Volkswagen bus enthusiasts have eagerly awaited the electric reboot of the iconic Vw Van, and the wait is finally over with the arrival of the ID. Buzz in the United States. After years of anticipation and a European debut in 2022, a slightly larger version of this electric vw van has landed stateside, and I recently had the opportunity to test drive it for a week.
Before diving into my own experience, I was reminded of the enduring appeal of classic cars through a visit with the Shapiro brothers, Gefen and Yona, young car aficionados with an impressive collection of vintage vehicles. Their passion for rescuing and restoring automotive relics, from a Girl Scout-green 1972 MG Midget to a temperamental 1972 Saab Sonett, highlighted the timeless charm of automobiles. This appreciation for automotive history provided an interesting backdrop as I prepared to experience the future of the vw van.
My personal history with VW vans stretches back decades. Like many, I was drawn to the practicality and unique character of these vehicles. From Vanagons to Eurovans, VW buses have been a constant presence in my life. The departure of our 2002 Eurovan earlier this year marked the first time in thirty years without a vw van in our driveway. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the new electric vw van, the ID. Buzz, arrived, feeling like a familiar friend returning home.
To be frank, electric vehicles haven’t always sparked excitement for me. The typical EV experience often feels somewhat sterile, lacking the engaging mechanics of traditional combustion engines. However, the ID. Buzz proved to be a delightful exception. Stepping inside felt like entering a spaceship – in the best possible way. It’s an experience that manages to be both futuristic and reminiscent of the classic vw van spirit. Even Gefen, after a ride, remarked, “It’s just like your Eurovan, except it runs,” highlighting the blend of familiar essence and modern functionality.
Initially unsure of how to truly test this electric vw van, I decided to embrace the spirit of adventure that VW vans have always represented. Remembering the days of road trips in our Vanagons and Eurovans, often involving visits to the legendary “Car Talk” gurus, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, at Good News Garage, I sought out a similar automotive sage. A drive to Ray Magliozzi’s shop seemed like the perfect pilgrimage in this new electric vw van.
Alt text: Automotive expert Ray Magliozzi inspecting the spacious three-row seating inside the new electric VW ID. Buzz van.
Ray, ever the pragmatist, offered his candid opinions as we explored the ID. Buzz. While acknowledging its “swanky” features, including massage seats, he remained grounded, questioning the practicality of its price point. “Do you think people are going to buy it?” I asked. His response was blunt: “Not for sixty-five thousand dollars.” Ray’s heart clearly belongs to the older vw vans – the ’68 to ’72 models – which he considers the golden era before they “started to get to be a pain in the neck.” However, even he conceded, with a hint of begrudging admiration, as we accelerated on Memorial Drive, “This thing does fly, though.”
Next, a visit to Boston Volkswagen provided insights into market demand. The general manager expressed enthusiasm, anticipating strong sales for the ID. Buzz, despite limited initial allocations from VW. He believed he could sell hundreds, far exceeding the initial forty-eight units he was slated to receive. This anticipation underscores the pent-up demand for a modern electric vw van that captures the essence of its predecessors.
However, the test drive wasn’t without its hiccups. In a moment that felt comically reminiscent of classic car ownership, one of the ID. Buzz’s sliding doors became stuck wide open on a freezing day. The irony wasn’t lost on my passenger, an environmental-law professor, who quipped, “Our E.V. van brings you closer to the great outdoors, whether you want it or not.” This minor malfunction served as a humorous reminder that even cutting-edge vehicles can have their quirks.
To truly gauge the ID. Buzz’s range and connect with the vw van community, I embarked on a road trip to John’s Car Corner in Westminster, Vermont – a place that, from the road, resembles a vw van graveyard. There I met John Hamill, an 84-year-old automotive enthusiast who has owned over twenty-seven hundred cars and remains devoted to Vanagons. His daily joy comes from driving his red 1990 Vanagon.
Alt text: John Hamill, a VW Vanagon enthusiast, standing in front of his collection of classic VW vans, with the modern electric ID. Buzz parked to the right.
John, a vw van purist, had never seen the ID. Buzz before. After a ride, he appreciated its lineage, recognizing the “bus in the bones,” even if its aesthetics leaned slightly towards a Toyota Sienna. Interestingly, even in the remote setting of John’s Car Corner, the ID. Buzz attracted attention. A passerby immediately offered to buy it, a testament to the vw van’s enduring appeal and the buzz surrounding this new electric iteration. This spontaneous offer mirrored the numerous inquiries I received throughout the week, from parking lots to grocery stores – people were constantly drawn to the ID. Buzz, eager to know if it was for sale.
To culminate the test drive, a playful drag race against Gefen’s Saab Sonett was proposed. Inspired by the iconic race scene in “American Graffiti,” we lined up the electric vw van against the vintage sports car. The vast power disparity – 282 horsepower in the ID. Buzz versus 65 in the Sonett – made it an uneven match, but the spirit of fun and automotive enthusiasm prevailed.
Alt text: Side-by-side view of the lemon yellow electric VW ID. Buzz and the tangerine orange Saab Sonett preparing for a short, friendly drag race.
Despite initial hesitation and a touch of apprehension about the impromptu street race, the thrill of the moment took over. With Yona counting down, the electric vw van launched forward, leaving the Sonett in its (emission-free) dust. The ID. Buzz delivered a surprising burst of acceleration, showcasing the instant torque characteristic of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, the VW ID. Buzz is more than just an electric vehicle; it’s a modern reimagining of a cultural icon. It successfully captures the spirit of the classic vw van while delivering a thoroughly modern and surprisingly enjoyable driving experience. While the price point may raise eyebrows, the enthusiastic reception and strong demand suggest that the electric vw van is poised to reignite the passion for this beloved vehicle for a new generation. The ID. Buzz proves that the vw van legacy is not just alive, but electrified and ready for the future.
