The world has been steeped in nostalgia, significantly within the U.S., for fairly a while. Scrolling by social media usually reveals an abundance of channels geared in direction of those that keep in mind the 70s, 80s, or 90s, drawing folks in with outdated commercials and TV present themes. Thus, it’s no shock that nostalgia has change into a distinguished a part of right this moment’s tradition. Many present pop songs are merely reimagined variations of earlier hits, and franchises like Marvel frequently reboot beloved characters and storylines.
Nonetheless, nostalgia can typically obscure flaws, main audiences to consider a bit of media or a product is superior to its precise high quality. For instance, whereas I discovered the reboot of Decide Dredd entertaining, the remade Ghostbusters appeared extra like a money seize fueled by nostalgia. This phenomenon extends to the automotive world as effectively. Some basic automobile revivals, just like the Ford Bronco, delight fanatics, whereas others could really feel like half-hearted makes an attempt to capitalize on nostalgia, usually leaving patrons feeling shortchanged.
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz, with its evocative design, is a transparent homage to the previous, however I approached it with skepticism—was this merely a ploy for revenue, or was Volkswagen genuinely striving to attach with followers of the unique Sort 2 Transporter?
Having spent every week with the 2025 single motor, two-tone ID. Buzz, I found that the reality is extra advanced than a easy sure or no. This electrical car has its personal allure and deserves, however it additionally presents quality-of-life points that might lead potential patrons to rethink their nostalgic inclination.
In comparison with fashionable minivans, the ID. Buzz feels a lot bigger. Whereas it might be related in width and barely shorter than many minivans just like the Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, it stands taller, giving it an imposing presence. This positioning makes coming into the driving force’s seat akin to climbing right into a bus, impacting the general driving expertise considerably.
Opposite to expectations, the ID. Buzz proves pleasurable to drive regardless of its measurement. The maneuverability is spectacular for a tall van, and it gives a surprisingly nice experience—even when it isn’t a sports activities automobile. Fast corners reveal a flat, secure dealing with that goes past what one may anticipate from such a big car.
With a single motor producing 282 horsepower, my preliminary issues about energy had been unfounded. The ID. Buzz accelerates easily and gives ample energy for freeway driving. My issues may hop up if closely loaded, but in most circumstances, the single-motor model appears enough.
A minor draw back is the shortage of true one-pedal driving. The regenerative braking system leaves one thing to be desired, providing solely a restricted “B” setting. This may very well be some extent of competition for seasoned EV customers.
The van comes geared up with a 91 kWh battery, providing a variety of 234 miles. Whereas this determine may appear modest, significantly when in comparison with smaller automobiles, it needs to be satisfactory for a lot of patrons. The ID. Buzz can attain 10-80% cost in about 26 minutes through DC quick charging, and the car manages to keep up effectivity, even in less-than-ideal climate situations.
Inside house is without doubt one of the ID. Buzz’s standout options; it may well comfortably accommodate seven adults. Although the design feels vibrant and enjoyable, sensible points rapidly increase issues. The absence of cupholders within the second row is puzzling for a car targeted on household use. Moreover, quirky design options, comparable to awkwardly positioned home windows, detract from what needs to be an in any other case stellar inside.
Different ergonomic points come up, together with a big step up into the entrance seats and a scarcity of fold-flat seats for the second and third rows. The cargo space is restricted, creating challenges for transporting bigger objects.
Regardless of its drawbacks, the ID. Buzz is technologically superior, with USB-C charging ports, wi-fi charging, and a strong sound system. Its infotainment, although improved since previous iterations, nonetheless faces critiques for convoluted menus.
Volkswagen’s security options are complete, though the ID. Buzz has not but undergone crash testing within the U.S. The car is available in numerous trims, with my check mannequin priced at round $66,000 after vacation spot charges.
Whereas this price ticket feels substantial, it’s comparatively typical for competing fashions within the EV house. In some ways, the ID. Buzz is emblematic of the present period, combining nostalgic components with fashionable electrical utility. But, as the general public’s affection for nostalgia wanes, it’s unclear if there’s sufficient need for this car, particularly contemplating its imperfections.
In the end, regardless of numerous shortcomings, the ID. Buzz can put a smile in your face, making it a compelling alternative for some patrons. Whether or not that’s sufficient to sway a purchase order stays to be seen.
Source link
