Many people adore the Volkswagen ID. Buzz to such an extent that police officers might stop you just to take a look at it.

When my $600 Segway Ninebot electric scooter was stolen right under my nose during daytime recently, I immediately called 911. Coincidentally, the NYPD officers who arrived at the location of the theft in South Brooklyn were also the ones who stopped me in my area a couple of weeks later while I was driving.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz
.

No, they didn’t receive any positive updates regarding my stolen scooter. However, they expressed interest in seeing the van.

After shadowing me loosely for several blocks, the NYPD Ford Explorer signaled with its headlights; thus, I pulled over to the side of the road, just like any sensible driver would do. As soon as I stopped, the officers emerged from their vehicle and approached my window, their hands hovering near their utility belts equipped with weapons and cuffs. This made my companions feel increasingly anxious.

I am a responsible driver who doesn’t remember breaking any traffic laws. I was operating the ID. Buzz within the designated speed limits and do not recollect running any red lights. Prepared to present my driver’s license and clarify any unintended infraction, I awaited an explanation. However, the police officers showed no interest in hearing any of this.

“Is this electrified?” one of them queried.

“Indeed, it is,” I replied.

“It must be strong,” he responded.

He subsequently sought my approval to open the electric rear door to inspect the space in the second and third rows. Meanwhile, another officer showed interest in the battery and bombarded me with inquiries regarding its dimensions, chemical composition, and mass.

They just wanted to find out about this van, the interior space, the price, how it handled, and more details.

Volkswagen provided me with an all-wheel-drive Pro S Plus model equipped with a dual-motor setup delivering 335 horsepower. This variant boasts an EPA-estimated driving range of 231 miles. In comparison, the rear-wheel drive edition generates 282 horsepower and offers a slightly longer range at 234 miles. Constructed on the MEB platform, this vehicle comes loaded with advanced technology features and provides ample interior space.

Primarily, it turned out to be an instant hit with the audience.

This was merely one out of over a dozen encounters I experienced during a week of test-driving the ID. Buzz through New York City and its surrounding areas. This electric vehicle, with its eye-catching Candy White/Pomelo Yellow two-toned exterior, drew attention everywhere it went, catching eyes at each traffic light. Children showed interest, people in car parks engaged me in discussions, and even law enforcement officers requested a detailed inspection.

At the Jersey Gardens Mall’s car park, you can find multiple Tesla and Electrify America charging points._two
Tesla Cybertrucks
, one
Lucid Air
Several Hyundai and Kia models were zipping around, yet the ID. Buzz seemed to draw more eyeballs from people coming into and leaving the mall than all those other cars combined.

It isn’t confrontational, nor does it stir up controversy; it carries neither political nor cultural weight. It’s simply an amiable behemoth aiming to assist you in moving about through the aid of electrons. However, I must point out that it comes with a steeper price tag than might be expected. The classic VW Van, throughout its
T1-T6 generations
, was primarily seen as functional, simple to fix, and extremely affordable before achieving icon status.

“A lady instructed me, ‘Kindly list this vehicle for sale so I can purchase it,’” she said. Upon hearing that it was already available with a price starting at $60,000, she arched her eyebrows.

”If I weren’t residing in Brooklyn, I wouldn’t have purchased that [
Hyundai Ioniq 6
“I would have purchased this,” another electric vehicle owner commented, pointing out the parking limitations in New York City.

As folks’ eyes lit up and spirits lifted upon seeing the ID. Buzz, many were disappointed by the $68,000 price tag of my press vehicle. This was quite a drawback for those looking merely for a practical family car. Indeed, numerous minivans provide excellent value at significantly lower prices.

The highly sought-after and best-selling Toyota Sienna begins at $39,000 excluding destination fees. The Kia Carnival has an initial price of $36,800. Meanwhile, the Chrysler Pacifica comes with a base cost of $42,450, while its hybrid variant starts at $51,000. Another strong contender in this segment is the
Kia EV9
, but even then it doesn’t directly compare to VW’s van.

Sure, the ID. Buzz stands out as the sole all-electric minivan currently available in the U.S. market. Its gasoline-driven rivals lack both the striking appearance with its two-toned paint job and design reminiscent of the classic VW Bus. Moreover, none might match up when it comes to acceleration speeds or interior space along with customizable features offered by the ID. Buzz. However, these attributes alone could fall short of justifying its cost.

I don’t believe Volkswagen aims to position the ID. Buzz as a high-margin model in the United States. They’re simply addressing the realities of electric vehicle economics. Despite being far better, more potent, and more fun to drive due to electrification, it still faces similar cost challenges associated with this transition.

Although more affordable electric vehicles are set to arrive soon, primarily within the crossover and hatchback segments, EVs generally remain relatively expensive. In February, data shows that the typical purchase price for an electric vehicle was 16.2% greater than the average cost of a gasoline-powered car.
Cox Automotive
Three-row SUVs and minivans remain significantly pricier compared to their internal combustion engine equivalents.

Batteries for larger vehicles often come with high prices. This is due to factors such as new software, cutting-edge technology, and production expenses being factored into the ultimate cost displayed on the price tag.

Yet, despite its cost, the ID. Buzz plays an important role: it makes electrification feel fun, nostalgic, and desirable. Even if it doesn’t sell in massive numbers, it can serve as a halo car, draw people into Volkswagen showrooms and, perhaps, into the EV world.

However, despite all the praise, the ID. Buzz seems overpriced by approximately $10,000. A shorter wheelbase model from Europe could have been a better option for the U.S. market too, possibly starting closer to $50,000. In contrast, it retails for about £60,000 in the UK.

Larger and more extended doesn’t necessarily mean superior, particularly in the electric vehicle landscape; despite this, American car manufacturers have adhered to that philosophy for years when dealing with gasoline-powered sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks. If the elongated-wheelbase ID. Buzz had been priced approximately at $55,000, it could’ve stood a legitimate chance against the minivan segment.

Currently, it remains a high-end option. It lacks the widespread popularity enjoyed by the classic VW Bus among regular consumers. Perhaps someday, as battery prices fall and electric vehicles gain broader acceptance, the ID. Buzz will fully embody the storied legacy of its ancestors. At present though, it still serves admirably as an advocate for electric cars.

Got a tip? Reach out to the author:
suvrat.kothari@insideevs.com

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