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Tom's Guide
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
I drove the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz for a week — and it gets more attention than any other EV on the road
In my 10 months of test driving EVs, only one kind of vehicle has eluded me: an all-electric van. Well, that wait is finally over because the 2025 Volkswagen is now commercially available for purchase. And you know what? It's the EV that's getting the most attention, far more than any luxury vehicle I've tested. That's because the is unlike any other electric vehicle on the market, and in my week's worth of testing it, I cannot tell you how much of a deep impression it has made across multiple generations. Quite frankly, Volkswagen's making it cool again to drive a van on the road — complete with a modern makeover that will make you do a double take. Even though there's an undeniable amount of buzz surrounding it, the $59,995 starting cost of the base trim makes it a pricey investment. That goes up to $67,995 for the Pro S Plus with 4MOTION trim that I test drove for a week, which comes with a stronger electric motor and an EPA-estimated range of 231 miles. 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus 4MOTION Battery 91 kWh Motor Dual electric motors Range 231 miles Horsepower 335 hp Wheels 20-inches MSRP $67,995.00 Despite being one of the taller and longer EVs I've driven all year, the 2025 Volkswagen Pro S Plus with 4MOTION manages an average efficiency of 3 mi/kWh — that's with 270 miles of driving it for the week. This means that it's very possible to go beyond the 231 miles of range it's rated for, assuming that it could sustain that 3 mi/kWh efficiency. While this turns out to be better than I expected, the range is still considerably low compared to other EVs I've tested, like the much cheaper Chevrolet Equinox EV. Then again, I managed an efficiency of 4.1 mi/kWh driving 7 miles of local driving, while my best long distance efficiency came out to 2.9 mi/kWh driving a total of 60 miles. Compared to other large-sized EVs I've tested so far this year, the ID. Buzz is actually pretty good with its efficiency, considering it offers 3-row seating. The Level 1 charging speed isn't bad at the rate of 2.66 mi/hr, but if you intend on driving a lot each day, I highly recommend installing a Level 2 charger at home. Basically, it added back 30 miles of range to the with 11.2 hours of charging. If your daily work commute is short, say 10 miles round trip, you could suffice with Level 1 charging. 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S Plus 4MOTION 2025 Rivian R1S Tri-Motor 2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV LT Total miles driven 270 miles 413 miles 351.6 miles Average Efficiency 3 mi/kWh 2.46 mi/kWh 3.5 mi/kWh Best long distance driving efficiency 2.9 mi/kWh (60 miles of distance) 3 mi/kWh (34.6 miles of distance) 3.7 mi/kWh (32.9 miles of driving) Best short distance driving efficiency 4.1 mi/kWh (7 miles of distance) N/A 4.5 mi/ kWh (16 miles of driving) Level 1 charging rate 2.66 mi/hr 2.32 mi/hr 3.96 mi/hr Without a doubt, the quirky design of the 2025 Volkswagen is its biggest draw — mainly due to how it takes the iconic design of the Volkswagen Bus and reimagines it with a modern touch. I know it also helps that it's available in a handful of colors, like the Pomelo Yellow Metallic and Candy White trim of my loaner. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. A post shared by John Velasco (@john_c_velasco) A photo posted by on On the road, it received more attention from other drivers than any other EV I've tested to date — which inspires a lot of nostalgia from baby boomers and Gen Xers. I've had a couple of instances when other drivers would pull up by me, only to tell me how much they love this redesign. Just check out the video above to see exactly what I mean. I'm an older millennial and I can appreciate how its design casts a deep impression across all generations. Prior to this, the only other van I've tested in the last year is the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. I was anticipating it to be a challenge to drive, since the is longer and surprisingly just as tall as other all-electric pickup trucks I've driven — like the Chevrolet Silverado EV. But despite this, I have to say that the Volkswagen drives smoothly and has a decent turning radius. On the highway, its 335 hp performance from its dual electric motors allow it to accelerate effortlessly, while the steering is responsive enough to take turns without much effort. I would recommend, though, to drive it in B mode because this effectively engages the regenerative brakes. This all-electric van begs to be driven for long distances, which is why I appreciate how well its adaptive cruise control works. Once activated, it takes control of the steering wheel to keep it centered in the lane, along with applying the necessary braking and acceleration to maintain its cruising speed. I also like how this adaptive cruise control system is pretty quick to respond to other cars coming into my lane. Not only does it brake to keep its distance when this happens, but it doesn't slam the brakes as hard as other EVs. On top of that, it gradually accelerates to get up to cruising speed rather than doing it abruptly. And finally, I find the heads-up display helpful in keeping my eyes more focused on the road than looking down at the driver's display. Your passengers can relax in style with the 2025 Volkswagen Pro S Plus with 4MOTION because it packs second-row captain's chairs that make it feel like they're sitting in first class on a flight. There's only two seats for the second row, which can recline to make them more suitable for those naps on the road, but there's an opening in between that allows easy access to the third row. Speaking of the third row bench seating, there has been a recall recently for the because it's deemed too wide and doesn't comply with the current standards — which is odd because you'd think that this would've been caught earlier in the development process. Regardless, I thought they're much more comfortable than the other vehicles with third-row seating. Not all vans have second row windows that can open, but the Volkswagen has a neat take with its power sliding windows. They don't technically open down like your traditional rear windows, but rather the glass cutout slides out — which I'd say is another design quirk that makes it intriguing. Bigger vehicles like this tend to sacrifice efficiency for the utility of carrying more passengers, but the Volkswagen manages 3 mi/kWh efficiency. That's the target I want all EVs to strive for at this point, as there are still few that exceed the 4 mi/kWh range — like the Lucid Air Pure. What's notable about my 3 mi/kWh average efficiency driving the for a week is that it could theoretically hit a range of 273 miles based on its 91 kWh battery. This actually beats the manufacturer's EPA-estimated claim of 231 miles. I'm always in awe whenever I unlock the Volkswagen with the key fob because I'm treated to a short lighting sequence that shows off its adaptive LED headlights. Even better is the dynamic cornering lights that kick on and throw additional light whenever I take turns — so that I can see a bit more of the road to my left or right. Speaking of range, it's really short and puts it at a disadvantage over other EVs similar to its size. This kind of EV begs to be driven for vacations and long distance trips, but its EPA-estimated range of 231 miles limits how far and longer you can drive with it before it needs to be charged. For example, the 2025 Cadillac Optiq packs a slightly smaller 85 kWh battery, but it's rated for 302 miles. Due to how it prioritizes passenger space on the inside, the trunk is obscenely small — albeit, I do like the small cubbies that act as storage. I struggled with this because there wasn't enough space for a big grocery trip, so I ended up having to stow them in the second row. I could pull down the third row seats to make more room for the trunk, but then it becomes more of a hassle of constantly putting them back up. Although it's a modern van in how it's designed from the inside and out, I think Volkswagen is missing an opportunity to draw more people into choosing the I could very well see the for campers and van life folks, but it would be nice to have other trims that would cater to their needs more — as opposed to being a passenger vehicle for carrying a lot of people. I think it would be attractive if there was a camper trim version that strips out the premium seats on the inside to make more room. At this point, you'd have to do some extra work into converting the current trims to an ideal camper. People can't get enough of the 2025 Volkswagen It's cool, hip, and different all at the same time. Plus, it certainly boosts the interest around making more all-electric vans because this is one area that's sorely lacking with options. I can't tell you enough how people have a deep connection to the because it got more compliments and interest from random strangers than all the other EVs I've driven this year, combined. While it's still more expensive than the average EV, I think it's reasonable given the premium features that come with it — and how cool looking it is to drive. I just want more trim options, so that owners don't have to do more work (and potentially more money) to get it to exactly what they want.
USA Today
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- USA Today
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz recall is as odd as its design
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz recall is as odd as its design VW is recalling the ID. Buzz electric van over third-row bench issue. Here's what you need to know about the unique EV. Show Caption Hide Caption President Trump signs executive order to relieve some auto tariffs President Donald Trump signed an executive order to relax some auto tariffs, though the industry won't see a total exemption. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a one-of-a-kind electric van that debuted in Europe. The ID. Buzz has finally made its way to the United States, to the delight of some VW enthusiasts. The funky and futuristic EV is already being recalled over a design issue that's out of the ordinary. For those unfamiliar with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, it's an electric van reminiscent of a bygone era. At the same time, it incorporates futuristic elements creating a combo so distinct that it's nearly impossible to mistake for any other vehicle. After years of making its rounds at auto shows, the ID. Buzz is finally available in the United States. It's already being recalled for reasons as strange as the vehicle's design. Why is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz being recalled? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van is being recalled because "if three passengers were seated in the third-row bench, there would be insufficient seat belts for all three passengers". In other words, its rear seat is so wide that it requires three seat belts instead of the two Volkswagen Group of America Inc. originally equipped the EV with. Based on the NHTSA safety recall report, Volkswagen notified dealers on April 25 and will notify owners on June 20. The ID. Buzz crossed the pond and made it to the U.S. in the final quarter of 2024, two years after its European debut. The funky and futuristic van has peaked the interest of auto enthusiasts worldwide because of its unique design. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the 2025 World Car Design award winner The World Car awards are annual awards presented at the New York International Auto Show for several categories including World Car Design. The VW ID. Buzz won the World Car Design award for 2025, beating out the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser. A distinguished panel of jurors from across the globe voted for Volkswagen's unique electric vehicle despite stiff competition from Kia and Toyota. The ID. Buzz takes design cues from the Volkswagen Transporter (or Microbus) that was beloved by a generation of drivers. Its body style pays homage to its predecessors, but its powertrain, interior, and technology are all futuristic. BBC's Top Gear remarks "we love it because it's different, because it's a new anti-SUV template, because it's fun to be in and around." Based on Top Gear's review, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz could rival some popular full-size SUV nameplates as an innovative electric family vehicle. How much does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz cost? Volkswagen's newest (and largest) electric vehicle starts at $59,995 for the entry-level Pro S trim. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is available in a total of five trims including the 1st Edition with 4MOTION final configuration ($69,995). Since it's manufactured outside of the United States, it isn't eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500. The base model 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S produces 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in around 7.4 seconds. The base model electric van has 234 miles of driving range. It may not be practical for the average driver without access to competent charging stations, but it's appealing to electric vehicle enthusiasts. Are you excited about the ID. Buzz, or is Volkswagen's new EV too strange to take a chance on?
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz recall is as odd as its design
For those unfamiliar with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, it's an electric van reminiscent of a bygone era. At the same time, it incorporates futuristic elements creating a combo so distinct that it's nearly impossible to mistake for any other vehicle. After years of making its rounds at auto shows, the ID. Buzz is finally available in the United States. It's already being recalled for reasons as strange as the vehicle's design. Why is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz being recalled? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Volkswagen ID. Buzz electric van is being recalled because "if three passengers were seated in the third-row bench, there would be insufficient seat belts for all three passengers". In other words, its rear seat is so wide that it requires three seat belts instead of the two Volkswagen Group of America Inc. originally equipped the EV with. Based on the NHTSA safety recall report, Volkswagen notified dealers on April 25 and will notify owners on June 20. The ID. Buzz crossed the pond and made it to the U.S. in the final quarter of 2024, two years after its European debut. The funky and futuristic van has peaked the interest of auto enthusiasts worldwide because of its unique design. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is the 2025 World Car Design award winner The World Car awards are annual awards presented at the New York International Auto Show for several categories including World Car Design. The VW ID. Buzz won the World Car Design award for 2025, beating out the Kia EV3 and Toyota Land Cruiser. ADVERTISEMENT A distinguished panel of jurors from across the globe voted for Volkswagen's unique electric vehicle despite stiff competition from Kia and Toyota. The ID. Buzz takes design cues from the Volkswagen Transporter (or Microbus) that was beloved by a generation of drivers. Its body style pays homage to its predecessors, but its powertrain, interior, and technology are all futuristic. BBC's Top Gear remarks "we love it because it's different, because it's a new anti-SUV template, because it's fun to be in and around." Based on Top Gear's review, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz could rival some popular full-size SUV nameplates as an innovative electric family vehicle. How much does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz cost? Volkswagen's newest (and largest) electric vehicle starts at $59,995 for the entry-level Pro S trim. The 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz is available in a total of five trims including the 1st Edition with 4MOTION final configuration ($69,995). Since it's manufactured outside of the United States, it isn't eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax incentive of $7,500. A 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz on display at the New York International Auto Show on April 16, 2025 in New York City. The New York International Auto Show is celebrating its 125th year anniversary, amidst the background of tariffs on the automotive industry. President Donald Trump indicated the possibility of a temporary suspension of the tariffs. The base model 2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz Pro S produces 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in around 7.4 seconds. The base model electric van has 234 miles of driving range. It may not be practical for the average driver without access to competent charging stations, but it's appealing to electric vehicle enthusiasts. Are you excited about the ID. Buzz, or is Volkswagen's new EV too strange to take a chance on? This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Volkswagen ID. Buzz recall is as odd as the electric van's design
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk
"Perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away" ADVENTURE TIME Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk VAN owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers with a budget-friendly conversion kit that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Outlandish Campers, a company specialising in compact living solutions, provides everything required to turn your ride into a miniature home with a sleek modular system that fits neatly into the rear of almost any van. Advertisement 6 An ingenious vanb conversion company is perhaps the cheapest entry into campervan ownership Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 Van owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 There are two options for drivers - including the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up that costs just under £5,000 Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 There's also a cheaper option that's great for micro campers such as the Citroen Berlingo Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 Campers can be decked out with all the home comforts - including mini kitchens Credit: Outlandish Campers 6 The company's mission is to help cheap van owners enjoy camping trips for next-to-nothing with a completely overhauled interior Credit: Outlandish Campers Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Outlandish is capable of overhauling a van in around two hours with a unit that can be slid in and out in just minutes. Speaking to Top Gear, Outlandish boss Max McMurdo said: 'I only realised how small the Volkswagen is when I took delivery of mine. 'So I designed a series of interchangeable units which can be easily installed and removed.' These units, made from a lightweight mix of aluminium, birch and carbon, include a fridge, tap, sink, full-sized double bed and a work bench. Advertisement Best of all, the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up costs just under £5,000 - much cheaper than most room decorations in your home. McMurdo added: 'New motorhomes and campers can get expensive. 'The point of our company is for people to rock up with cheap vans that they'd bought for next-to-nothing, and then leave with a completely overhauled interior for a reasonable price.' According to their website, Outlandish's mission is to make camper conversions accessible and affordable for all with a safe and secure fixing for camper pods, bike racks, tool boxes and surf boards. Advertisement A cheaper Adventurer option is also available that advertises itself as suitable for micro campers measuring over 1600mm in length - including the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, VW caddy SWB and Ford Transit Connect SWB. Described as 'perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away in a micro, small or medium-sized van', the kit includes a raised kitchen area that slides out to create a table for dining, working or food prep. Luxury £1m motorhome with huge living space, heated floors & spa bathroom There's also a desk that fits on top of the low sofa to create a level platform, while two long tables simply slide between the units to make the short double bed. This comes as a savvy pensioner recently revealed how she's sidestepped the housing crisis by converting her Smart car into a unique home on wheels. Advertisement She explained her reasoning for stuffing her belongings into the cramped motor and living life in the driver's seat. "I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn't afford it," she revealed to CheapRVLiving. "I need to wait until I'm 70 to have social security. "I discovered that I actually could lie flat in here and took everything that I needed. Advertisement "I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon." Kai gets her 40 winks by reclining the passenger seat with her head almost against the windshield. She packed in two small air mattresses while assuring sceptics that the unorthodox approach is comfortable.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Transform any van into tiny home on wheels with BARGAIN conversion kit that includes kitchen, double bed & work desk
VAN owners can transform their vehicles into snug campers with a budget-friendly conversion kit that features a bed, kitchen, and work desk. Outlandish Campers, a company specialising in compact living solutions, provides everything required to turn your ride into a miniature home with a sleek modular system that fits neatly into the rear of almost any van. 6 6 6 6 6 6 Based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, Outlandish is capable of overhauling a van in around two hours with a unit that can be slid in and out in just minutes. Speaking to Top Gear, Outlandish boss Max McMurdo said: 'I only realised how small the Volkswagen is when I took delivery of mine. 'So I designed a series of interchangeable units which can be easily installed and removed.' These units, made from a lightweight mix of aluminium, birch and carbon, include a fridge, tap, sink, full-sized double bed and a work bench. Best of all, the top-of-the-range Expedition set-up costs just under £5,000 - much cheaper than most room decorations in your home. McMurdo added: 'New motorhomes and campers can get expensive. 'The point of our company is for people to rock up with cheap vans that they'd bought for next-to-nothing, and then leave with a completely overhauled interior for a reasonable price.' According to their website, Outlandish's mission is to make camper conversions accessible and affordable for all with a safe and secure fixing for camper pods, bike racks, tool boxes and surf boards. A cheaper Adventurer option is also available that advertises itself as suitable for micro campers measuring over 1600mm in length - including the Citroen Berlingo, Peugeot Partner, VW caddy SWB and Ford Transit Connect SWB. Described as 'perfect for an overnight stay or weekend away in a micro, small or medium-sized van', the kit includes a raised kitchen area that slides out to create a table for dining, working or food prep. Luxury £1m motorhome with huge living space, heated floors & spa bathroom There's also a desk that fits on top of the low sofa to create a level platform, while two long tables simply slide between the units to make the short double bed. This comes as a savvy pensioner recently revealed how she's sidestepped the housing crisis by converting her Smart car into a unique home on wheels. She explained her reasoning for stuffing her belongings into the cramped motor and living life in the driver's seat. "I wanted to retire at 65 and I couldn't afford it," she revealed to CheapRVLiving. "I need to wait until I'm 70 to have social security. "I discovered that I actually could lie flat in here and took everything that I needed. "I already had the car and she gets 55 miles a gallon." Kai gets her 40 winks by reclining the passenger seat with her head almost against the windshield. She packed in two small air mattresses while assuring sceptics that the unorthodox approach is comfortable.
