Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

The Volkswagen Microbus is back with futuristic intentions in the form of an all-electric three-row van dubbed the ID. Buzz. Featuring DNA dating back to 1950, the current rendition is longer, sustainable, battery-powered, and energetically fun to drive.

I joined the fanfare in San Francisco for the national press drive of the 2025 VW ID. Buzz and was delighted by the melting pot of vibrant colors and configurations as we took over iconic Lombard Street, caravanned to Golden Gate Fort Point and Stinson Beach, and continued up to Nick’s Cove.

While venturing around The City by the Bay’s hilly streets, onlookers were enamored by what they were seeing. After years of online chatter and community buzz, the actual ID. Buzz was staring them in the face. I captured some pretty cool conversational moments while speaking with many of them.

To reimagine the Microbus, also known as a Bus, Camper, Samba, Splittie, Campervan, or Bulli, VW leaned on design cues from the original platform and took input from devout owners who have kept the movement alive. The narrow and tall van incorporates windows everywhere for increased visibility and styling, aerodynamically optimized 20” aluminum-alloy wheels pushed to the corners (staggered all-season tires), an expansive electrochromic smart glass sunroof, a retractable trailer hitch, and the prominent and illuminated VW logo, which remains the centerpiece of the front fascia. The ID. Buzz is represented by:

Efficient packaging with modern functionality
Space for the entire family and pets
Increased visibility so occupants can see everything outside of the vehicle
Recycled materials and retro design cues
Cutting-edge EV technology
Advanced driver assistance systems

Nearly 10” longer than the 2-row European version that launched in 2022, the ID. Buzz offers three interior design packages (Copper, Dune, and Moonlight), three single-tone exterior hues, and eight two-tones such as Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Energetic Orange, and my favorite, Cabana Blue/Candy White. Some of the media preferred luminous color schemes while others said they gravitate more towards the shadowed presence of a Deep Black Pearl. Also, expect illuminated front doors, a power tailgate, and power sliding doors like traditional minivans, but with the added power sliding windows. All American actor Kareem Grimes is down for the cause with Minty, his custom Mint Green VW Bus with over 22 windows. Grimes is already an EV owner who is looking forward to ordering a Mahi Green ID. Buzz soon.

“The ID. Buzz is Volkswagen’s next iconic vehicle for North America,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “It serves as our brand halo in the U.S. and Canada and embodies the best of Volkswagen: distinctive design, fun to drive, loaded with technology, incredibly spacious, and sustainable. It also honors the past by evoking the classic Minibus while embracing the future of our industry.”

When driving, the ID. Buzz doesn’t feel like an EV. It actually feels like an ICE (gas) vehicle. Just be careful when parking behind other cars or in front of walls because the front end drops off out of view. The electric van rolls on the latest MEB platform powered by either a 282-horsepower rear performance electric motor for the RWD model or the 335-horsepower dual motor 4Motion AWD model. Both run off a 91 kWh high-voltage lithium-ion battery that can be charged up to 200 kW at a DC Fast Charger in 26 minutes (10 to 80%). The EV can cruise 231 (AWD) to 234 (RWD) miles before a charge is required. However, I would like to see that number increase to 300 electric miles or more since the Bus was always a road trip vehicle.

Step inside the inventive cabin to a uniquely theatrical setting, earthy materials, lively comforts, and digital operations. The setup incorporates a 12.9” seamless and comprehensive touchscreen, leather-free upholstery, eight USB-c ports including the passenger door, 30 shades of ambient lighting, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a removable third row to enhance the van’s utility, and a detachable center console just in case the front passenger needs to step between the seats to venture into the second row. You can choose the 7-passenger version on the 6-seater with captain chairs (AWD). Do not expect physical knobs since everything is touch activated. For example, a digital slide bar operates the volume and 3-zone Climatronic controls. I still like buttons and knobs and prefer a mix of the two.

For safety and convenience, the electric van is outfitted with IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology comprising Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go, and Travel Assist. IQ.DRIVE alerts the driver to impediments in front of their ID. Buzz while using third-eye awareness to help make driving more secure. Other safety features are Dynamic Road Sign Display, Park Assist Plus w/ memory parking, and Head-up display.

The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will hit the market before the end of the year with MSRPs of $59,995 (Pro S), $63,495 (Pro S Plus), and $65,495 for the 1st Edition. The destination charge is $1,550. Let’s ride this EV wave into the next generation, where naturalistic habits, electric energy, and recyclable materials replace planetary disrespect.