where things got fun. One morning, I headed to Buc-ee’s with 43% on the battery. Plugged into the new Mercedes-branded fast chargers (a welcome addition alongside Tesla stalls) at 8:17 am. By 8:26, I was at 64%. By 8:41, I’d hit 89%, with the screen showing 230 miles of range. That’s a 46% boost in just 24 minutes — right in line with VW’s claims of 10–80% in ~26 minutes at up to 200 kW.

That kind of charging speed means road trips are absolutely doable — provided CCS stations are around. And while the Hyundai IONIQ 9 and Kia EV9 might benefit from built-in Tesla/NACS support, the Buzz still proves it can charge quickly and reliably.

Inside the Buzz

Open the sliding doors, and the Buzz welcomes you with a cabin that’s equal parts modern EV and playful retro. The Moonlight interior blends dark tones with contrasting white trim. Up front, the 12-way heated and ventilated power seats with massage are a huge plus, and the steering wheel is heated too. The dashboard is dominated by a 12.9-inch touchscreen, paired with a smaller ID.Cockpit display that moves with the steering wheel.

Now, full honesty: VW’s infotainment still isn’t my favorite. I’ve spent time in three new VW models this year, and while the illuminated sliders are a step forward, too many functions are still buried in menus. I found myself tapping the wrong things more than once. That said, the navigation system is slick, and the ID. Light strip across the dash — glowing and pulsing to show navigation cues — is one of those gimmicks that actually feels useful.

Room for Everyone

Second-row passengers get ample space, with a three-seat bench wide enough for car seats and still plenty of legroom. The third row is genuinely usable for adults, and while it’s two seats instead of three, comfort is solid. My family had zero complaints. Kids thought it was cool, my wife liked it, and older strangers kept approaching me with nostalgia-fueled questions.

Driving the Bus

You sit high, looking out over that massive windshield, with barely any hood in view. It feels like piloting a bus — in a good way. Yet the Buzz is easy to maneuver, with a surprisingly tight turning radius. The 282 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque make it punchy off the line, more fun than any minivan has a right to be. Passing power is confident, and the instant torque keeps it lively.

Ride comfort is excellent. The weight of the battery keeps it planted, and bumps are absorbed without drama. Road and wind noise are minimal, making highway cruising calm and enjoyable. My only gripe? A 360-degree camera system would make parking this boxy beast even easier.

Price & Perspective

At $61,545 as tested, the ID. Buzz isn’t cheap. Compared to gas minivans like my Carnival, it’s nearly double the price. But compared to three-row EVs like the Kia EV9 or Hyundai IONIQ 9, the Buzz comes in cheaper while offering more interior volume.

So here’s how I frame it: if your only concern is best bang-for-buck family hauling, start with a Carnival, Sienna, or Pacifica Hybrid. But if you’ve got the budget, and you want something unique, nostalgic, and electric? The ID. Buzz is the one.

Final Thoughts

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz isn’t perfect. The infotainment still frustrates, it lacks a 360 camera, and VW could’ve made it an eight-seater. But after a week of charging, hauling family and gear, and just enjoying the drive, I can honestly say: I fell for it.

It’s fun, it’s functional, and it’s got that X-factor that makes people smile when they see it. That’s what a family vehicle should do. And that’s what the ID. Buzz delivers.

Watch the Full Review

For all the visuals, charging footage, and real-world impressions in action, check out my full video review on the TXGarage YouTube channel. This is one van you need to see in motion.