Volkswagen Microbus vs. Volkswagen ID.Buzz
You don’t have to be an automotive expert to recognize that the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz is an homage of sorts to the Volkswagen Microbus, which debuted in 1950. Even though the VW team only built two generations of the Volkswagen Microbus, known to many as the VW Bus or a hippie van, the vehicle has left an indelible impression on generations of motorists. Now, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz is back at Casey Volkswagen, resurrecting and refreshing the legacy of the original VW Bus.
Design Touches
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is longer than the Volkswagen Microbus but retains the original vehicle’s two-tone exterior paint option. A large logo rests on the front of the VW ID.Buzz, making the all-electric vehicle stand out wherever it goes. An air-cooled, rear-mounted engine powered the VW Bus, which required unique rear air vents; the VW ID.Buzz carries this visual cue forward with pride despite being an EV.
Back in the day, drivers and front-row passengers sat over the front wheels of the Volkswagen Microbus. As a result, their feet rested in front of the vehicle’s wheels. The seven-passenger VW ID.Buzz has a different floor plan that positions first-row occupants behind the front wheels and out of the crumple zone.
Customization was a big selling point for the VW Microbus, with the 23-window Volkswagen Microbus Samba being a prime example of that fact. While some features are available as options for the VW ID.Buzz, the EV is already outfitted with sought-after amenities like a central infotainment screen and a digital instrument panel, which weren’t available for the VW Bus. Like its predecessor, the WV ID.Buzz has a leather-free interior.
Cargo Access
Its single sliding side door made it easy to access the cargo area in the Volkswagen Bus, but the van’s rear-mounted engine forced people to lift items very high when they loaded gear from the back. The VW ID.Buzz is set up more like a modern minivan. It has two sliding side doors and a generously sized rear hatch. A low cargo floor makes loading cargo in the Volkswagen ID a breeze.
Safety
New VW models are renowned for being safe thanks, in part, to their advanced safety and driver-assistive features. A forward collision warning and intervention system and a blind-spot monitor are standard for the VW ID.Buzz, neither of which was available for the VW Bus. In fact, the Volkswagen Microbus didn’t even have seatbelts for its occupants, something that’s unheard of today.
FAQ: Volkswagen ID.Buzz vs. Classic Volkswagen Bus
You had questions? Casey VW has answers!
How does the Volkswagen ID.Buzz compare in size to the classic Volkswagen Bus?
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz is slightly larger than the classic Bus, offering more cabin space and modern ergonomics. It features a more streamlined design while maintaining the iconic boxy shape.
How does the performance of the Volkswagen ID.Buzz compare to the classic Volkswagen Bus?
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz significantly outperforms the original Bus in power and efficiency, offering 282 horsepower, which is much more than the VW Bus. As you can imagine, the older models had slow acceleration; the Volkswagen ID.Buzz benefits from instant torque and a smooth electric drivetrain for a much-improved driving experience.
What are some key tech features in the new VW ID.Buzz that weren’t available in the classic Bus?
The VW ID.Buzz is packed with modern technology, including a digital cockpit, a large infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, advanced driver-assistance systems, and over-the-air software updates—features that were unimaginable in the classic Volkswagen Bus era.
Can I customize the interior of the VW ID.Buzz like the classic Bus?
The VW ID.Buzz doesn’t have the same level of DIY customization as older Volkswagen Buses, but it has flexible seating configurations, abundant cargo space, and accessory options that allow for a personalized touch.
Is the ID.Buzz a good road trip vehicle?
Definitely! Unlike its predecessor, it’s explicitly designed with long-distance comfort in mind, featuring a spacious cabin, advanced infotainment, and available fast-charging capability—making it perfect for modern road trips.
Test-Drive the 2025 Volkswagen ID.Buzz in Newport News, VA
The Volkswagen ID.Buzz blends nostalgic charm with cutting-edge electric technology, offering a sustainable and modern take on the beloved classic Volkswagen Bus. Whether you admire the retro aesthetic, crave electric efficiency, or need a spacious and comfortable ride, it delivers the best of both worlds. Visit our Newport News Volkswagen dealership to experience this reimagined classic. Contact us today to schedule a test drive, arrange Volkswagen financing, and see the intersection of the past, present, and future!