Volkswagen bus enthusiasts have waited decades for a true successor, and now it’s here: the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz. For those of us who cherish the iconic VW van, the Buzz represents more than just a new vehicle; it’s a revival of a cultural icon, reimagined for the 21st century. After years of anticipation and concept teases dating back to 2001, the electric Volkswagen Van finally made its debut in Europe in 2022. Now, a slightly larger version has arrived in the United States, and we were fortunate enough to get behind the wheel for an extended test drive. Could this electric reincarnation capture the magic of the original Volkswagen van while delivering modern performance and efficiency? We put the ID. Buzz to the test, comparing it not just to contemporary EVs, but to the very spirit of the classic VW bus.
Initial impressions are crucial, and stepping into the ID. Buzz is like entering a retro-futuristic dream. The two-tone lemon yellow paint scheme of our test model immediately evokes the sunny disposition and cheerful vibes of the original VW bus. But beneath the nostalgic exterior lies a thoroughly modern electric vehicle. Frankly, electric vehicles haven’t always ignited excitement for driving enthusiasts. Often perceived as lacking the soul and engagement of their combustion engine counterparts, many EVs prioritize efficiency and technology over driving pleasure. However, the ID. Buzz defies these preconceptions. From the moment you press the accelerator, it becomes clear this is no ordinary electric vehicle.
The ID. Buzz is, simply put, a joy to drive. It possesses a unique blend of spaceship-like modernity and the familiar, comfortable essence of a Volkswagen van. Taking a ride with a young car aficionado, Gefen, his immediate reaction was telling: “It’s just like your Eurovan, except it runs.” This succinct observation captures the essence of the Buzz. It retains the spaciousness and practicality of a classic Volkswagen van, while offering the smooth, silent, and surprisingly potent performance of an electric powertrain.
To truly assess the ID. Buzz, we decided to put it through a series of real-world tests and comparisons. Our adventures began with visits to local automotive landmarks and personalities, offering insights from both seasoned mechanics and Volkswagen experts. First stop, Good News Garage, the legendary home of Tom and Ray Magliozzi, Click and Clack of NPR’s “Car Talk.” While Ray Magliozzi alone was present, his perspective on the new electric Volkswagen van held significant weight. Poking around the spacious three rows of seats, Ray acknowledged the Buzz’s “swanky” feel. Even with modern features like massage seats, the conversation quickly turned to the core question: would people buy it? Ray’s initial skepticism about the price point – starting around sixty thousand dollars – was balanced by his grudging admission that “This thing does fly, though,” after experiencing its acceleration on Memorial Drive. His preference for older VW buses (’68 to ’72) highlighted a key aspect of the Volkswagen van legacy: a blend of simplicity, reliability, and a certain vintage charm.
Next, a visit to Boston Volkswagen provided insights from a dealership perspective. The general manager expressed high hopes for the ID. Buzz, anticipating strong demand and potential sales exceeding the initial allocation of forty-eight vehicles. This enthusiasm from the sales front underscored the buzz (pun intended) surrounding this new Volkswagen van. However, real-world testing also revealed some minor hiccups. A stuck sliding door incident on a cold day, humorously dubbed the “Little Miss Sunshine” moment, highlighted that even modern EVs can have quirks. This experience led to a lighthearted, albeit slightly critical, suggestion for a new VW motto: “Our E.V. van brings you closer to the great outdoors, whether you want it or not.”
To further evaluate the ID. Buzz as a true Volkswagen van, a pilgrimage to John’s Car Corner in Westminster, Vermont, seemed essential. This VW bus “graveyard,” owned by the octogenarian VW enthusiast John Hamill, is a treasure trove of classic Volkswagen vans and a testament to their enduring appeal. John, a devoted Vanagon driver himself, had never seen the ID. Buzz. His initial reaction, and subsequent ride, were crucial in understanding if the new electric van truly resonated with the spirit of its predecessors. Interestingly, John didn’t mind the ID. Buzz’s resemblance to a Toyota Sienna, focusing instead on recognizing the “bus in the bones.” His daily joy in driving his Vanagon and the spontaneous offers from passersby to buy the ID. Buzz at John’s shop further solidified the enduring charm and desirability of the Volkswagen van, in both its classic and modern forms.
The ultimate test, however, had to be a drag race. Inspired by the iconic race scene in “American Graffiti,” we pitted the modern, electric ID. Buzz against a classic, gasoline-powered 1972 Saab Sonett owned by Gefen. This wasn’t just a race between two vehicles; it was a symbolic clash of eras, electric versus combustion, new versus old. The sheer disparity in horsepower – 282 for the Buzz versus 65 for the Sonett – made it a decidedly unfair contest on paper. Yet, the spirit of the race was less about outright victory and more about celebrating the joy of driving and the contrasting personalities of these two machines. The chosen race location, a stretch of road near a synagogue parking lot, added a touch of quirky, everyday Americana to the event. The pre-race banter, filled with humorous references to past Eurovan adventures, underscored the Volkswagen van’s role as a vehicle for shared experiences and memories.
The race itself was, predictably, a swift victory for the ID. Buzz. The electric van’s instant torque and impressive acceleration left the Sonett far behind. But the real takeaway wasn’t the outcome of the race; it was the experience itself. The ID. Buzz proved that an electric vehicle could be engaging, fun, and even a little bit rebellious, echoing the free-spirited nature of the original Volkswagen van.
In conclusion, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is more than just a retro-styled electric minivan; it’s a successful reimagining of a cultural icon for a new generation. It captures the essence of the classic Volkswagen van – its spaciousness, its cheerful personality, and its ability to evoke a sense of adventure – while delivering the benefits of modern electric vehicle technology. While the price point may be a barrier for some, the ID. Buzz offers a compelling blend of nostalgia and innovation that is sure to resonate with both long-time VW van enthusiasts and those new to the Volkswagen family. The electric Volkswagen van is back, and it’s ready to bring Fahrvergnügen into the electric age. For those interested in learning more about vehicle diagnostics and maintenance, whether for a classic VW van or a modern EV like the ID. Buzz, explore the resources available at cardiagnosticnearme.com.
