Remember when the VW Microbus was the ultimate symbol of freedom, adventure, and a little rebellion? Back in the 1960s, it wasn’t just a van it was a lifestyle. Fast forward to 2025, and Volkswagen has revived that same spirit, only this time it’s electric. Enter the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, an all-electric minivan that blends retro charm with modern practicality.
This isn’t just a quirky design experiment it’s a genuine family hauler built for today’s world of EVs, road trips, and city living. We had the chance to put the ID.Buzz through its paces on winding backroads and suburban stretches, and the reaction was clear: from truck drivers giving thumbs-up to EV enthusiasts craning their necks, the Buzz turns heads everywhere. It’s more than a car it’s a cultural reboot.
Why the Buzz Still Matters Today
For decades, the Microbus has been a pop-culture icon. Hippies made it a movement. Surfers made it a lifestyle. Families made it a practical companion. The ID.Buzz taps into all of that history, while stepping firmly into the future.
Why now? The global EV shift has finally caught up with Volkswagen’s long-standing dream of bringing back its beloved “magic bus.” While prototypes have teased us for years, the timing of this launch actually works in VW’s favor. Unlike rushed EVs, the Buzz arrives refined, polished, and full of lessons learned from earlier ID models.
And nostalgia? It runs deep. Whether you’re a millennial who grew up seeing one in old photos or a retiree who drove one across Europe, the Microbus is more than a vehicle it’s a memory on wheels. The ID.Buzz is here to make those memories electric.
Design That Hits the Sweet Spot
From the outside, the Buzz is unmistakably Volkswagen playful, boxy, and full of personality. The two-tone paint schemes echo the past, while the clean LED lighting and aerodynamic edges make it feel futuristic.
Inside, practicality rules. The Buzz comes with a 3-row layout that can seat six or seven passengers, depending on configuration. The nearly flat floor makes for easy movement inside, and the flexible seats can be folded or removed to open up massive cargo space. Clever storage solutions including bins and hidden compartments make it road-trip ready.
It’s not trying to be a luxury lounge like a Mercedes EQV, nor a stripped-down commercial van. Instead, it finds a sweet middle ground: retro character outside, Eurovan-inspired functionality inside.
Driving Impressions – Heavy but Friendly
Here’s the truth: the ID.Buzz is not light. At nearly three tonnes in rear-wheel drive and even heavier in all-wheel drive, you’d expect it to feel sluggish. Yet behind the wheel, it’s surprisingly friendly.
The suspension is tuned for comfort, soaking up bumps and cruising smoothly on highways. The steering feels precise, the stance is wide and stable, and visibility is excellent thanks to that tall greenhouse design. No, it won’t carve corners like a hot hatch, but it’s not meant to. In city driving, the Buzz feels nimbler than its size suggests, thanks to a tight turning radius. Parking in busy Dubai streets or mall lots won’t feel as intimidating as the numbers suggest. It’s big, but it’s approachable
Powertrain and Range – Not Just Numbers
On paper, the Buzz offers solid EV credentials. The base rear-wheel drive version delivers around 210 kW of power, while the all-wheel drive dual-motor variant boosts that to 250 kW. Acceleration is quick for a family van 0 to 100 km/h in around 7.5 seconds for the RWD, and just 6 seconds in AWD.
Range is respectable, too. Official EPA ratings go up to 377 km for the RWD, slightly less for AWD. In real-world mixed driving, we saw figures close to that, averaging about 4.0 km per kWh. That’s plenty for daily commutes and weekend trips across the Emirates.
Charging is another strong point. With up to 200 kW DC fast charging, the Buzz can jump from 10% to 80% in about 26 minutes perfect for a quick coffee stop. At home, the 11 kW onboard charger makes overnight charging straightforward. For UAE buyers, with DEWA’s growing Green Charger network, keeping the Buzz juiced up won’t be an issue.
Tech and Everyday Use
Step inside the ID.Buzz, and it’s clear VW wants the tech to be useful, not overwhelming. The centerpiece is a crisp 12.9-inch infotainment screen with improved software that finally feels snappy. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrate seamlessly, and the built-in navigation even plans charging stops automatically complete with battery preconditioning before fast-charging sessions.
The cabin is bright and airy, with big windows, an optional panoramic glass roof, and sustainable materials throughout. A removable center console adds flexibility, while multiple USB-C ports and wireless charging pads keep devices happy.
Safety tech is well covered, with adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and excellent outward visibility. There are still quirks like the confusing window controls carried over from the ID.4 but overall, it’s a family-friendly space that feels modern yet intuitive.
Who Should Consider the ID.Buzz?
VW is positioning the Buzz as a premium lifestyle EV, but its appeal could easily stretch further. Families who might otherwise consider a Kia EV9 or Rivian R1S will find the Buzz roomier in the third row, with sliding doors that make school runs and mall drop-offs easier.
Lifestyle buyers think surfers, campers, or weekend adventurers will love the flexibility of fold-flat seats and cargo room for bikes or boards. Businesses, too, might see it as a statement fleet vehicle, especially for eco-conscious brands in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
The Buzz isn’t just for nostalgic hippies it’s for anyone who needs space, comfort, and character in their EV.
The Price Puzzle
Here’s the challenge: the ID.Buzz isn’t cheap. Volkswagen has priced it as a premium EV, with a starting point that puts it up against luxury SUVs. For a vehicle rooted in “people’s car” philosophy, that feels like a missed opportunity.
A more stripped-down, modular version could have opened the Buzz to a much wider audience. Instead, VW risks it being seen as a niche lifestyle purchase. Buyers who can’t stretch to the Buzz may look at more affordable EV SUVs, especially as competition heats up.
That said, for those who can afford it, the Buzz delivers something unique character and practicality in one package.
What It Means for the UAE and Dubai Market
The ID.Buzz hasn’t officially hit UAE showrooms yet, but when it does, it could be a perfect match for local lifestyles. In Dubai, where design and image matter as much as function, the Buzz stands out from the crowd of SUVs.
Its roomy cabin makes it ideal for family road trips to Fujairah or Ras Al Khaimah, while its bold design makes it a head-turner on Sheikh Zayed Road. With Dubai’s growing EV charging infrastructure, ownership will be more convenient than ever.
As a halo model for Volkswagen, the ID.Buzz could give buyers a fresh alternative to the endless SUV options, and position VW as a serious EV lifestyle brand in the Gulf.
Conclusion – A Buzz with Staying Power
The 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is more than a van it’s a cultural reboot on wheels. Nostalgia draws attention, but practicality, tech, and everyday usability keep it relevant. Sure, it’s heavy, sure, it’s priced on the premium side, but no other EV offers this mix of charm, space, and head-turning appeal.
In the UAE especially, where families and adventurers alike value both design and functionality, the ID.Buzz has all the makings of a standout. For those lucky enough to bring one home, it won’t just be a car it’ll be a conversation starter.
What do you think? Will the ID.Buzz carve its own path in the Gulf, or will buyers stick with SUVs like the Kia EV9?
Motorhub EV Services
At Motorhub, we know making the switch to electric is about more than just buying a car. That’s why we offer specialized EV services across Dubai and the UAE from expert diagnostics and battery health checks to charging solutions and software updates. Whether you’re driving a Volkswagen ID.Buzz or any other EV, Motorhub is here to keep you on the road, worry-free.
