Electric Review of the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz Pro S: Nearly Flawless Design of the Electric Microbus
The VW ID.Buzz Pro S is a unique electric vehicle that combines the nostalgia of the classic microbus with modern EV technology and premium interiors. Here's a breakdown of its key features, pros, and cons.
Pros
- Distinctive Design: The ID.Buzz Pro S stands out with its nostalgic design, offering something genuinely different in a market full of similar-looking crossovers and SUVs. Its contrast roof option further emphasizes its distinctive roofline.
- Spacious Interior: The ID.Buzz Pro S comes with seven-passenger seating and boasts industry-leading third-row legroom compared to other electric vehicles in this class. Its flat floor, due to its electric drivetrain, provides usable space throughout the cabin.
- Comfortable Ride: The ID.Buzz Pro S delivers a smooth and quiet ride, with comfortable seats in all three rows. Motor refinement impresses during daily driving, enhancing the premium feel.
- Tech Features: The ID.Buzz Pro S is equipped with a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. It also offers 30-color ambient lighting, wireless charging, and multiple USB-C ports.
- Three Years of Free Charging: The ID.Buzz Pro S comes with three years of complimentary charging on Electrify America stations.
Cons
- Limited Range: The ID.Buzz Pro S has an EPA-estimated range of about 234 miles, which can challenge longer trips, particularly when carrying full passenger loads and cargo that impact efficiency.
- Moderate Charging Speed: The ID.Buzz Pro S can charge from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes when connected to capable charging infrastructure, but its charging speed is capped at 200 kW, which is modest compared to some competitors.
- Premium Pricing: Pricing starts around $61,545 for the Pro S trim, significantly above most traditional minivans and not eligible for the federal EV tax credit.
- Third-Row Seats: The third-row seats must be removed for maximum cargo capacity, reducing convenience compared to models that fold into the floor.
- Cabin Noise: At highway speeds, some cabin noise from wind can be noticeable, somewhat reducing the EV’s normally quiet experience.
- Tricky Controls: Some vehicle controls can be distracting or awkward to use.
Comparison
Traditional minivans like the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna offer more practical packaging and lower prices, while luxury SUVs provide more conventional premium vehicle expectations that many buyers understand better. However, federal tax credits up to $7,500 can offset some of the purchase price for qualifying buyers of this Pro S electric van, improving the value proposition somewhat compared to the full MSRP.
Summary
Overall, the VW ID.Buzz is a compelling, stylish electric van that revives classic Microbus charm with modern EV technology and premium interiors. Its range may be a concern for longer trips, and its premium pricing puts it in direct competition with luxury three-row SUVs rather than traditional minivans. Nonetheless, families willing to accept EPA range limitations and premium pricing in exchange for unique styling and electric operation will find much to appreciate in this microbus revival.
| Aspect | Pros | Cons | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | Pricing | Premium level starting ~ $61,545 with abundant standard features | Expensive compared to traditional minivans; no federal tax credit | | Range & Charging | 234-mile EPA range; 200 kW max DC fast charging; 3 years free Electrify America charging | Range limited for longer trips; charging speed moderate | | Interior & Comfort | Excellent third-row legroom; flexible interior; tech-rich cabin | Third-row seats must be removed, not folded; some controls tricky | | Driving Experience | Smooth, quiet acceleration; agile handling for size; comfortable ride | Wind noise at highway speeds noticeable | | Design & Style | Eye-catching nostalgic design, unique in the EV market | — |
- The automotive industry is seeing a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs), as demonstrated by the new VW ID.Buzz Pro S, which fuses retro microbus design with modern EV technology and premium interiors.
- In the lifestyle segment, the ID.Buzz Pro S offers a spacious interior, tech-rich features, and a comfortable ride, making it an attractive option for families who value unique design and comfort.
- The EV industry is expanding rapidly, and the transportation sector is becoming increasingly influenced by technology, with the ID.Buzz Pro S embodying these trends with its innovative features and electric drivetrain.
- Despite the premium pricing of the VW ID.Buzz Pro S, it competes directly with luxury three-row SUVs in the finance industry, offering unique styling and electric operation as its selling points, while traditional minivans may offer more practical packaging and lower prices.
