The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is generating buzz, and for good reason. This all-electric minivan revives the iconic VW bus spirit with a modern, eco-friendly twist. Its charming design and promise of practicality have many eagerly anticipating its arrival. However, one crucial question looms large for potential buyers in the EV market: what is the Electric Vw Bus Cost, and does it justify the investment?
The ID. Buzz isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a completely new vehicle designed to capture hearts with its unique blend of retro aesthetics and forward-thinking technology. It’s the first all-electric minivan on the market, filling a niche that many didn’t realize they were waiting for until they experienced the Buzz. Driving the ID. Buzz is an experience in itself, particularly in environments where vintage VW Microbuses are a familiar sight, like the scenic routes around San Francisco and the Marin headlands.
However, beyond the captivating looks and novel concept, the reality of electric vehicle ownership comes into play, and cost is a significant factor. Let’s delve into the details of the electric VW bus cost and explore what you get for your money with the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Decoding the 2025 VW ID Buzz Price Tags
Volkswagen has announced the trim levels and starting prices for the 2025 ID. Buzz, giving us a clear picture of the initial electric VW bus cost:
- Pro S RWD: $59,995
- Pro S Plus RWD: $63,495
- Pro S Plus 4Motion: $67,995
- 1st Edition RWD: $65,495
- 1st Edition AWD: $69,995
Source: Volkswagen. Prices exclude a $1,550 destination charge.
These figures immediately place the electric VW bus cost in a higher bracket than traditional minivans. However, it’s crucial to consider these prices in the context of the electric vehicle market and the unique features the ID. Buzz offers. When comparing the electric VW bus cost to other three-row EVs currently available, like the Kia EV9, the pricing appears competitive. The Volvo EX90, another three-row electric SUV, enters the market at a significantly higher price point, further emphasizing the relative value proposition of the ID. Buzz within the EV landscape.
VW ID Buzz MPV Exterior Design
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz showcases its charming exterior design, blending retro inspiration with modern electric vehicle aesthetics.
What Justifies the Electric VW Bus Cost? Size, Space, and Features
The electric VW bus cost reflects more than just its powertrain; it encompasses the vehicle’s unique design, spaciousness, and a suite of features geared towards modern families and drivers.
The ID. Buzz utilizes Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the foundation for other VW EVs like the ID.4 SUV. The name itself, a combination of “ID” (VW’s EV identifier) and “Buzz” (hinting at electric power), signals its electric identity. While a smaller, five-passenger version and a commercial cargo van are built in Hanover for European markets, the US is receiving a longer, three-row version designed to serve as a “halo vehicle.” This means VW is positioning the ID. Buzz to showcase its design prowess, technological advancements, practicality, safety features, and overall efficiency, justifying its electric VW bus cost.
Despite its exterior dimensions – 195.4 inches long, shorter than both the Kia EV9 and Chrysler Pacifica – the ID. Buzz is a masterclass in space efficiency. It remarkably offers more cargo space behind the front seats than a Chevy Suburban, a significantly longer SUV. This “bigger-on-the-inside” characteristic is a direct echo of the original VW Microbus, contributing to the nostalgic charm and practical appeal that factors into the perceived value of the electric VW bus cost.
The interior design is minimalist yet functional. With the optional dimmable panoramic glass roof, the ID. Buzz boasts a passenger volume of 163.7 cubic feet, nearly matching the Chrysler Pacifica. Features in the test vehicles, like captain’s chairs in the first two rows and ample storage, enhance passenger comfort and convenience, adding to the overall justification of the electric VW bus cost.
Technologically, the ID. Buzz is equipped with modern driver interfaces. A compact 5.3-inch instrument display sits on the steering column, while a 12.9-inch touchscreen manages navigation, climate controls, and vehicle settings. Steering wheel touch controls handle audio volume, cruise control, and other functions. Excellent visibility, power sliding doors, and a sliding and reclining rear seat further enhance the user experience, contributing to the value proposition behind the electric VW bus cost.
Performance and Range: Balancing Power with Practicality at this Price Point
When considering the electric VW bus cost, performance and range are critical aspects. The rear-wheel-drive ID. Buzz models produce 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque from a single electric motor. The 4Motion all-wheel-drive versions add a front motor, boosting output to 335 hp, maintaining 413 pound-feet of torque at the rear axle and adding 99 pound-feet at the front.
Both configurations deliver confident acceleration for city and highway driving. Steering is direct, and the rear-wheel-drive model is noted for feeling slightly more responsive due to lighter front-end weight. Interestingly, unlike many EVs, the ID. Buzz doesn’t offer one-pedal driving, but it provides two levels of regenerative braking.
Maneuverability is another strong point, with the wheels positioned at the vehicle’s corners. The rear-wheel-drive version has a tight 37.4-foot turning radius, slightly increasing to 42.7 feet for the all-wheel-drive model. The ID. Buzz offers a quiet and smooth ride, even over imperfect road surfaces. While there’s some body lean in sharp turns, it maintains composure and road grip. These driving dynamics contribute to the overall driving experience and the perceived value relative to the electric VW bus cost.
However, a significant point of consideration regarding the electric VW bus cost is the range. The 91 kWh battery pack provides an EPA-estimated range of 234 miles for rear-wheel-drive models and 231 miles for all-wheel-drive versions. While the difference between drivetrains is minimal, these figures are somewhat underwhelming compared to other three-row EVs like the Kia EV9 (up to 304 miles) and the Volvo EX90 (estimated 300 miles). Charging the ID. Buzz to 100% using a 240V connection takes approximately 9 hours, and it supports DC fast charging up to 200 kW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in about 26 minutes. This range limitation is a crucial factor to weigh against the electric VW bus cost for potential buyers.
Feature Highlights and Potential Drawbacks: Assessing the Overall Value
The 2025 VW ID. Buzz offers a compelling list of features that contribute to its appeal and help justify the electric VW bus cost:
- Rear- or all-wheel drive options
- Six or seven-seat configurations
- Optional retractable trailer hitch
- Available two-tone paint schemes
- Flat-folding second and third-row seats, with removable third-row seats
- Wireless charging for devices
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Harman Kardon 14-speaker premium audio system
- 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Safety and driver-assistance features are also comprehensive, including automatic high beams, pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
Despite its many positives, there are a couple of areas where the ID. Buzz could be improved. The window control system, inherited from the VW ID.4, is criticized for its unintuitive single set of switches for both front and rear windows. Additionally, some may find the lack of a running board for front-door entry slightly inconvenient due to the vehicle’s design.
Is the Electric VW Bus Cost Worth It?
The electric VW bus cost positions the 2025 ID. Buzz as a premium offering in the electric minivan segment. Its adorable styling is undeniably a major draw, but beyond aesthetics, the ID. Buzz delivers on practicality with its spacious interior, capable powertrains, and a suite of modern features. It confidently handles city streets, highways, and country roads, offering a comfortable and engaging driving experience.
The key consideration for potential buyers will be balancing the electric VW bus cost with the vehicle’s range limitations. While the range is adequate for daily driving and urban commutes, it falls short compared to some competitors in the three-row EV market, which might be a concern for those planning frequent long-distance trips.
Ultimately, the decision of whether the electric VW bus cost is justified depends on individual needs and priorities. For those who prioritize unique styling, spaciousness, and the charm of the VW bus heritage in an electric package, and whose driving needs align with the provided range, the 2025 VW ID. Buzz presents a compelling and potentially worthwhile investment. If Volkswagen can successfully convince SUV owners to embrace the ID. Buzz’s distinctive and cheerful character, this electric minivan has the potential to be a significant hit in the EV market.
2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz: Quick Specs Overview
Rear- or all-wheel drive six- or seven-seat electric minivan
Base price: $59,995 (All prices exclude $1,550 destination charge)
Model tested: ID Buzz 1st Edition AWD
Price as tested: $69,995 (Excluding destination charge)
Specifications as tested:
- Powerplant: Front and rear electric motors
- Total system output: 335 hp; 99 pound-feet of torque at front axle, 413 at rear
- Transmission: Single-speed automatic
- EPA estimated range: 231 miles
- Charging time: 9 hours @ 240v; 10-80% in 26 minutes @ 200kWh.
- Wheelbase: 127.5 inches
- Length: 195.4 inches
- Width: 78.1 inches
- Height: 76.2 inches
- Ground clearance: 6.3 inches
- Passenger volume: 163.7 cubic feet
- Cargo volume: 18.6 cubic feet behind rear seat; 75.5 seat folded; 145.5 behind front seat
- Curb weight: 6,197 pounds
- Assembled in: Hanover, Germany
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This story has been updated to add video.
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