TFL Exclusive: The VW ID. Buzz Is the ULTIMATE American EV & I'm the FIRST to Drive It in the US!

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#volkswagen #idbuzz #electric

[@aaronbritt2025]

This is the definition of a "lifestyle vehicle". I like it. I'd actually buy one. I love the "play" and "pause" symbols on the throttle and brake pedals. Glass weighs more than sheet metal. Probably why there's no big sunroof. Weight reduces range and right now, range is THE selling point of any new EV.

[@olebloom1641]

I worked for an arm of VW for 25 years. VW has almost always had a cup holder issue. Decades ago when I asked an engineer why the lack of cup holders their response was the job of the driver is to drive and not be distracted by things that do not aid in driving. It's a very VW thing. Good first driving impression video and keeping the impromptu older gentleman interview was great.

[@mauitranquility]

It's called stubborn and it's why they've never captured any significant market share here since the demise of the Beetle.

[@scottchow043]

Lol, that sounds like such a German mindset.

[@toolshed7652]

Now this is where EVs today are going to shine... Mall cruisers and family haulers, school and sports runners, perfect for that segment

[@richardaustin5796]

This is marketing brilliance on the part of TFL! Two of the coolest and most talented guys in their 20's absolutely let loose on a first drive review of one of the coolest new vehicles that is right in their demographic! Kase and Alex did a great job and whosever idea it was to send them for this review was really great. All these reviews with Tommy, Brendan, Kase, Alex, young professionals who are utterly passionate about vehicles and their jobs, it really shows. This is the future of TFL!

[@brittgayle467]

They definitely spent a significant amount of the time cautiously minimizing the flaws though.

[@Mr21scott]

@@brittgayle467 You're always this much fun, aren't you? It's supposed to be a fun drive video; not a stem to stern analysis by IIHS.

[@gigglybeast]

@@Mr21scottLighten up Mr21scott. It’s just an observation of a fact. Those of us that are excited about this bus want to know the good and the unvarnished bad.

[@MD-ev3hm]

$70k for a 20 year old’s car? Hope you’ve got one hell of a job;)

[@gigglybeast]

@@MD-ev3hm - Where did you get $70k from?

[@chrishansel9324]

Nice review, you just forgot to mention that you were driving the Euro spec ID Buzz. I believe the US spec car will have the same interior but be a little longer and have a third seat. The US spec will probably have more cup holders. European's don't value cup holders like we do.

[@simonorr594]

I was thinking about that. The range and speed of the US model will be pretty dire if they don’t upgrade the battery and motor

[@AndrewMackoul]

You can also tell with the CCS 2 charge port.

[@frankierays]

Most practical and attractive form factor. Not too convinced yet on vw for electric hardware and software. U.S. model will be longer with less mileage.

[@Tom-bp6no]

European here, and I don't get the cup holder obsession. Its true.

[@gabrielchristopher9625]

I hope VW is ready for the demand of this Buzz. I can’t wait to drive one. My wife will not drive a minivan. But even she is interested in this. Great first Drive review guys!

[@Mr.Quinlan888]

This is a really cool vehicle. I hope VW brings this 5 passenger version to North America. You see the nostalgia that people have for this vehicle. It caters to both old and young. This feels like a slam dunk for VW.

[@karbs4kids740]

I heard it’s coming to us June 2024!

[@jillvasquez1010]

I believe this is the US version, it'll hit in 2025.

[@Andywinnipeg]

What does this video tell us? Two young guys are excited about a mini van. This doesn’t happen too often. VW did it right. And I want to see more car videos with Kase and Alex together. Great entertaining review.

[@jeff119990]

i cant wait to see these on the road here. a camper version is the dream.

[@yormanmirabal5108]

The ID Buzz is an amazingly practical car. I can see myself daily driving the short wheel base, I love the look of it... but as a father + more family I feel more inclined to the one with the long wheel base with capacity for 8 eight. Hope we get to have both variants in the states. Also it will be very beneficial for the consumer that VW is putting pressure on other OEMs in the mini vans segment. Great job guys! TFL channels are always the go-to source for good content.

[@TheSalPic]

I think we're only getting the long?

[@stephanbergmann8373]

Been waiting for this thing to be available in the US for years - but the price is a big slap in the face. 🙈 ($72k entry level price - probably more for the longer US version)

[@AnTran147]

A solar roof could be pretty cool on this.

[@dinosehic4158]

Yes, having solar panels leaking low level electromagnetic energy above your head/brain whenever you're behind the wheel is a brilliant idea 💡

[@nicogi]

The fun you both had really shows! :) What a nice vehicle. I just hope that the short wheelbase you guys tried would make it to North America, instead of the long wheelbase VW is promising us.

[@poplaurentiu4148]

The boys are anxious to try the Buzz huh.. ? Someone did ship few there but European versions of ID-Buzz because on US market the official model will come latter this year, will be longer, with 7 seats, bigger battery pack and more powerful electric motors and will have the features they are looking for.. just have a little patience boys !

[@mauitranquility]

Don't hold your breath on the shorter wheelbase they tested here being brought to the USA. VW has proven over and over that they are clueless when it comes to marketing in the USA.

[@rfleming7883]

This is how a car review should be done. Every vehicle has a personality and emphasizing that really makes a difference in the case of the VW Buzz. Fine review, and yes, i love this vehicle.

[@kevincraftsbcs4488]

Great review Kase and Alex! It was enjoyable seeing your excitement and enjoyment with this new Buzz. This vehicle has a huge cool factor. It is filled with character, yet offers even more practicality than the endless sea of boring crossovers.

[@cwescapexlt4x4]

i would bet the USA version will have more cup holders and such, my understanding is we are getting only the 3 row version and as such, the interior will be slightly different/revised. Could end up with one of these in our garage one day.

[@thatscottishengineerguy9606]

After almost 20 years of ownership, I can count on one hand (with digits left over) the number of times I've actually needed to roll down the rear windows in my Toyota Sienna, so that's no loss if I'm being honest. The rear cupholder will only hold tapered containers, so that absolutely needs to change for our market. The flat-folding rear seat mechanism is freaking brilliant. I don't know which regulations need to change, but WE NEED that tuck-away trailer hitch in the US! Great video.

[@SteveRowe]

As somebody who lives in a state with weather, I am wondering how it handles on wet/snowy roads, what kind of heating it has (heat pump, rear heated seats, heated steering wheel, etc.), and how much the efficiency goes down with temperature. What's the battery chemistry?

[@jamiegrace9662]

Good job guys! I like the tag-team effort on this.

[@charlesschneider7079]

The Original Type 11 Van had less than a 100hp. I remember riding with my grandmother in hers and it was a white-knuckle experience merging onto the freeway...

[@CoreyCat4]

If I were to get the ID Buzz, I'd love to turn it into the Mystery Machine!

[@joelmora2826]

It reminds me of an enlarged scion XB

[@syxepop]

No, it doesn't look like a Ford Flex (do you remember those?).

[@DuaneCaldwell]

Nice job on the video guys! I think you hit the sweet spots of that ID Buzz. I think I'd wait for some future special editions with better performance, but it is very cool to see an official VW nod to the old Type 2 buses. Roman, please give us some more Alex/Case team videos! These guys are good!

[@jefft7085]

For the US spec, they'll have to improve the cup holder situation.

[@kenyongillespie8652]

Y’all did a Great job on the review.I thing VW is going to have a homerun on its hands. I think ever vehicle should have four cup holders up front so when the kids in the back give you their cup back you will have a place to put them. Thanks Alex and Case and VW!

[@be236]

I would definitely consider getting this here in "the states." Like the big storage area in the back and decent back seats for kids/family, hopefully VW will bring that cargo-version here (not just the three-seat-row version)...

[@1guyin10]

It's hard to tell with VW, but it would make sense to offer both the two and three row versions. Personally I would want the two row like they sell in Europe.

[@kadimsilahtar]

Thanks guys. Very informative and fun video under the bright Cali sun very much matching the id buzz.

[@guylr7390]

Such a cool minivan. A minivan with style and space. VW needs to bring all versions of it including the short one you drove and the commercial van and then build them in Chattanooga or Mexico. The long version they say they are bringing will price out way too high for a lot of buyers so the short one and panel van could increase the market for them.

[@stephanbergmann8373]

The short version starts at $72k in Europe (base version, VW charges an arm and a leg for every little add-on).

[@evankatz2893]

Good Job Alex& Case giving the TFL Team some young blood besides Tommy😊👍

[@dalilyons9746]

Nice job and wow so envious that you got to drive such a cool vehicle. I hope we get some of different configurations other than the long wheelbase version. Only time will tell.

[@misfit482]

Excellent review guys!! You hit most of the finer points and struggles for the American market. Bang on about the cup holders. 4 cup holders within easy reach of the driver for todays coffee and yesterdays coffee. Todays water and yesterdays water. Add a functional 3rd row of seating that still folds flat with rear roll down windows, HVAC and USB’s. That could make it a real contender in the minivan segment as well. Lots of appeal here.

[@adamw9764]

Great review, this is def on the top of my list for my first EV purchase. Really liking the design and the tech on the inside is pretty neat.

[@TimeisReel]

Nice Review. It's cool but, people are making excuses for it's major short comings. Which hopefully VW will address. -No Sunroof -No opening Rear Windows -Range at full capacity is going to be bad -The Cupholder Situation -Trying to Clean that windshield from the inside.. -That Range with Towing is going to be terrible As said hopefully VW will address these issues.. -And Autotrader Roy Reid a stated the light material stains very easily. All in All it just a Mini Van. Give me a Chrysler Pacifica... And if it had Round headlights and roof mini windows... -

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video all! Thanks for making it.

[@masonprov]

Love this. Great job guys. When the new Beetle came out in the late 90's we rented one in Vancouver and drove it up to Whistler. We talked to everyone on the way. It was a blast. I'd love to have one of these.

[@Just-a-guy926]

Great job guys hope to see more of Case and Alex together.

[@Ernest_Burns]

With all of those cubbies you could purchase some rubber cup holder inserts separately.

[@Mal_Outdoors]

Even for us in Europe (UK) the lack of cup holders in VW vans is often criticised. There is a booming business in add on holders.

[@steffenfreyberg9504]

I have got a ID Buzz Cargo since last year and I'm really satisfied. :)

[@earthling_parth]

This is so cool! This is an awesome road-trip vehicle - so comfortable and feature-rich

[@rustyshacklef00rd]

They should call this the VW Blueballs because they’ve been teasing this for over a decade.

[@5555emerson]

I had a renovated 1949 walk through & I couldn't drive a half a block without thumbs ups. It was so cool to drive.

[@pg8794]

When we start to see a US version of this van, I agree about the rear seat armrest and the lack of cup holders. We use our van for long drives > 1.5hrs regularly, and those things are must haves. My entire family wants one of these though, the form factor is right on for our needs. I should mention we currently drive an odyssey and this is a great EV replacement

[@ChrisWilliams-pu8pj]

Good job guys! You work well together.

[@aaronbowersock]

that was fun. we're considering selling the mach e to get one of these. Gonna need to be all wheel drive and handle well in the snow though.

[@smc1377]

It's so cool that you ran into The Fonz!

[@rickyloganjr.2362]

Alex, I too 🙋‍♂️ am a Volkswagen fan boy, nothing wrong with that. You two did an absolutely incredible job on this review, it's very retro looking but modernized, well done Volkswagen. Hopefully VW offers a 7 passenger configuration that would be cool.

[@JosephHerzog]

Weird seeing different faces on this channel, but a great video still! You can tell it has a different flavor and is shot differently, and thats great! Mixes things up nicely. They both did a great job on this.

[@DatDogDude]

They've been with the crew for years.

[@JosephHerzog]

@@DatDogDude literally have never seen them on camera before. Interesting!

[@goostrey4210]

@@JosephHerzog They mostly review motorbikes, but also have done a lot of TFLEV reviews

[@kirkshrum6222]

Totally can tell you guys enjoyed the sun in Cali! Wow, Alex got a haircut! Great vlog guys, cheers Kirk

[@lunabouch]

Very cool but the US version most likely won’t get the same options as Euro editions for example transit van or a camping edition which would be very appreciated. Good review guys 👏🏻👏🏻

[@syxepop]

A cargo one is simply VERBOTEN as they're made in Deutschland and would apply the 25% Chicken Tax there since 1964 precisely because of the original VW Transporter (even came as a regular and crew cab pickup). But a California camper is not out of possibilities. Even the passenger version (so far) couldn't qualify for any of the IRA Credits.

[@10cpaul]

Case and Alex are a great team and do a thorough review! Keep these guys on more reviews!

[@brianohare4522]

Nice review! Really epic when the older man comes up and literally goes back-in-time to when he had one as a high schooler. A lot of nice touches and a couple of drawbacks. The Germans have never embraced cup holders and continue their reluctance to do so in their vehicles. Big Gulps are an issue and makes us who we are(thirsty and large mid sections). Love the suggestion of a panoramic moonroof and the row of skylights. It was on the original prototypes. If it's a matter of cost I's say this isn't going to be a bargain when it does come to market so why not just have them at the beginning. Love that 2 tone paint scheme. Case & Alex take a bow for a well executed review. Sure puts the Tesla designers in a bind. "Is that the new one? Nah, it's obviously new alloys this year."

[@Big_DT]

Great work guys, love to see your enthusiasm.

[@timwoody3835]

Yup. I really don’t need the insane 4 second 0-60 times. Get me where I need to go at reasonable speeds with reasonable comfort.

[@Danzilly]

Volkswagen! Thank you! For letting them drive it!

[@Hardmoney_ernd]

I was 20 minutes in before I noticed the support for a local brewery. Liquid mechanics is an amazing brewery. 👍

[@badgerpa9]

Nice job on the review guys. 100% respect to you guys and how polite you are to people that interrupt your filming. Kase, Alex and camera person nice to see polite young people. Take the platform and back row of seats out it would be a cargo delivery van. Are they only doing an electric version? At least with an electric vehicle they are not violating the Clean Air Act by installing illegal software into their diesel version to defeat test equipment on NOx. It really looked like you guys enjoyed it, nice to see the excitement but also the short falls you see. Now if they can put a nice rack up top, we all like that. Be safe.

[@toolshed7652]

The windows you were referring to are called safari windows I believe

[@nevco8774]

Looking at charging port one can see CCS2 meaning this is still not an American but European produced car. The Chattanooga version should be slightly longer (maybe even in 3 row sitting position) with CCS1 type of charging port. To charge that press vehicle you need a special adapter CCS 2 to CCS 1. However the old fashioned start-stop button has written on it start-stop engine instead of start-stop motor: I presume that is an awkward translation from German.

[@dethpuck]

yep its the short wheelbase.

[@davidcassidy2944]

A pop-top would be cool And that centre console that you can remove - maybe an after market fridge would fit in there. Land rover calls the little side top windows "Alpine windows"

[@nathanielmoore87]

I hear they are working on a Westy pop top camper version. A 21 window version would be cool too. Here's my thoughts: 1. I wish the C-pillar "vents" were functional. Route them into the cabin and close them off with manual or power shutters as needed. More ventilation is never a bad thing. 2. I could see the grill lighting on the concept becoming a dealer or aftermarket option. 3. Having a barn door option on at least the passenger side rear would be cool, but it probably wouldn't sit well with soccer moms. Falcon wing rear doors would be cool too. 3. Split hatch with a tailgate. Not only would it be a subtle nod to the original bus which had the engine cover open in an upside down tailgate motion, but how are you supposed to throw tailgate a party if you don't have a tailgate to sit on?? 4. Jump seat option that can be easily swapped with the console. Of course, this depends on safety and space constraints. 5. Rear windows need to roll down. Also, 3rd row windows in other vans pop out for a vent function. I'd still prefer my #1, but if not, then these 3rd windows should serve that function. It just helps air move efficiently through the cabin. 6. Are the seats a nod to the famed "blue jeans" option?? 7. An easter egg depiction of the original bus would've been cool to see.

[@73av8r5]

As a kid in the 70’s we camped in the pop top bus. I’d love to have a camper Buzz….every campground has a 30 and 50 amp outlet. 👍🏻

[@pmdinaz]

Love the enthusiasm and thoughts about the vehicle overall!

[@Nmatenum420]

Got a segment for everyone . Awesome

[@brianx1808]

Great 👍job guy's 👏👍. I think if they incorporated some of the Routan rear features: rear windows that rolldown, a multitude of proper size cup holders, bench or captain chairs, under seat cubbies and privacy shades. This would be a hit.

[@dstephan34]

I know you said you were mostly joking about the cup holders, but no rear center arm rest is a very valid criticism.

[@laura-ann.0726]

I never owned one of the old air-cooled VW micro-busses, but I would give this a serious look. A couple of things that would make this vehicle even more amazing than it already is: 1. If the rear seats can be easily unlatched and removed completely, the vehicle would be a great conversion van for a family with a disabled person who needs to haul a power wheelchair. 2. The removeable center console is a GREAT feature, I wish more cars had this.

[@Vikingj72]

For the younger generation, you should get a original Type 2 bus and a Vanagon to compare. This was a icon of vehicles back in the day. VW has done a great job of bringing back a historic type of vehicle.

[@syxepop]

Actually you'd wait until they get the US-spec LWB since that'd be sized a lot closer to the original Microbus (T-1) and Kombi (T-2).

[@socraticgambler]

Am I out of my mind? Are cup holders really that big of a deal? Otherwise, thanks for the great look into the vehicle!

[@bostondan77]

Thank you VW and TFL.

[@Chasing-Red]

This buzz looks amazingly cool. This is the first gen. Hope 2nd gen has the pano roof, longer range & auto rear window. I am 100% in, even with the heavy sticker price.

[@drnick40]

Thanks guys! Great video. The Buzz is the car I would trade my Tesla Model Y for when becomes available. Beautiful car.

[@kelaarin]

Glad to see someone getting back in the minivan game; now make a cargo version. I'm still pissed Chevy stopped making the Astro; these "city vans" just don't cut it.

[@experiencex70]

Great video and love this van just hope the cheap sounding plastic doesnt get loud (also center console) on bumps through the years or maybe months.

[@rockyvi5709]

VW’s new ID Buzz reminds me of the 1990s Chevy Lumina APV with it’s rakish windshield.

[@syxepop]

This is no GM Dustbuster minivan either, that had quite the beak...

[@gwaddles]

I’d love to have one of these. It would have to be all wheel drive though

[@autochampwandelen]

I also reviewed the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in my channel and I must say its one of the most interesting EV cars available today! A minibus! But it does come at a cost! Greetings from Belgium!

[@davva360]

Pretty nice but I have to wonder what the price will be like. Range seems fine for a runabout and while it won't be the best for road tripping 170KW isn't bad. If you can charge in 30 minutes every 200 miles it's not too bad. I have always said 200 miles of real world range and less than 30 minutes to charge would be acceptable on the 1 or 2 road trips I do per year.

[@suguhanona2323]

It's funny to say that the back windows don't roll down but only recently they just started doing that on the minivans for the longest time the back windows never rolled down. That was due to the sliding door.

[@danieldornes8416]

The charge ports in the doors initially sounded good, but what happens if you're in the back seat and plugged in, and the side door is opened? Charge cord dragged away, and cell phone pulled out of your hands and thrown outside onto the parking lot? Maybe charge ports in the center console or back of he front seats would be better...

[@dpark6537]

Great video. Curious about the charging: did it have CCS2 or CCS1? Is there a CCS2 to CCS1 adaptor?

[@Painfulwhale360]

My wife and I love our 2015 Toyota Sienna. We've been waiting on an electric van... this might just be it!

[@zanesutherland406]

Would love a gas version through I doubt that will happen. Also I think the US should get the shorter version too versus just the longer wheelbase. I prefer the look of a shorter van.

[@andrewhillman9632]

I used to drive home from LAX on PCH for a change of pace from the 405/101. Looks like you picked up the bus in Oxnard :). You should have seen all of the diesel Audi's and VW's covered in dust in that parking lot after the emissions scandal.

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Supposed to be the longer wheelbase with 3 row seating and 100KW batteries.

[@benjaminschneider4555]

Yes

[@Syncronized99]

I hope they do the hub cap wheels like they did for the new beetle.

[@user-jv8rc6kn8t]

Tré bon reportage merci excellent

[@seanrobin6573]

“Absolutely Magnificent Review 😊; Quite Informative…. And Very Much Entertaining

[@jeffreyanderson7629]

Nice content, smashed and subscribed!

[@amgc1978]

No glass roof is a problem. No windows on the rear is a problem . The lack of arm rests in the back is a problem. Lots of potential if problems are fixed

[@duramaxadventures5832]

price pending i would seriously consider buying this! especially after this in-depth review by chase and alex!

[@mboiko]

Kase and Alex, you did a great job...!

[@mrzombier]

My next family vehicle. Thanks for the video!

[@yeungscs]

It's really good to hear 'it's not that big' because so many modern cars especially SUVs have a longer front so it gets harder to see what's immediately in front. Minivans > SUV

[@USUG0]

according to teslabjorn tests, this ID Buzz spec can cover 620 miles in 10h30m, the model X raven did it in 10h20m

[@WW-wf8tu]

Awesome guys! Congrats on being the 1st 2 guys to drive that VW EV Van. Looking forward to the Camper version. (assuming it ever comes to the USA)

[@GladyMeCreativity]

My 1966 Volkswagen bus had 47 horsepower. Let that sink in!😜

[@aimveryhigh]

Awesome video. I can’t tell if the innuendos are on purpose or not though haha

[@joemartino6976]

While you're on the PCH, stop at Malibu Seafood for dinner. Perfect place to spend a late afternoon.

[@pfang100]

The stability of the software needs to be fixed, and I can't believe you can't roll down the back window. But it is a cool car and looks like a lot of fun (and practical) to use daily. I would wait for the second itteration before buying one of tthese.

[@CrankyOldNerd]

Where and when are they gonna release details on the LWB model that was going to be ‘california-ized’ and the reason we can’t buy one in the US? They were supposed to release information last fall and have been dead quiet.