2025 VOLKSWAGEN ID. BUZZ ELECTRIFIES AT 1ST ANNUAL VW BUS DAY
Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins
Welcome to Huntington Beach, CA for the global premiere of the 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz featuring DNA dating back to 1950. Held at one of Surf City’s major lots across from the immaculate Paséa Hotel & Spa, over 230 Microbus enthusiasts joined the celebration to witness the debut of the all-electric ID. Buzz. Tailor-made for North America, the futuristic 3-row van is longer, packs a bigger battery, and features more power than the European 2-row ID. Buzz.
To reimagine the Microbus – also known as a Bus, Camper, Samba, Splittie, Campervan, or Bulli – VW leaned on design cues from the originals and input from the fandom that has kept the movement alive. The ID. Buzz’s glass windows are omnipresent for visibility, its aerodynamically optimized wheels wrapped in Hankook tires are pushed to the corners, and the prominent but now illuminated VW logo remains a staple. Only sold as a long-wheelbase model in the United States, the ID. Buzz is represented by:
– Efficient packaging with modern functionality
– Space for the entire family and pets
– Increased visibility so occupants see everything outside from inside
-282-horsepower and a 91 kWh battery (RWD)
-Dual motor AWD available at launch with roughly 330-horsepower
Nearly 10” longer than the 2-row European version that launched in 2022, the ID. Buzz offers three interior design packages and eight vibrant exterior hues like Pomelo Yellow, Mahi Green, Energetic Orange, and my favorite, Cabana Blue with the optional white top. Some of the Bus fans onsite preferred luminous color schemes, while others gravitated towards the shadowed presence of the black Buzz.
During the festivities, I had a chance to commune with everyday owners and super fans who traveled worldwide to attend VW Bus Day. Vaughn, a devout husband and father, purchased his Microbus 40 years ago and raised four children alongside the family sidekick. All American actor Kareem Grimes was on deck with “Minty,” a custom Mint Green VW Bus with 23 windows. He proudly enters the vehicle in car shows held around the LA area and is actively looking to purchase an ID. Buzz next year. Moreover, Grimes is already an EV owner, so he is rightfully primed for an electric revolution. And of course comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias was in attendance with four gems from his 80+ antique VW Bus collection, worth a cool $3 million.
“The zero-direct emission ID. Buzz is the spiritual reincarnation of the Microbus, reimagined for our electric future,” said Pablo Di Si, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “It is practical, sustainable, and packaged in an unmistakably fun way that is classic Volkswagen. With its launch, the Bus will once again become our brand hero in America.”
Step inside the inventive cabin of Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz to a uniquely theatrical setting, imaginative technology, and lively comforts utilizing digital traits. Modern characteristics include a 12.9” touchscreen display, leather-free upholstery, eight USB-c ports, an expansive Panoramic glass roof with electrochromic tinting, 30-shades of ambient lighting, a 14-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, a power sliding window in each sliding door, a removable third row to enhance the van’s utility, and a detachable center console just in case the front passenger needs to step between the seats to venture into the second row.
For safety and convenience, the electric van is outfitted with IQ.DRIVE advanced driver assistance technology including Active Side Assist, Lane Assist, Emergency Assist, Dynamic Road Sign Display, Adaptive Cruise Control Stop and Go, Travel Assist, and more. IQ.DRIVE alerts the driver to impediments in front of his/her ID. Buzz while using third-eye awareness to help make driving securer.
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz will hit the market sometime in 2024. However, electric driving range and pricing have yet to be announced as VW awaits the EPA’s conclusion. Nevertheless, let’s continue to ride this EV wave into the next dimension where naturalistic habits, electric energy, and recyclable materials replace gas-powered engines, toxic behaviors, and planetary disrespect.