VW ID Buzz Will Get Some Initial Buzz and Probably Dead After, But There Are No Other EV Alternatives

Volkswagen ID. Buzz: A Nostalgic EV with Mixed Reactions  

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, a modern electric revival of the iconic Microbus, has been one of the most anticipated EVs in recent years. With its retro design and family-friendly appeal, it promises to blend nostalgia with cutting-edge technology. However, as the vehicle makes its way into markets across Europe and North America, opinions are divided. While some praise its design and practicality, others raise concerns about its price, range, and software limitations. Here’s a deeper dive into what owners and enthusiasts are saying about this polarizing EV.

A Novelty or Practical Family Vehicle?  

Volkswagen’s decision to revive the Microbus in an electric form has drawn significant attention from nostalgic buyers and families looking for a unique alternative to traditional minivans or SUVs. However, not everyone is convinced of its long-term appeal.  

One Reddit user expressed skepticism about whether the ID. Buzz could sustain its initial hype:  

"This will get some initial buzz and folks who want to be different. But it's dead after IMO. Nobody is buying a $70k EV minivan poorly equipped once the novelty wears off."  

An informative TorqueNews article provides a clear comparison between the VW ID Buzz with the Toyota Sienna Hybrid AWD. Read the full story, here.

This sentiment reflects a broader concern among critics who believe the vehicle's high price tag and limited range (234 miles) make it impractical for many buyers.  

On the other hand, some see the ID. Buzz as filling a critical gap in the EV market. Another Reddit user countered this argument by pointing out that there are currently no viable electric minivan alternatives:  

"I’m in the market for a minivan and it’s not just ‘novelty.’ There are no other EV alternatives... SUVs can’t compare to minivans when it comes to families. The downside is that the only minivans available look boring as hell. This solves that problem."  

The same user also addressed criticisms about affordability by comparing the ID. Buzz to other high-priced vehicles:  

"People buy $70k trucks and luxury SUVs all the time. And no, not everyone who has a nicer car is financing them for 10 years at 8% interest."  

Range and Price Concerns  

One of the most contentious aspects of the ID. Buzz is its range and price point. At $70,000 for higher trims, many feel that Volkswagen has priced itself out of reach for average families while failing to deliver competitive specifications compared to other EVs in this price bracket.  

A Reddit commenter compared it unfavorably to competitors like the Kia EV9:  

"234-mile range for $70K is not great when the Kia EV9 gets 270–304 miles of range in a similar price bracket."  

Another similarly toned post criticized Volkswagen’s approach to pricing and performance:  

"They have completely [messed this up]. No range, and no one cares about performance in this. A long-range version with a more efficient motor and a $50K price point would have been an absolute killer."  

These concerns highlight a broader issue with Volkswagen’s strategy in positioning the ID. Buzz as both a nostalgic throwback and a modern family vehicle—it risks alienating both budget-conscious buyers and those seeking cutting-edge EV performance.

Driving Experience and Design Appeal  

Despite its drawbacks, many owners have praised the ID. Buzz for its driving experience and design appeal. The retro-modern aesthetic has been one of its biggest selling points, drawing attention from those who fondly remember the original Microbus while also appealing to younger buyers looking for something unique in an increasingly crowded EV market.

This Reddit user shared their admiration for how well Volkswagen executed the design:  

"I actually had no idea this car/bus is already out... It actually looks great inside and out. It’s also kinda surreal a van like this can go 0–60 in 5.5 seconds, that’s quite a bit of improvement from the original."  

On VWIDTalk, a user highlighted their positive experience with driving dynamics despite frustrations with software:  

"3500 MILES on mine 3 months old cargo... Once you get use to the poor software and screen layout the rest of the buzz is great."  

Missed Opportunities?  

While many appreciate what Volkswagen has achieved with the ID. Buzz, others feel there were missed opportunities that could have made it more competitive or practical for travelers and families. One common criticism is Volkswagen’s decision not to offer hybrid options or more innovative interior configurations reminiscent of classic Microbuses.

Another Reddit user voiced their disappointment at the lack of hybrid options:  

"I am so happy they brought back the line, and yet so confused why it isn’t hybrid. People literally live in the old ones traveling the world in them."  

Back on the VWIDTalk forums another user shared mixed feelings after extensive road trips across Europe:  

"35000km since May 2023... I had issues with the electronic parking brake in Sweden as the van was parked outside by -10C; it wouldn’t release... And yeah, the software is quite awful, coming from Tesla it is big step backward. But I love the car anyway :)"  

Conclusion  

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz stands out as one of the most unique vehicles in today’s EV market thanks to its nostalgic design and family-friendly features. However, opinions remain divided on whether its high price point and limited range will hinder its success over time.

For some buyers, like those seeking an eco-friendly alternative to traditional minivans or SUVs, it fills an important niche—albeit at a premium cost. For others, competitors like Kia’s EV9 or even Tesla’s offerings may provide better value for money.

As Volkswagen continues refining its electric lineup, future iterations of the ID. Buzz may address these concerns while keeping its charm intact. For now, it remains both a bold statement piece and a polarizing addition to an increasingly competitive EV landscape.

Your Turn, Share Your Thoughts on the ID. Buzz in The Comments, Please.

How important is aesthetics or design in your decision to purchase an electric vehicle like the ID. Buzz, and how do you weight that against practical concerns such as range and price?

What features or improvements would you like Volkswagen to prioritize in future updates of the ID. Buzz to make it more appealing for long-term ownership?

Photos courtesy of VW Newsroom.

Mikey Garcia has been passionate about cars and alternative fuels long before they were mainstream, from closely following the GM EV1 to running biodiesel in his Volkswagen Beetle TDI and Mercedes 300SD. As an early EV adopter, he drove a 2015 Fiat 500e and now owns a 2017 Chevy Bolt, showcasing his commitment to accessible electric mobility. With nearly a decade of tech experience at Apple, Mikey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of automotive innovation, sustainability, and technology. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn to follow him, or to send him news tips.