Yahoo Autos How We'd Spec It: 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz, a Modern-Day Microbus
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz, which is arguably more recognizable as the modern-day Microbus, can now be configured on the company's consumer site. It's available in three different trims—Pro S, Pro S Plus, and First Edition—and shoppers can choose between a 282-hp single-motor rear-wheel-drive or 335-hp dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration. Either setup pairs with a 86.0-kWh battery that the EPA estimates will provide up to 234 miles of driving range. While there aren't a ton of options to choose from, that didn't stop four of our staffers from crafting their perfect Buzz.
Eric Stafford's $71,545 ID.Buzz First Edition AWD
I've been dreaming about a new Microbus ever since I laid eyes on the awesome concept that VW debuted at the 2001 Detroit auto show. Little did I know it would take over two decades for it to come to fruition, powered exclusively by electricity no less. Now that it's buildable on Volkswagen's online configurator, I'm pumped to spec my ideal model. Personally, I wish it was still officially called the Microbus, because ID.Buzz means absolutely nothing to anyone. At least the electric van's nostalgia-inducing design does more than enough to get people excited, especially with the two-tone color scheme that's only available on the mid-level Pro S Plus and First Edition. Despite a steep starting price of $67K, I prefer the latter over the former, and let me tell you why.
A lot of people are making a fuss about how expensive the new Microbus is, and with a base price of around $62K, I get the gripes. But new cars—especially family-sized ones—are expensive. I'd also take an ID.Buzz First Edition over our long-term Kia EV9 Land, which is an equally well-equipped EV with three-row seating yet has a $76,385 as-tested price. With the 335-hp all-wheel-drive powertain, the Buzz First Edition starts at $71,545 ($2000 more than the Pro S Plus equivalent). Here's the thing: the First Edition comes fully loaded, meaning the desirable two-tone paint job (I'd choose Energetic Orange over Candy White) and electrochromic panoramic sunroof are included free of charge. On the Pro S Plus, those options cost $995 and $1495, respectively, pushing its price to $72,035. So, not only am I saving about $500, but I also get unique silver wheels and trim-specific badging that lets other Microbus fans know I was among the first adopters. –Eric Stafford
Drew Dorian's $65,315 ID.Buzz Pro S Plus RWD
I’ve been excited about Volkswagen bringing back the Microbus ever since concepts started appearing like 10 years ago. Now that the day is finally here, I’m tiring of the two-tone white-over-color look. What can I say? My tastes have changed. My appreciation for the ID.Buzz’s design, however, has not, and now that I’ve seen it in monotone paint, I like it even more.
I’d go with a rear-wheel-drive Pro S Plus model, and I’d choose Metro Silver and the Copper interior theme. This classy combo looks good and still highlights the Buzz’s cool exterior design details, such as the hex-patterned lower grille and stacked side vents on the rear pillars. The Pro S Plus model also saves some cash over the loaded version but still offers nice-to-have features, such as the head-up display, 13-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, 360-degree camera, power-sliding side doors, and a retractable trailer hitch. I’m tempted by the glass roof option, but at $1495, I’ll skip that and the $695 captain’s chairs to keep my Buzz from getting too pricey. But I will spring for the $270 rear sunshades because my use case for this modern-day hippie mobile includes blowing up an air bed inside and using it as an occasional weekend camper. That's when those shades will come in handy. –Drew Dorian
Jack Fitzgerald's $68,230 ID.Buzz Pro S Plus RWD
When we started this HWSI, I was initially drawn towards the First Edition. Normally, when you see a Launch Edition or First Edition nametag applied to a car, you should turn your nose in the opposite direction and flee as quickly as possible. That doesn’t seem to be the case with the ID.Buzz. Because when it comes to the Buzz, VW ticks pretty much every box for the Pro S Plus trim without really upcharging for anything. Unfortunately, the First Edition does limit your color options, as it lacks the Cherry Red and Metro Silver Metallic two-tone look that really drew me in. Pro S Plus it is then.
Opting for the color scheme I did tacked $995 onto my bill and locked my interior theme in the Moonlight color. I would have preferred the Copper seats, but it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the red paint job. Next up, I selected the $695 second-row captain’s chairs, since this is a minivan and third-row access should be simple. I also spent $1495 on the electrochromic panoramic sunroof. Even if opacity-changing glass kind of sucks in reality, I like it in theory. As for the powertrain, I stuck with the single-motor rear-drive setup for the slight boost in range and because, at roughly 6000 pounds, I’m not too worried about the rear sliding out on me. I’d rather have the extra range and add a set of winter tires if I really need them. With my options tallied, my ID.Buzz came out to $68,230—a tad steep, but I’m paying for a lot of funk. –Jack Fitzgerald
Carter Fry's $71,520 ID.Buzz Pro S Plus AWD
Volkswagen released its ID.Buzz configurator for the U.K. as well, and they get more options than we do. Us Yanks are restricted to higher-end versions of the electric van, which I have a problem with, since that means every Buzz in the U.S. will have those ugly eyeball headlights and that illuminated mobile billboard up front. The least expensive Euro Buzz sports LED headlights that fill the shape of the housing, it ditches the light bar, and the VW logo isn’t illuminated. It just looks better to me. But it starts at £59,000. Translated to a dollar sign, that’s roughly $70K. WHAT!? Our base Buzz starts $61,545, and it has more upscale standard features. So, we’re getting screwed with less configurator freedoms, and our friends across the pond are getting screwed by having to pay more for less. Really nailed that one, VW.
Anyway, this will be a simple build. I chose the Pro S Plus with 4MOTION all-wheel drive in order to snag the 335-hp dual-motor configuration for all-around better capability and performance. This also adds a lot of great features automatically, such as the Harman Kardon sound system (audio fidelity is very important to me). For paint, I’m going with Deep Black Pearl. I know this is a cutesy vehicle that oozes personality, but I’d like it to match my personality—bleak and difficult to notice. In an effort to keep the interior similar, I chose the Moonlight option. The very light Dune interior is just begging to be stained. Copper is actually quite nice, but I do like the white piping found with Moonlight. I opted for the electrochromic panoramic sunroof because it's a fascinating piece of technology and genuinely does a great job at diffusing sunlight in the cabin. The ability to fog a piece of glass with a surface area as large as the ID.Buzz’s roof at the touch of a button is legitimately impressive. Finally, I have two accessories selected: the two-in-one charging cable for those unexpected charge sessions and the MonsterMats all-season floor mats for the easiest clean up in the world. All things considered, my ID.Buzz comes to $71,520. –Carter Fry
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