Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz: The Electric Comeback of a Cultural Icon

Few cars carry the cultural cachet (or resale value) of the original Volkswagen Bus. A rolling emblem of the counterculture in the 1960s and ’70s, it became a global symbol of freedom, togetherness, and the open road. Fast forward to today, and Volkswagen has reimagined that icon for an entirely new generation: the VW ID. Buzz, an all-electric van that blends nostalgia with next-generation technology.

Where the original Bus was simple and analog, the ID. Buzz is sleek, digital, and sustainable. Built on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the same architecture that underpins the ID.4 SUV, this futuristic van redefines family transport and road trip style. The design is playful, even cheeky, but under the retro-inspired exterior beats the heart of a software-driven EV made for today’s drivers.

As a Volkswagen Tiguan owner myself, I can say this: the ID. Buzz represents something more than another EV. It’s a cultural resurrection wrapped in electric ambition.

The ID. Buzz isn’t just an homage—it’s a reinterpretation. From its two-tone paint jobs to its wide stance and oversized VW badge, the van nods knowingly to its ancestors. But the details tell a different story: aerodynamic shaping, LED lighting signatures, and a digital cockpit that replaces dials and levers with touchscreens and smart software.

Inside, the ID. Buzz is designed to be flexible and family-friendly. Configurable seating, generous cargo space, and sustainable interior materials speak to the realities of modern mobility. The cabin feels airy and open, thanks to panoramic glass and minimalist design cues. It’s a lounge on wheels, designed as much for conversation as for transportation.

Underneath the nostalgia, the ID. Buzz is thoroughly modern. The U.S. version will launch with an extended wheelbase, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and a battery delivering over 260 miles of estimated range. Fast charging (up to 170 kW) means road trips won’t come with endless pit stops, while its software-first architecture ensures over-the-air updates keep it fresh for years to come.

This balance of playfulness and practicality is what makes the ID. Buzz unique. It’s as ready for a surf trip as it is for school runs, positioning Volkswagen as a lifestyle brand rather than just a carmaker.

Volkswagen could have played it safe, sticking to SUVs and crossovers. But with the ID. Buzz, the brand made a statement: EVs don’t have to be bland or utilitarian. They can be emotional, fun, and deeply tied to cultural identity.

As North America increasingly shifts toward electric mobility, the ID. Buzz may do what the Beetle and the Bus once did—convert skeptics into lifelong Volkswagen enthusiasts. By combining heritage design with forward-looking technology, it positions Volkswagen as a leader not only in sustainability but also in lifestyle storytelling.

For me, as a Tiguan driver who values practicality, the ID. Buzz is the first EV that feels like more than a car. It’s a mood, an identity, and a bridge between generations.

Already on sale in Europe, the ID. Buzz will officially launched in the U.S. in 2025. Volkswagen has assembled the model with configurations tailored to North American tastes, including family-friendly features, extended range, and optional all-wheel drive. Positioned above the ID.4 SUV, it will anchor Volkswagen’s EV lineup with a vehicle that’s both practical and irresistible.

The return of the Bus isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about positioning Volkswagen at the heart of the EV conversation. In a world where many EVs feel interchangeable, the ID. Buzz dares to be unforgettable.

The original Volkswagen Bus sold over 4.5 million units worldwide between 1950 and 2014, making it one of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history.