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The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is more than just a modern electric van—it’s a nostalgic nod to the iconic VW Microbus of the 1950s. At Munro & Associates, we recently had the opportunity to evaluate the 2025 ID. Buzz, and our teardown-centric review revealed an intriguing blend of retro aesthetics, innovative engineering, and practical limitations. This Volkswagen ID. Buzz review will walk you through key findings, materials usage, interior features, and where this electric microbus shines—or falls short—for today’s EV enthusiasts and automotive engineers.
Design and Engineering: A Classic Look with Electric Advantages
Volkswagen has successfully modernized the beloved Microbus silhouette. With a small front overhang and rounded edges, the ID. Buzz evokes instant recognition while complying with modern crash regulations. Thanks to its battery-electric architecture, engineers have greater freedom to design with minimal frontal intrusion—ideal for both pedestrian safety and crash performance.
Upon opening the hood, the engineers at Munro noted something that Sandy has long advocated for: clean, minimal engine bays showing only fluid fills. The ID. Buzz delivers on this ideal with clear access to coolant, AC ports, and washer fluid—everything else is tucked away for dealership servicing. This approach simplifies the owner experience while ensuring lean, controlled maintenance.
Innovative Material Use: Expanded Polypropylene as Ductwork
One clever touch Volkswagen applied under the hood is using expanded polypropylene (EPP) foam—not only as an impact absorption element but also as an air duct. While EPP is common in safety structures, its dual-purpose application here impressed our team. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to mold, making it a cost-effective choice that aligns with lean design principles.
The Two-Tone Paint Challenge: Mixing Materials with Style
Retro two-tone paint jobs are notoriously difficult to execute, especially with a mix of sheet metal and plastic body panels. Most manufacturers avoid them due to inconsistencies in paint lines and reflections. However, Volkswagen has done an admirable job maintaining a consistent paint transition across the ID. Buzz.
From five feet away, mismatches are nearly invisible. Up close, some variation appears where different materials—like plastic panels and metal fenders—join, but the color alignment is commendable. Masking techniques used on panel edges and the door seams show attention to detail, even if not flawless. The color palette, which one Munro engineer jokingly described as “orange creamsicle,” might be polarizing, but it’s undeniably memorable.
Comfort and Controls: Designed for Everyday Utility
Inside, the ID. Buzz impresses with spaciousness and adjustability. The seats offer multiple configuration options including lumbar support and an extendable base for taller drivers. The materials are a mix of hard plastics and soft-touch surfaces, carefully chosen for the most frequent points of contact.
The infotainment screen, mounted on the steering column stalk, remains visible regardless of steering wheel adjustment—a thoughtful fix to a common ergonomic issue in modern vehicles. The software is responsive, easy to navigate, and offers quick access to navigation, media, and smartphone integration via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
Ambient lighting adds a subtle interactive element. For example, lights shift colors based on door position—an intuitive visual cue. Features like this, while not revolutionary, enhance user experience in simple yet meaningful ways.
Modular Center Console and Smart Storage
The removable center console is another example of flexible design. It includes modular trays and even what appears to be a minimalist cupholder, although its practical use is questionable. Removing the console opens up the cabin floor, increasing movement and utility—especially valuable in camper conversions or family-oriented layouts.
That said, interior storage is limited. Aside from a small front cubby and a shallow tray behind the front seats, options are minimal. This tradeoff highlights Volkswagen’s focus on open space over compartmentalization.
Family-Focused Rear Seating and Unique Window Design
The second and third rows of seating accommodate a range of passenger needs. Rear-facing car seats fit easily without impinging on front-row legroom. The second-row seats feature a “tumble and slide” mechanism, simplifying access to the third row. Safety indicators ensure seats are properly locked, with visible tabs confirming engagement.
One standout feature is the rear window design. Instead of rolling down into the door, the small side window slides behind the adjacent pane. It’s a smart solution that preserves internal door structure while offering fresh air—though it results in a double-layered window when open.
Climate controls for the rear are mounted in the headliner instead of a center console (which, again, is removable). Controls are divided between left and right passengers, an unusual but intuitive placement that ensures ease of access without crowding a central module.
Flat Load Floor and Modular Rear Options
Volkswagen also designed the ID. Buzz for cargo versatility. Folding down the second-row seats and opening the power liftgate reveals a nearly flat load floor—thanks to a removable rear shelf. The shelf flips up or detaches entirely with two screws, offering users flexibility depending on cargo needs.
Volkswagen even includes lightweight bins and Velcro brackets to section off space in the trunk, keeping groceries or gear from sliding during travel. These small features are inexpensive to produce but add real-world convenience.
Performance and Range: A Mixed Bag
The ID. Buzz is available in rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants, with ranges of 234 and 231 miles respectively, supported by a 90 kWh battery. This places it behind segment leaders in long-distance performance. At Munro, we consider 300 miles a baseline for a sole family vehicle. Anything below that limits its use for extended road trips—especially with young children and the added time required for charging stops.
Volkswagen limits DC fast charging to 150 kW, though real-world tests suggest bursts above 170 kW on high-speed chargers. Because of the battery size, charge times are shorter, but frequency becomes a factor. As a daily commuter or city van, the ID. Buzz excels. As a long-distance family hauler, its range restricts it to secondary-vehicle status for many households.
Final Thoughts: Ideal for the Right Use Case
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a thoughtfully engineered tribute to a classic. It blends fun styling, practical engineering, and modern EV sensibilities in a way few vehicles do. However, its limited range and constrained interior storage highlight some of the compromises required by Volkswagen’s MEB platform.
For urban families, nostalgic boomers, and eco-conscious van-lifers, the ID. Buzz delivers charm and functionality in equal measure. For hardcore road trippers, however, it might come up short—literally.
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