The three-row Buzz is defined by its big battery, which has its plusses and minuses.
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2025 VW ID Buzz: Acres of space, but being electric comes at a premium
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Author is wrong. Third row seats are removable via a strap pull. Second row just takes a wrench. In fact, even the first row is removable easily, and you can install swivels for about $400 each, from Europe.
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At my local dealer, I saw one out front with the $10k markup. I consider it a joke, not to be taken seriously. Especially considering they are selling their other vans at $2k under online.
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In Europe the upcoming emission legislation will also cover brake dust.
I tried to attach a link to SAE but it was not allowed. Googling SAE brakes-sustainability-dust-regulations
Therefore a lot of EVs in Europe have brake drums as they emit less particulates.
Mercedes are investigating a transmission with encapsulated brakes to get rid of it entirely.
SAE reference can be found by searching for SAE mercedes-in-drive-brakes (this was not allowed either)
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EVa dont need to worry as much about brake dust anyway, as they use friction brakes less. If you can get away with cheaper drums, why not?
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The nostalgia and styling is a super strong point, but I really hope to see a heavily refreshed model in 2-3 years in the US. It's a good start, but needs refinement
- Smaller wheels for a cushier ride and longer range
- Larger battery (by 10%)
- Easily removable middle seats, like the rear
- Redo the infotainment and HVAC with actual buttons, same with window switches
- Heat pump
- Real 2nd row cupholders standard
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Since you didn't demand a price cap... the Polestar 6 (versus the pricier and Musk-tainted Tesla Roadster 2.0).
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I drove plenty of cars with rear drums back before everyone went all disc. It's really no big deal even without regenerative braking, as long as you aren't doing "spirited driving" or long downhills and you don't know how to use engine braking. For a family minivan with strong regen, there is no problem at all with rear drums.
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I was very interested. But I have enough money so while being interested and waiting I got an R1S. Since then I’ve seen a few around and they look lovely.
Comparing, I’ve found I really like a big frunk when carrying five kids. This would be a better cargo vehicle because the interior is taller, but the Rivian seats are fine for passengers. The Rivian charge curve isn’t great, but this sounds like it puts on miles at the same rate, just not as many of them. The Koreans are better so long as you’re charging at 800V, which is hard when the most reliable chargers are from Tesla. We’ve avoided long lines at Electrify America several times using Rivian or Tesla charging stations. ABRP suggests the id.Buzz would add two hours charge time each way on a road trip I took over Christmas, but I suspect the bigger impact would be the number of day trips that would go from zero or one charge stop to one or two because of the shorter range, probably a dozen or two per year in my case.
So I think I made the right choice. I just feel like I’d rather drive a minivan than a giant SUV. And not only is this the only electric minivan in the United States, it looks really cute too.
Comparing, I’ve found I really like a big frunk when carrying five kids. This would be a better cargo vehicle because the interior is taller, but the Rivian seats are fine for passengers. The Rivian charge curve isn’t great, but this sounds like it puts on miles at the same rate, just not as many of them. The Koreans are better so long as you’re charging at 800V, which is hard when the most reliable chargers are from Tesla. We’ve avoided long lines at Electrify America several times using Rivian or Tesla charging stations. ABRP suggests the id.Buzz would add two hours charge time each way on a road trip I took over Christmas, but I suspect the bigger impact would be the number of day trips that would go from zero or one charge stop to one or two because of the shorter range, probably a dozen or two per year in my case.
So I think I made the right choice. I just feel like I’d rather drive a minivan than a giant SUV. And not only is this the only electric minivan in the United States, it looks really cute too.
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Yeah, we've got a '22 Q4 and a '23 ID4 and I'm… profoundly unimpressed with a number of decisions on them, mostly in software, and mostly fixable if they gave a shit, but they don't. Neither so bad that we'll sell them earlier than we would have otherwise, but yuck.
I'm wondering if the Porsche Macan improves on my gripes but I don't think I'm willing to give the benefit of the doubt and I'm sure with tariffs that'll be a $100k car by the time I'm ready to replace the Q4 in 2-4 years. edit: jfc it's like $93k in the lowest config I'd be interested in before any new tariffs, nvm. I ain't in that world.
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You and me both but nobody else apparently.
I was apparently the only person super excited about the porche boxter EV althogh it's out of my price range and I really prefer a 2+2 not a roadster. But I would buy the hell out of an EV mustang or BMW 4-series. Id serious consider an EV Miata even as a two seater. Years ago I drove an original Tesla roadster and I'm definitely sold on the formula.
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On the PHEV the second row seats do not fold flat as the battery is in that space. I believe the rear seat still folds flat though.
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I seem to recall reading an article here that VW, Audi, and Porsche were planning to standardize their software instead of maintaining 3 different teams.
https://meincmagazine.com/cars/2023/04/whats-going-on-with-volkswagens-software-division/
It does seem that my lowly '24 Jetta has better software than it's price point usually gets.
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Yeah I treat any VW family future software claims with extreme skepticism.
Quick research indicates that the Porsche AR HUD does support CarPlay though, unlike my Audi's. Hilariously, the ID4 in Europe has a HUD and it supports carplay so it's obviously something the platform is capable but those dickheads at Audi decided not to support it, probably to push their insanely overpriced data/nav package which is garbage.
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If that range number was 320 instead of 230, I’d probably already own a Buzz.
I live in Minnesota where, for four months of the year, that “230” mile range is actually 120-140 miles.
As an EV owner already, range is still far and away the biggest issue if you live in a place where it snows. What is a reasonable range becomes entirely un-fucking-reasonable in winter.
I live in Minnesota where, for four months of the year, that “230” mile range is actually 120-140 miles.
As an EV owner already, range is still far and away the biggest issue if you live in a place where it snows. What is a reasonable range becomes entirely un-fucking-reasonable in winter.
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The fact that Volvo will be updating so many existing cars to their new 2025 EV software interface refresh is so incredible for this industry. My 2022 C40 is covered, as well as units going even further back.
https://www.media.volvocars.com/glo...wo-major-tech-upgrades-soon-in-new-volvo-cars
I have to say, as far as helping folks feel good about buying a Volvo, they are doing well on the software side of things with monthly updates and semi-monthly OTA drops.
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Thanks! I've been begging for years now for Gitlin and other automotive reporters to include this point (heat pump or resistance heater?) in their EV reviews, but no luck so far. It is arguably a more impactful spec for non-Hawaiians than is the 20%-to-80% time. Sigh.
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It's good that they finally delivered but VW could have done a better job. The second row could have been two captain's chairs like a Mazda5 which would have been roomier and allowed for a tray with cupholders between the seats. I think the Mazda5 may be a better comparison to the ID Buzz than a full size minivan like a Toyota Sienna. FWIW the Mazda5 couldn't take 4x8 sheet goods and the seats were fold flat only but it was amazingly useful and considerably smaller than any other US market minivan, I still miss ours
The other problems with the ID Buzz are way too high a price, way too many screen controlled and capacitive controls and not great range compared competitive vehicles. It will be interesting to see what Hyundai/Kia comes up with in this space, or one of the Japanese companies
The other problems with the ID Buzz are way too high a price, way too many screen controlled and capacitive controls and not great range compared competitive vehicles. It will be interesting to see what Hyundai/Kia comes up with in this space, or one of the Japanese companies
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As others have pointed out before: the third row seats are easily removable. Would be excellent to correct that in the article!
I have already taken out the second row twice. Once you have the right wrench (M10 nut), it is literally done in ten minutes. You need to remove four screws forbthe single seat and six forbthe double seat and unplug one cable per seat. Then you probably need someone to help carry the double seat part of the bench because it’s heavy.
But that it. I am currently touring Europe in a Buzz with the 2/3 part of the middle bench taken out and I am this moment lying in the buzz with wifey and my kid, who are both already sleeping after a great day in the Alps, passing the absurdly beautiful Timmersjoch pass, easily regenerating 10+ percent battery on the way down. This is a great car (with a couple of minor issues).
I have already taken out the second row twice. Once you have the right wrench (M10 nut), it is literally done in ten minutes. You need to remove four screws forbthe single seat and six forbthe double seat and unplug one cable per seat. Then you probably need someone to help carry the double seat part of the bench because it’s heavy.
But that it. I am currently touring Europe in a Buzz with the 2/3 part of the middle bench taken out and I am this moment lying in the buzz with wifey and my kid, who are both already sleeping after a great day in the Alps, passing the absurdly beautiful Timmersjoch pass, easily regenerating 10+ percent battery on the way down. This is a great car (with a couple of minor issues).
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Okay. Middle row captain's seats are available on the ID. Buzz.
As for comparing it to the Mazda 5... I don't think people properly remember how small the 5 was.
https://www.carsized.com/en/cars/compare/mazda-5-2005-minivan-vs-volkswagen-id-buzz-2022-van-lwb/
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yeah, unfortunately the 40-series are too small for my needs and the 90-series are too big/too expensive.
I'll keep an eye on the upcoming 60-series EV though. That said, I don't really love where their interior styling has gone and I really, REALLY do not love the Geely situation or the Google software reliance…
We'll see how things shake out. It's not as unlikely as I wish it were that by the time I'm thinking I'll want to replace my car, I'll instead be living as a refugee in another country at this rate.
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In reading this, I'm reminded of a poem I read in Jr. High by Ernest Lawrence Thayor Called Casey At The Bat.
Much sound and fury heralding the US debut of an iconic vehicle most notably associated with free love, a lack of consistent work and a wandering lifestyle, in EV form-factor, only to end up with something that requires a substantially well above average income in a form factor that can't be adapted to a wandering lifestyle without the use of cutting torches and hacksaws.
IMHO, VW really struck out on this one...
The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A pall-like silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to the hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, "If only Casey could but get a whack at that—
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat."
But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a hoodoo, while the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despisèd, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.
Then from five thousand throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It pounded on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile lit Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt;
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped—
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one!" the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew;
But Casey still ignored it and the umpire said, "Strike two!"
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered "Fraud!"
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate,
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate;
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout,
But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A pall-like silence fell upon the patrons of the game.
A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to the hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, "If only Casey could but get a whack at that—
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat."
But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a hoodoo, while the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey getting to the bat.
But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despisèd, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.
Then from five thousand throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It pounded on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.
There was ease in Casey's manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey's bearing and a smile lit Casey's face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt 'twas Casey at the bat.
Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt;
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance flashed in Casey's eye, a sneer curled Casey's lip.
And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped—
"That ain't my style," said Casey. "Strike one!" the umpire said.
From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
"Kill him! Kill the umpire!" shouted someone on the stand;
And it's likely they'd have killed him had not Casey raised his hand.
With a smile of Christian charity great Casey's visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew;
But Casey still ignored it and the umpire said, "Strike two!"
"Fraud!" cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered "Fraud!"
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn't let that ball go by again.
The sneer is gone from Casey's lip, his teeth are clenched in hate,
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate;
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey's blow.
Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout,
But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.
Much sound and fury heralding the US debut of an iconic vehicle most notably associated with free love, a lack of consistent work and a wandering lifestyle, in EV form-factor, only to end up with something that requires a substantially well above average income in a form factor that can't be adapted to a wandering lifestyle without the use of cutting torches and hacksaws.
IMHO, VW really struck out on this one...
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Owning a 2023 ID.4 and a 2025 Mach-E, I can say, without any reservation, that VW's software sucks.
It crashes. ALL THE TIME.
It lags. Sometimes taking seconds when put in reverse to show the rear-view camera, so you sit there, waiting for the infotainment display to switch.
Feature parity with the competition? Nope. Not even close. The menus are a chore to decipher (and they lag when you navigate), the options are severely limited, and it is barely configurable in any meaningful way.
The emergency collision breaking is amazing at emergency breaking when a leaf, a breeze, or nothing at all is in the way.
(for reasons of resisting fascism, Tesla was never an option, though I hear their software is good)
Getting our second EV (Mach-e) just highlighted how bad the VW is and how little they have improved over the last several years. The Mach-e, by comparison, is amazing and now I don't want to drive the ID.4 at all... which is sad because as a driving vehicle it isn't that bad. With better software, it could be miles better than it is now.
And the Buzz has the exact same software.
It crashes. ALL THE TIME.
It lags. Sometimes taking seconds when put in reverse to show the rear-view camera, so you sit there, waiting for the infotainment display to switch.
Feature parity with the competition? Nope. Not even close. The menus are a chore to decipher (and they lag when you navigate), the options are severely limited, and it is barely configurable in any meaningful way.
The emergency collision breaking is amazing at emergency breaking when a leaf, a breeze, or nothing at all is in the way.
(for reasons of resisting fascism, Tesla was never an option, though I hear their software is good)
Getting our second EV (Mach-e) just highlighted how bad the VW is and how little they have improved over the last several years. The Mach-e, by comparison, is amazing and now I don't want to drive the ID.4 at all... which is sad because as a driving vehicle it isn't that bad. With better software, it could be miles better than it is now.
And the Buzz has the exact same software.
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Anticipat3
Smack-Fu Master, in training
My wife and I had a pre-launch reservation for an ID4 for almost a year for a $40,000 base model, but after being techno-yucked out by the test drive we decided to just buy an Odyssey instead for almost exactly the same price. Just for yucks, I took a look at the prices of the 2022 models that are now coming off leases -- we could trade the Odyssey in for an ID4 and pocket about $15,000 ($4,000 of that coming from the Used EV Credit in the US). We're happy with the Odyssey, but I'm thankful we didn't start with the ID4 and then decide we needed to go bigger.
Also, just as another US point of reference for this thread, my local VW dealer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin has 2 Buzzes on the lot, both priced at $70k. I think a BEV Minivan that can come in under $50k would be a hit in the US (where Minivan sales are actually booming!), but at $70k it's a hard sell against a Sienna or Odyssey and $30k of gas money to spare.
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YetAnotherAnonymousAppellation
Ars Praefectus
Solar panels for that massive roof area seem like an obvious aftermarket accessory.
With 5 m2 of roof area (estimated from pics in "Buyer's Guide"), you would be getting up to 7 kW of sunlight in some places and at least 5 kW in most. That's 1 kW of charging power from standard solar panels, so parking for 10 hours in the sun while you do other things gets you at least 50 km. On a leisurely backroad vacation, that means no "fuel" stops, or at least no serious worries about being trapped with no juice.
With 5 m2 of roof area (estimated from pics in "Buyer's Guide"), you would be getting up to 7 kW of sunlight in some places and at least 5 kW in most. That's 1 kW of charging power from standard solar panels, so parking for 10 hours in the sun while you do other things gets you at least 50 km. On a leisurely backroad vacation, that means no "fuel" stops, or at least no serious worries about being trapped with no juice.
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Meanwhile I'm still patiently (ok not that patiently) waiting for a 4 or 5-row PHEV or BEV option. Yeah I get it that cargo van fleets are top priority, but large families, schools, and houses of worship still have a need for electrification too.
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Better to wait for the PV5. The ID Buzz was supposed to have an open floor plan. Not be a traditional minivan with a two tone paint job.
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Just checked and in Australia they are $94K AUD, which is less than a Kia EV9 & Hyundai Ioniq 9.
The two tone paint is a $4K option, like come on man.
The two tone paint is a $4K option, like come on man.
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My first car (61 Willys station wagon) had drums all the way around, and THAT can be a little nerve-wracking in the rain when there are big puddles around. But even then, hardly any issues with em if you aren't tailgating and driving like a jerk. Plus drums collect all the brake dust in one convenient spot.
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I raised three boys with a Grand Caravan and then an Odyssey. I initially thought “removable seats” was a necessity, but I never used that feature. I just folded them. 4x8 sheets of plywood on top.
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No joke, it’s actually the most stressful thing about reviewing cars.
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BobbyBobberson
Ars Scholae Palatinae
This thing doesn't make sense at all except as a play-thing for the urban dwelling rich.
I imagine most people think of the original VW Eurovan as an affordable recreation vehicle you can both use in town and that you take on a road trip to remote destinations where you can camp in it.
But with the EV, it's limited by both the range of charging and the interior space. It has no roof tent either. Plus it's terribly expensive.
I imagine most people think of the original VW Eurovan as an affordable recreation vehicle you can both use in town and that you take on a road trip to remote destinations where you can camp in it.
But with the EV, it's limited by both the range of charging and the interior space. It has no roof tent either. Plus it's terribly expensive.
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It's ridiculous that the rear row is only 2 seats at that width. And only a 6 seater when you get AWD. Dumb.
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Anyone who understands EVs realizes the rear drive unit does the majority of the rear braking, but go on, go off about it.
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According to its Q2 sales figures, VW sold about 560 Buzzes between April and June. Some of that will be the stop sale for the back seat, but if that’s resolved I would guess they’re dying to get rid of inventory.
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You know people with money might like to have a van too, right? And they do the same stuff as all of the other EV owners. Not everyone needs 500 mile range.
It's just not for everybody. That's fine.
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