I was excited to finally get the 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz to drive for a week. Now I’ll be referring to it as the “Bus” as I feel like it’s the more appropriate name for it. With an iconic vehicle like the VW Bus, it was really a shame that they would have a press vehicle in a single colored build. It is almost a disservice to have this option and not the split white and bright color combination. I was also surprised that this is a base model as press vehicles are usually mid to extremely high trims to help show off all the features available. That was till I got it and realized that the “base” model was actually extremely well equipped! To be honest, the only things I would’ve needed from the higher trim is the 2 tone color and sunroof options.

On the outside, the 20” alloy wheels resembled the classic hubcap design of the originals. The tuner in me has me wondering how it would look if they were replaced with the typical BBS style wheels. The front VW sign lights up to connect the headlight outlining LEDs. The headlights themselves are also adaptive which helped see where I was turning on the rural roads that I drive.

Getting in the bus is a little tricky but once you figure it out, it’ll become second nature. The seats are loaded up with 12-way adjustability, heated, ventilated, and massage function, all in the base model of the Bus! Another thing you’ll need to get used to is the fact that your seat position is very forward, with significantly more of its length behind you. I do love the incredible amount of visibility that you get in the large windshield and the A pillar.

The second and third row of the Bus will be comfortable for all your passengers. If you’re needing rear cargo space, you can easily remove the third row seats to have minivan-like space. Although the rear windows are simply a small square, I feel like it’s the right quirky design that fits the Bus.

Over the hood is the better way to say it as the “hood” opens forward similar to 18-wheelers do. You’ll find some maintenance items like the windshield washer, AC, and coolant fills. This Bus is a full EV and this model had the single electric motor, rear-wheel drive configuration. It was pushing 282 horsepower and 413 lb.-ft. of torque. There is also 4MOTION all-wheel-drive configuration which bumps total power to 335 horsepower and adds an additional 99 lb.-ft. of torque to the front. The power was a perfect balance of great drivability and fun instant acceleration. Where it did lack was unfortunately in the fairly low 234 miles range. If you do some math and charge to the recommended 80% for battery life longevity, you’d be looking at around 187 miles every charge.

Overall, I’d say the new Volkswagen ID Buzz was such a great package. There is still room for improvement as the low range did have me wanting more. The starting price of $59,995 is also a tough thing to overlook and not have you shopping elsewhere. I think VW should sell a more stripped down version with cloth seats with 2 rows and keep the current range. Then the current entry trim that this is, Pro S, stays at the current price but with an increased battery range.