The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is on the move, but one niche remains largely vacant: the spacious, family-friendly EV. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is poised to fill this gap while resurrecting an automotive icon, the legendary Volkswagen Type 2, the beloved Microbus. Born in 1950, it embodied optimism, freedom, and the counterculture. Its boxy silhouette, two-tone paint, and spacious interior became synonymous with adventure. Beyond aesthetics, the Type 2 offered remarkable versatility. Configurable seating and ample cargo space catered to diverse needs, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon.
It transcended transportation, becoming a symbol of an era. The Type 2’s influence extended far beyond production. It featured in pop culture, adorned album covers, and served as a canvas for artistic expression. For many, the Microbus was more than a vehicle; it was a carefree, adventurous spirit. Volkswagen, recognizing this enduring love, explored a revival. Various concepts emerged, showcasing a modernized interpretation. The 2017 ID. Buzz concept, an electric reincarnation, truly crystallized the vision.
The European market received the ID. Buzz in 2022, but the U.S. holds a unique challenge: living up to the Microbus legacy while catering to American preferences. The U.S.-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz arrives not just as an EV, but as a historical successor. It carries the weight of its iconic predecessor, the hopes of a market hungry for spacious EVs, and the responsibility of forging a new chapter in its legendary narrative.
White and Yellow Volkswagen ID. Buzz
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In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Volkswagen and other reliable sources.
The ID. Buzz Is Based On Volkswagen’s Electric MEB Platform
ID Buzz
The foundation of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz lies in Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform. This versatile architecture currently serves as the backbone for several electric vehicles within the Volkswagen Group, including the Audi Q4 e-tron and the Volkswagen ID.4. By utilizing this established platform, the ID. Buzz benefits from proven technology and economies of scale, potentially enhancing efficiency and production scalability.
Extended Wheelbase And Third-Row Seating For North America
Rear three-quarter view of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB
Specifically, the American-market ID. Buzz will leverage a long-wheelbase version of the MEB platform. This tailored variant boasts a wheelbase significantly longer than the version found in the European model. This extended platform allows for the inclusion of a third row of seating, catering to the North American preference for larger cabins and passenger capacity. While specific trims and layouts are yet to be announced, the American ID. Buzz will offer seating for either six or seven passengers across its three rows.
Cabana Blue 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB beside the original Type 2
It’s important to note that the MEB platform isn’t solely about size. It’s designed to be adaptable and future-proof, accommodating a variety of battery pack sizes and motor configurations. This flexibility gives Volkswagen the ability to potentially offer different performance options for the ID. Buzz in the future, while ensuring the platform remains compatible with evolving battery and electric motor technologies.
European Volkswagen ID. Buzz Dimensions
(Specs sourced from Volkswagen)
In conclusion, the MEB platform serves as the crucial technological foundation for the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz. This established architecture offers advantages in terms of efficiency, scalability, and adaptability, paving the way for a spacious and potentially versatile electric vehicle tailored to the North American market.
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The American ID.Buzz Powers Up
A 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB on the road
While Europeans receive a single rear motor configuration with 201 horsepower and an 82 kWh battery, American drivers gain access to a more potent option boasting 282 horsepower from a rear motor and a larger 91 kWh battery. Additionally, all-wheel drive is exclusively available for American models, featuring dual motors (one front, one rear) that combine for 330 horsepower.
While European testing indicates a compelling range of 263 miles for the 82 kWh model, translating this figure directly to American expectations requires caution. The EPA testing methodology, focusing more on highway driving, typically yields lower range estimates compared to European standards. Therefore, the exact range for the American-spec ID. Buzz remains to be determined.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz European Vs. U.S. Model Powertrain And Performance Comparison
(Specs sourced from Volkswagen)
Despite the pending range figures, the American ID. Buzz promises a spirited driving experience. The 282 horsepower rear-wheel-drive configuration will provide ample acceleration for daily commutes and highway cruising, while the 330-horsepower all-wheel-drive option caters to those seeking additional performance and handling capabilities, particularly in diverse weather conditions.
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A Symphony Of Modern And Retro
Close
The interior of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz strikes a playful yet sophisticated chord, blending nostalgic nods to the classic microbus with modern technology and comfort features. Etched silhouettes of the vehicle adorn the cabin plastics, while a palette of vibrant accent colors and 30 customizable LED lighting options allow for personalization.
Three interior color schemes are available for the U.S. launch, each offering a distinct aesthetic: warm brown seats with blue accents, light gray with clay highlights, and light brown upholstery with contrasting light gray trim. The second-row bench folds down for flexible cargo space, while heated and ventilated front seats with massage functionality provide a luxurious touch. The heated comfort extends to the second-row outboard seats, further enhancing passenger well-being.
Tech And Comfort In Harmony
Interior of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz LWB
Technology takes center stage in the ID. Buzz, with a 5.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen running Volkswagen’s latest, more intuitive software. Wireless charging, a 110-volt outlet, and eight USB-C ports ensure connectivity for all passengers. For an immersive open-air experience, a panoramic glass sunroof with electronically switchable tinting is available. Additionally, Volkswagen’s innovative ID. Light system, using light pulses to communicate turn signals, phone calls, and other vehicle information, is integrated as standard.
The spacious interior goes beyond aesthetics, offering remarkable flexibility. The front seats boast adjustable armrests and fold-out tables for rear passengers, while a removable center console adds further adaptability. The U.S.-spec model features three rows, comfortably seating seven, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs that reduce capacity to six. Standard features include a 10.0-inch digital gauge cluster, customizable ambient lighting, and massaging front seats.
European Volkswagen ID. Buzz Interior Dimensions
(Specs sourced from Volkswagen)
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EU Safety Features Hint At High Standards For The U.S.-Spec
A yellow Volkswagen ID. Buzz
Volkswagen has not yet disclosed any information about the specific safety features of the U.S.-spec 2025 ID.Buzz. The European ID.Buzz prioritizes driver and passenger safety with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies. The ID. Buzz earned a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP in 2022.
Collision Avoidance Systems
- Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking: This system alerts the driver to potential frontal collisions and automatically applies the brakes if necessary, mitigating the risk of accidents or reducing their severity.
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist: This feature helps prevent unintentional lane changes by issuing audible and visual warnings when the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane.
Driver Assistance Technologies
- Adaptive cruise control: This system maintains a preset distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting speed to match changing traffic conditions. It enhances comfort and safety on long journeys.
- Travel Assist: This feature combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, enabling partially automated driving on highways and motorways under supervision. It can even perform lane changes upon driver confirmation.
- Park Assist Plus with memory function: This system takes the stress out of parking by automatically steering the vehicle into parallel or perpendicular spaces. The innovative memory function allows the system to learn and remember frequently used parking maneuvers for future convenience.
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC): This system helps maintain vehicle stability by preventing skids and loss of control in challenging driving situations.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): This system alerts the driver to low tire pressure, which can impact handling and safety.
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