Volkswagen ID. Buzz Sets Record & Wins Big “Top Minivan in 2025” Award
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Last Updated on: 15th August 2025, 01:41 am
The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is still be a niche vehicle in the United States — and may remain that forever — but the Buzz is doing quite well in Europe, and I still hold out hope that it could become an iconic, perhaps even mass-market model down the line. Winning awards from the likes of J.D. Power could certainly help with that, and that’s what the ID. Buzz just did.
The 2025 VW ID. Buzz actually set a new record in J.D. Power’s U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. It set a new high score in the Minivan category since the system was redesigned in 2020. Though, note that this is not about technical matters. This is basically about consumer enthusiasm. “The J.D. Power APEAL Study measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement across 10 experience areas. The 2025 study is based on responses from over 84,000 owners of new 2025 model-year vehicles,” Volkswagen writes.
“With an APEAL Index score of 882, the ID. Buzz significantly outperformed the segment average, earning praise for its exterior styling, smooth and powerful electric drivetrain, and user-friendly interior. It achieved the highest Powertrain Index score in the Mass Market category, bucking the trend of underwhelming new model launches industry wide.” Yes, customers love the ID. Buzz and are super enthusiastic about it.
“The ID. Buzz connects the legacy of the Volkswagen brand with the innovation of electric mobility, and customers are clearly responding to that,” said Kjell Gruner, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. “This recognition is a signal that emotional design, thoughtful technology, and electric performance can come together in a way that truly resonates with modern drivers.”
Indeed. Now … if only many more Americans will buy the minibus, and Volkswagen will produce, ship, and market it strongly enough to convert interested and intrigued shoppers into outright Buzz buyers.
Volkswagen provides a bit more information on the electric “minivan” that tries to explain the appeal to anyone not fully in the know: “The ID. Buzz showcases retro-inspired styling, complete with a bold VW logo and vibrant two-tone exterior options that complement its spacious interior. Three available interior color themes—Moonlight, Dune, and Copper—add to its charm. Standard features include a 12.9-inch infotainment display, a 30-color ambient lighting system, IQ.DRIVE® driver assistance technology, and Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking.
“The Pro S Plus and 1st Edition trims elevate the experience with features such as Easy Open for the sliding doors and tailgate, Harmon Kardon™ premium audio, and an electrochromic panoramic glass roof. With seating configurations for up to seven passengers, including bench and captain’s seat options, the ID. Buzz is an outstanding family vehicle that combines functionality with eye-catching design. MSRP starts at $59,995.”
I still think that price tag is a bit too high to make the Buzz a mass-market vehicle, even if it is justified in certain ways. If Volkswagen could bring that price down $10,000 in coming years, that could make an enormous difference and lead to ten times more sales. We will see what happens.
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