Volkswagen’s Electric Microbus Returns

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Volkswagen has unveiled the 2025 ID. Buzz, a modern electric reincarnation of the classic Microbus. Combining retro design elements with state-of-the-art electric vehicle technology and advanced driver assistance features, the ID. Buzz offers up to 335 horsepower, a 91-kWh battery, and an EPA-estimated range of up to 234 miles. Starting at $59,995, this electric microbus is set to become Volkswagen’s next icon for North America.

Key Highlights

  • Retro design inspired by the classic Microbus, modernized for the electric era
  • 91-kWh battery providing up to 234 miles EPA-estimated range
  • 282 horsepower for rear-wheel-drive models; 335 horsepower for available 4Motion® all-wheel-drive models
  • Fast DC charging from 10-80% in as little as 26 minutes, up to 200 kW
  • Starting MSRP of $59,995 for the Pro S trim

Exterior Design

The ID. Buzz features retro design elements modernized for today’s era, such as an oversized VW logo, an expansive greenhouse, and D-pillar mounted air vents reminiscent of the original Microbus. The front showcases an iconic V-shaped hood with a slim lateral bar connecting the illuminated emblem to the premium LED projector headlights. Signature LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL) with Volkswagen’s Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS) add sophistication to its appearance.

In profile, the vehicle pays homage to its predecessors with short overhangs and a body split into upper and lower levels, nodding to the distinctive visual character of the classic Bus. The aerodynamic design boasts a low drag coefficient of 0.29h.

All models come equipped with 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels in a retro-inspired disc design, optimizing airflow and reducing drag. The dual power-sliding rear doors provide easy access to the third row, featuring fully powered windows—a modern take on the classic sliding windows. Three-door KESSY® advanced keyless access with proximity lock and unlock, along with a power tailgate, enhances convenience for passengers.

The Easy Open & Close feature, standard on Pro S Plus and 1st Edition models, allows the tailgate or sliding doors to open with a simple foot movement when the key is nearby. Pro S Plus models add a manually retractable tow hitch, completely hidden behind the rear bumper when not in use, with a towing capacity of up to 2,600 lbs for RWD and 3,500 lbs for 4Motion® AWD models.

At the rear, a sleek retro form and horizontal light strip connect the LED taillights, dividing the upper and lower body sections. An oversized VW emblem adorns the liftgate, reinforcing its unmistakable identity.

A variety of exterior colors are available, including two-tone options pairing a Candy White or Metro Silver top with vibrant colors below, such as Energetic Orange or Cherry Red. Single-tone options include Metro Silver, Candy White, and Deep Black Pearl. The launch-only 1st Edition features unique 20-inch wheels, roof rail cross bars, and exclusive badging.

Dimensionally, the ID. Buzz measures 195.4 inches in length, 78.1 inches in width, and 76.2 inches in height, with a long wheelbase of 127.5 inches. It offers more interior space than the three-row Atlas, and its height and seating position are comparable to full-size pickups.

Interior Features

Interior Features

The ID. Buzz offers three unique interior color themes—Moonlight, Dune, and Copper—designed to complement the exterior colors and provide a personalized ambiance. These interiors are exclusive to North American models, allowing customers to express their individual style.

  • Moonlight features dark brown leatherette seats with white piping, blue door inserts, and a dark wood-look dashboard, paired with a black headliner.
  • Dune presents a light, coastal-inspired interior with light grey leatherette seats, clay-colored piping, clay door inserts, and a light wood-look dashboard.
  • Copper offers mid-century modern vibes with rich brown leatherette seats, yellow piping, brown door inserts, and a washed wood-look dashboard.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the cabin, from the retro-inspired wood-optic dash to the whimsical “Play” and “Pause” pedals reminiscent of the 2017 BUZZ concept. The interior combines nostalgia with functionality, featuring an uncluttered layout and pops of color that echo the cheerful vibe of the classic Bus.

Standard in every ID. Buzz is the Buzz Box, a removable and highly configurable center console. It includes flexible storage options, with two unique dividers that double as a bottle opener and ice scraper, as well as additional compartments. The box can be locked between the front seats or installed between the second-row captain’s chairs, offering versatility for passenger needs. Additional storage includes spacious door pockets, dashboard shelves, fold-out cupholders for the first row, and integrated cupholders and storage in the third row.

An available electrochromic smart glass roof, the largest in the Volkswagen Group, enhances the open feeling of the cabin. Measuring 60.6 inches long and 36.6 inches wide, the sunroof changes from clear to opaque with the swipe of a finger, providing both openness and privacy as desired.

Steering Wheel

Technology and Infotainment

The ID. Buzz is equipped with modern technology to provide a fully connected experience. The cockpit features two screens: a 5.3-inch ID. Cockpit digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch central infotainment display. The ID. Cockpit displays essential driving information such as state of charge, range, and navigation details, operated via touch-sensitive controls on the multifunction steering wheel.

A head-up display is standard on the Pro S Plus trim, projecting information like digital speed, navigation, and driver assistance alerts directly into the driver’s line of sight. The Area View system, standard on Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims, utilizes four cameras to provide a comprehensive view around the vehicle.

The latest generation of Volkswagen’s infotainment system features illuminated touch sliders for volume and temperature, with climate controls integrated into the bottom of the display for immediate access. The system offers simplified operation with a new direct access function, customizable home screen, and seamless integration with features like wireless App-Connect and wireless charging.

The ID. Buzz comes standard with a nine-speaker audio system, while Pro S Plus and 1st Edition models upgrade to a 700-watt Harman Kardon™ premium audio system with 14 speakers, including a subwoofer.

Volkswagen Car-Net® provides a suite of connected services, including Remote Access EV, Safe & Secure EV, and Vehicle Insights EV, offering features like remote charging control, vehicle health reports, and emergency assistance. The vehicle also supports SiriusXM with 360L, delivering an advanced audio entertainment platform with more channels and on-demand content.

Volkswagen's Electric Microbus Returns

Comfort and Convenience

The ID. Buzz prioritizes passenger comfort with standard three-zone Climatronic® automatic climate control, ensuring a comfortable environment for all three rows, each equipped with dedicated air vents. Tinted rear windows provide privacy and help maintain interior temperature. Additional comfort features include a standard heated steering wheel, heated windshield washer nozzles, and an available heated windshield on Pro S Plus 4Motion® models.

Owners can pre-condition the cabin using the Volkswagen myVW app, allowing them to start heating or cooling the vehicle remotely. When plugged into a charger, this uses energy from the grid, preserving battery range. The vehicle also features an electric resistance heater as part of the climate system, providing quick heating without relying on engine warmth.

Standard amenities include rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a control panel integrating lighting functions. The high seating position offers excellent visibility, and all models come with 12-way power driver and passenger seats featuring dual armrests, thigh extensions, ventilation, massage, and memory functions. Heated seating is standard for front seats and second-row outboard seats.

The standard configuration includes a second-row bench seat, accommodating seven passengers. The bench can fold flat in a 60:40 split, recline, and slide fore and aft by up to 7.9 inches. Pro S Plus rear-wheel-drive models offer an available captain’s chair package with seating for six, standard on all 4Motion® models. The third-row seats slide, recline, fold flat, and are individually removable, providing versatility for passenger and cargo needs.

With 163.7 cubic feet of total passenger volume, the ID. Buzz offers ample space. Legroom measures 37.5 inches in the front, 39.9 inches in the second row, and 42.4 inches in the third row. Cargo volume ranges from 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row to a maximum of 145.5 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded and third row removed.

Volkswagen's Electric Microbus Returns

Powertrain and Performance

The ID. Buzz features a rear-mounted APP550 permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMS) as standard, delivering 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque for rear-wheel-drive models. This motor is part of a module integrated into the rear axle, along with a dual-stage one-speed gearbox and pulse inverter. The design ensures high efficiency, with the motor achieving over 90% efficiency in most driving situations.

In all-wheel-drive models, an additional AKA150 asynchronous motor (ASM) on the front axle produces 107 horsepower and 99 pound-feet of torque, resulting in a combined system power of 335 horsepower. The variable all-wheel-drive system engages the front motor as needed, enhancing traction and performance without mechanical links between the axles.

The EPA-estimated range is 234 miles for rear-wheel-drive models and 231 miles for 4Motion® all-wheel-drive models. The 91-kWh battery consists of 13 cell modules and can be charged at rates up to 200 kW at DC fast-charging stations, allowing for 10% to 80% charging in about 26 minutes.

An innovative charging and thermal management system pre-conditions the battery ahead of charging stops, optimizing charging speed and efficiency. The 2025 ID. Buzz Charging Plan includes 500 kWh of charging at Electrify America stations and three years of Electrify America’s Pass+ membership, offering reduced charging costs and convenient features like Plug&Charge technology.

Volkswagen's Electric Microbus Returns

Chassis and Handling

The ID. Buzz utilizes Volkswagen’s MEB platform with a skateboard design, placing the battery low in the vehicle floor for better handling and stability. The front suspension features a strut-type design with coil springs and telescopic dampers, while the rear employs a compact multi-link suspension.

The vehicle offers a nimble driving experience, with a curb-to-curb turning radius of 37.4 feet for rear-wheel-drive models and 42.7 feet for all-wheel-drive models. Drivers can select from various driving modes—Eco, Comfort, Sport, Custom, and Traction (AWD models)—to tailor the vehicle’s performance to their preferences.

The regenerative braking system provides two modes: D (Drive) for coasting and energy recuperation during braking, and B (Brake) for increased regeneration when lifting off the accelerator. The system prioritizes efficiency while maintaining intuitive operation.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The ID. Buzz is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance features. Standard safety systems include seven airbags, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, and Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System.

Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE® advanced driver assistance technology is standard across all trims, offering features like Travel Assist, Front Assist, Active Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Go, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist. These systems utilize radar, cameras, and sensors to enhance driving comfort and safety.

Additional features include Exit Warning, Park Distance Control, Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and Light Assist for automatic high-beam control. The Pro S Plus trim includes a head-up display, and Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims feature the Area View overhead camera system.

Volkswagen's Electric Microbus Returns

Warranty and Maintenance

Every 2025 ID. Buzz comes with a four-year/50,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty, transferable to subsequent owners. The high-voltage battery has an eight-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for defects in materials and workmanship and for net capacity loss below 70%.

Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program provides scheduled maintenance services at one year or 10,000 miles and two years or 20,000 miles at no additional charge. ID. Buzz models also include complimentary 24-Hour Roadside Assistance for three years or 36,000 miles, offering services like roadside charging or towing for an out-of-charge battery.

About Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, Volkswagen of America sells a range of vehicles through more than 600 independent U.S. dealers. Volkswagen Group of America operates a state-of-the-art assembly facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee, producing vehicles like the Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, and the ID.4. The global Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Visit Volkswagen at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

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