The iconic Volkswagen Microbus, a symbol of freedom and adventure, has made its long-awaited return to the US market in an electrified avatar. This revival not only brings back the beloved VW bus but also heralds the arrival of the New Volkswagen Bus Camper and a promising range of sub-$100K camper van options, injecting fresh excitement into the American van life scene. We recently had the opportunity to experience the world’s first ID. Buzz camper van, offering a sneak peek into the future of Volkswagen van life as it prepares for its official US launch.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz: More Than Just a Nostalgic Nod
Volkswagen’s announced starting price of $59,995 (plus a $1,550 destination fee) for the US ID. Buzz initially sparked some disappointment. Positioned against minivans that typically range from $36,000 to $51,000, and lacking eligibility for the $7,500 federal EV tax credit due to its non-US manufacturing, the Buzz faces a competitive landscape. The base electric MPV, priced around $61,500, offers a decent but not class-leading EPA-estimated range of 234 miles (377 km). While the 21st-century Microbus undeniably charms with its retro-futuristic design and nostalgic appeal, the initial price point raised questions about its value proposition in a crowded market.
Image: The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB, showcasing its extended wheelbase and design, a modern take on the classic VW bus, perfect as a new Volkswagen bus camper.
However, the perspective dramatically shifts when considering the ID. Buzz as a foundation for a camper van. By integrating a modular camper kit like Ququq’s BusBox 4, the equation changes entirely. Suddenly, you have a brand-new, all-electric camper van starting at approximately $65,835. This price point is remarkably attractive for a MY2025 camper van in the US market, particularly one that carries the iconic Volkswagen heritage and the inherent cost savings of an all-electric powertrain. The new Volkswagen bus camper is not just a vehicle; it’s an entry point to a new era of sustainable and stylish van life.
Ququq BusBox 4: The Instant Camper Conversion for the New VW Bus
While various integrated ID. Buzz camper van conversions are emerging, the Ququq BusBox 4 stands out as the pioneering camper solution for the ID. Buzz in both the global and US markets. Although Peace Vans made an earlier official US announcement regarding their ID. Buzz camper packages, Ququq’s BusBox 4 kit has been readily available for weeks, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Volkswagen’s van deliveries. RRE Global, Ququq’s US distributor, confirmed the availability of the US$4,290 BusBox 4 kits, ready for immediate shipment.
Image: The Ququq BusBox 4, initially designed for the standard wheelbase VW ID. Buzz, now compatible with the long-wheelbase model, highlighting its versatility as a new Volkswagen bus camper conversion kit.
Initially designed for the standard 185-inch (471-cm) wheelbase ID. Buzz, the Ququq camper kit seamlessly adapts to the longer 195-inch (496-cm) long-wheelbase version, which will be the exclusive model offered in the United States as a 2025 model. Volkswagen provided the long-wheelbase model for our test drive, showcasing the spaciousness and practicality of this new Volkswagen bus camper.
The BusBox 4 kit is designed for straightforward installation, requiring only the removal of the LWB van’s third-row seats. It then sits securely behind the second-row seats, which remain in place, allowing the van to function as a five-passenger vehicle for daily use when not in camper mode. The tested ID. Buzz arrived with the BusBox pre-installed, but Ququq assures a remarkably quick installation time of around a minute. While initial setup might take a few minutes to hoist the box into the trunk and secure it with straps, the tool-free and labor-light installation is a significant advantage.
Image: The Ququq BusBox-4 unfolds to reveal a complete outdoor kitchen integrated into the tailgate of the new Volkswagen bus camper, featuring a dual-burner stove, sink, and storage for a fridge or cooler.
Weighing approximately 143 lb (65 kg), the BusBox 4, comprising a full-width kitchen box and bed frame, adds minimal weight, comparable to an extra passenger. This ensures that the impact on the electric range of the new Volkswagen bus camper remains negligible during road trips.
Driving the Electric VW Bus Camper: Escape and Exploration
Stepping into the bright yellow ID. Buzz, any apprehension about navigating European roads for the first time instantly vanished. After days immersed in the crowded Dusseldorf RV show, the new Volkswagen bus camper offered an immediate sense of escape and freedom – the very essence of the timeless appeal of Volkswagen campers.
While accustomed to larger vehicles like full-size pickup trucks, the ID. Buzz LWB felt somewhat lengthy in the tight confines of a European underground parking garage. This highlighted the emphasis European RV manufacturers place on garage-friendly dimensions. Maneuvering the van within the parking space lines was snug, with parking sensors frequently activating as we navigated the narrow aisles.
Emerging into daylight unscathed, the 282-hp LWB Buzz smoothly merged onto the autobahn near Dusseldorf. While its 7.9-second 0-62 mph (100 km/h) acceleration isn’t record-breaking, the electric powertrain delivered ample and confident performance for freeway driving.
The Volkswagen infotainment system proved surprisingly user-friendly and reliable, effortlessly guiding us through unfamiliar territory. Navigating to the campground and locating points of interest along the way was intuitive, even without relying on a phone. The head-up display, a new addition for the 2024 model year and available in the US on the Pro S Plus package, also impressed with its unobtrusive and helpful presentation of navigation and speed information.
The speed limit warning system, initially startling with its persistent ringing, proved beneficial on unfamiliar foreign roads, prompting regular speed checks where signage wasn’t always readily visible.
Arrival in Bergisches Land: Embracing Nature with the VW Electric Camper
Bergisches Land, a captivating region in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, offered a tranquil escape just 30 minutes from Dusseldorf’s city center. Despite being close to urban areas, the landscape transformed into a serene panorama of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers.
As we reached Solingen, “City of Blades,” the urban outskirts quickly gave way to quiet country roads, descending through meadows and into valleys. The new Volkswagen bus camper seamlessly transitioned into this green, hilly German landscape, familiar from postcards and train journeys.
Image: Dusseldorf, with its lively Rhine Riverfront, offers urban escapes, but the new Volkswagen bus camper excels at venturing into nature, like the nearby Bergisches Land with its forests and rivers.
While the ID. Buzz wasn’t ideal for aggressive cornering on twisty roads, Sport mode enhanced throttle and steering response, allowing for spirited driving within recommended speed limits without compromising stability.
Base Camp Setup: Effortless Camper Conversion
The campground nestled in the valley floor beside the Wupper River, surrounded by lush trees and hiking trails, provided an idyllic natural retreat. Setting up the Ququq BusBox 4 for camping was remarkably simple. Folding down the rear seats and extending the sleeping platform was intuitive, even without instructions.
The BusBox impressed with its robust construction, featuring watertight phenolic resin-finished plywood and sturdy aluminum profiles. The steel latches provided secure and easy closure, a welcome improvement over less reliable strap systems found on some camping equipment.
Image: The Ququq BusBox 4 installed in the new Volkswagen bus camper, demonstrating its compact design behind the second-row seats, allowing for both passenger and camper functionality.
A minor drawback was the foam beam used to level the sleeping platform on the folded seats. While functional, a more robust solution would be preferable for long-term durability. Despite this, the foam beam effectively leveled the sleeping surface and comfortably supported weight.
The BusBox 4 includes a dual-burner camping stove and water canisters, but for this short trip, simple meals of deli meat, cheese, baguette, and fresh produce were chosen. The optional small fridge box in the BusBox provided adequate space for perishable items for a solo traveler for a night or two, but a larger cooler might be more practical for families or longer trips.
Image: The integrated fridge in the Ququq BusBox 4 of the new Volkswagen bus camper, offering compact refrigeration for short trips, with suggestions for larger cooler options for extended camping.
The Camping Experience: Cozy and Convenient
The basic camper setup proved perfectly comfortable for a solo overnight trip. While rainy weather encouraged indoor lounging in the driver’s seat, the new Volkswagen bus camper is ideally suited for enjoying the outdoors with camping furniture, with the interior serving as a comfortable sleeping space. An awning would enhance the outdoor living space, providing shelter beyond the tailgate.
The optional electrochromic glass roof, a $1,495 US option, is a standout feature for camping, offering a panoramic view of the stars at night. Unfortunately, cloud cover prevented stargazing during this trip.
The rainy weather did contribute to a peaceful night’s sleep, with the gentle rain creating a soothing ambiance. Despite chilly temperatures, the ID. Buzz’s stationary climate control provided convenient and effective heating. Activating the heat via the touchscreen at 1 am and again at 5 am ensured a comfortable cabin temperature, with minimal battery drain. The remote climate control via the VW app offers even greater convenience.
Image: Setting up the sleeping area in the new Volkswagen bus camper with the Ququq BusBox 4, demonstrating the quick and easy conversion to camper mode with a foldable mattress platform.
Battery range remained impressive, dropping only 20 km (12.4 miles) overnight with heater use, a reasonable trade-off for a warm night’s sleep in the new Volkswagen bus camper.
A minor design detail of the Ququq kit is the upward-protruding hinged arms of the sleeping platform, which could potentially cause discomfort for multiple sleepers. However, for a solo traveler sleeping in the center of the mattress, it was not an issue.
Image: A detail of the Ququq BusBox 4 sleeping platform hinges in the new Volkswagen bus camper, highlighting a minor design consideration for multi-person sleeping comfort.
Morning Coffee and Departure: Seamless Transition Back to Urban Life
Morning coffee was the priority, and breaking down camp was remarkably quick – under five minutes to stow away the BusBox 4 and prepare for departure. The VW navigation system efficiently guided us to a charming riverside village, Solingen Unterburg, for coffee, even leading to a closed café initially. However, the picturesque village and eventually the delightful café with apple strudel and a scenic patio view made the detour worthwhile.
Image: The charming village of Solingen Unterburg, a destination discovered while seeking coffee in the new Volkswagen bus camper, showcasing the opportunities for exploration and serendipitous discoveries.
Refueled with caffeine, the return trip to Dusseldorf was effortless, reaffirming the value of the integrated navigation system in the new Volkswagen bus camper.
Final Verdict: The New Volkswagen Bus Camper for Modern Adventures
While initial plans for an extended road trip to the Alps were curtailed, the short urban escape proved to be an ideal scenario for the 230-mile range electric mini-camper. Starting with over 90% charge and 281 miles of range, the round trip of 170 km concluded with nearly 50% battery remaining. The ID. Buzz/Ququq combination excelled as a tool for quick weekend getaways and urban escapes.
However, for longer camping excursions or extensive road trips, the limited range might be a consideration, especially when venturing to remote campsites without charging infrastructure. Charging times are reasonable at 26 minutes (10 to 80 percent) at a 200-kW DC fast-charger, or over eight hours with 11-kW Level 2 AC charging.
Image: The long-wheelbase VW ID. Buzz, perfectly suited for US highways and backroads as a new Volkswagen bus camper, while acknowledging the standard wheelbase model’s suitability for tighter European streets.
In the US market, the new Volkswagen bus camper presents a compelling option for those seeking an electric daily driver with five to seven seats that effortlessly transforms into a camper for weekend adventures and vacations. It offers ample range for daily commutes and errands, combined with the flexibility of camper mode. While designed for two adults sleeping comfortably, families will need to consider additional accommodations like a tent.
The new Volkswagen bus camper arrives with the advantage of being the first all-new VW camper van in the US in two decades and the only midsize-van camper currently available. With the discontinuation of the Ram Promaster City, the ID. Buzz faces limited direct competition, primarily against minivan camper packages, used camper vans, and DIY conversions. It also presents an alternative to camper kits for SUVs and wagons, offering superior space and van life appeal.
Pricing and Equipment Options for the New Volkswagen Bus Camper
Volkswagen has commenced US deliveries of the ID. Buzz, with various trim levels available. Beyond the base $60K ID. Buzz Pro S, the $63,495 Pro S Plus adds features like a head-up display, surround-view camera, Harman/Kardon audio, and power sliding doors. The Pro S Plus is also available with dual-motor all-wheel drive starting at $67,995. The launch-exclusive 1st Edition ID. Buzz, priced from $65,495+, builds upon the Pro S Plus with an electrochromic glass roof, roof rails, and unique styling elements. All prices exclude the $1,550 destination fee.
While not yet the fully autonomous concept vehicle initially envisioned, all US ID. Buzz trims include a comprehensive driver-assistance suite, featuring IQ. Drive with semi-automated driving capabilities.
For further details, visit Volkswagen’s official website. The Ququq BusBox 4, specifically designed for the ID. Buzz, is available from RRE Global for $4,290, offering a straightforward and functional camper conversion kit. Additional information is available from RRE Global.
The new Volkswagen bus camper is poised to redefine van life for a new generation, blending electric mobility with the iconic spirit of the VW bus.
