Dubai’s roads are no strangers to exotic supercars and towering SUVs, yet nothing quite prepares you for the sight of a Volkswagen ID. Buzz gliding down Sheikh Zayed Road. This all-electric microbus – a futuristic tribute to VW’s classic Type 2 van – brings a blend of nostalgic charm and cutting-edge tech to the UAE. We gathered insights from test drives and first-hand accounts to see how the ID. Buzz performs and captures hearts in Dubai’s unique driving environment. From performance and handling to design, interior features, and the reactions it provokes, here is a comprehensive look at what makes the ID. Buzz truly “buzz-worthy” in Dubai.
Performance and Handling in the UAE Climate
Don’t be fooled by the friendly face – the ID. Buzz packs serious electric power under its retro skin. The standard rear-wheel-drive version uses a ~91 kWh battery feeding about 282 hp, good for 0–100 km/h in roughly 7.9 seconds, while the dual-motor AWD model boosts output to 330 hp and cuts that sprint to 6.4 seconds . Both variants are electronically limited to 160 km/h top speed – more than enough for UAE highways where the limit typically tops out at 120–140 km/h. In real-world terms, drivers report brisk acceleration off the line and confident passing power. One tester noted a “surge off the line that does a miraculous job of masking [its] 2.7-tonne” weight, giving the van surprising pep in city traffic .
Handling is another pleasant surprise. With its battery mounted low in the chassis and wheels pushed out to the corners, the ID. Buzz feels stable and balanced on the road. Reviewers describe it as “strong, robust, smooth and [easy to] carry itself well”, with light steering and an impressively tight turning radius (just about 11 m) thanks to rear-wheel drive . In Dubai’s mix of dense city streets and wide highways, this agility pays off – maneuvering and parking the Buzz is remarkably hassle-free. “It’s surprisingly nimble in the city and incredibly easy to park thanks to its great cameras and tight turning circle,” reported one Dubai driver, who appreciated that such a big van could thread through urban traffic with ease .
On the open road, the ID. Buzz remains composed. Even when taken onto curvy mountain roads outside the city, the Buzz handles with poise. One first-drive review found the van “held its own on elevation-changing curves… poised and energetic – a strange way to describe a long, three-row family vehicle, but [almost any other van] would’ve felt heavy and uncertain” in the same scenario . In other words, the ID. Buzz delivers perhaps the most fun you’ll have driving a van. High-speed stability is solid, and while a tall, boxy van will never corner like a sports car, the low center of gravity keeps body roll in check. Only in extreme crosswinds or uneven pavement (conditions Dubai drivers rarely face) did one tester note the ride can become “bouncy,” especially in the heavier AWD trim . Overall, the Buzz’s smooth acceleration, one-pedal electric driving ease, and quiet ride create a sense of calm confidence – “a sense of wellbeing that no SUV… can match,” as one reviewer put it . And in the UAE’s heat, there’s no loss of oomph from thin air or turbo lag; the electric drivetrain delivers instant torque whether you’re merging onto Sheikh Zayed Road or cruising along Jumeirah Beach Road.
Design and Style: Retro Charm Meets Modern Dubai
The VW ID. Buzz’s iconic two-tone design and friendly face pay homage to the classic Microbus, instantly standing out amid Dubai’s traffic.
Looks are a huge part of the ID. Buzz’s appeal. Volkswagen’s designers successfully transferred the genes of the iconic 1960s VW Bus into the digital era, creating a vehicle that is “timeless, sustainable and yet extremely functional” . The van’s playful two-tone paint scheme, big VW logo, and broad smiling front fascia exude retro charisma. In Dubai – a city accustomed to sleek supercars in monochrome grays – the ID. Buzz pops out vividly with its cheerful color combos (a popular choice is white upper body with a bright yellow, orange or blue lower half). It effectively becomes a “rolling retro billboard” for sustainable mobility, drawing the eye like few other vehicles . As one U.S. reviewer noted, the friendly, slab-sided shape “puts smiles on the faces of nearly everyone” who sees it .
That effect is even more pronounced in Dubai. On the busy streets of this car-loving city, the ID. Buzz turns heads everywhere. A local owner described driving it on Sheikh Zayed Road as an event in itself: “People constantly smile, take pictures, and give me thumbs up. It’s a total head-turner… It’s not for showing off luxury, but for showing you have a unique style.” In a town where flashy luxury cars are common, the ID. Buzz projects a different kind of status – one of individuality, eco-consciousness, and fun. It sparks conversations in parking lots and at traffic lights; you might find strangers asking about it at petrol stations (not that you’ll visit those often anymore). This emotional appeal – the feel-good, almost whimsical presence – is a huge part of why the ID. Buzz has captured imaginations. Nostalgia plays a role too: older passersby recall the classic VW bus era, while younger folks just find it “cool… like a retro bubble from the future!” as one Dubai driver put it .
Crucially, the design is not just cute but practical. The boxy shape maximizes interior space and gives the driver a commanding view. Short overhangs and large windows mean you can see out easily in tight Dubai traffic. And despite being roughly as long as a midsize SUV, the ID. Buzz’s clever packaging makes it look compact on the road while still offering van-like roominess inside. It’s a design that both honors an icon and serves modern needs – truly form following function. In fact, the ID. Buzz’s styling was so well executed that it won the 2025 World Car Design of the Year award , underlining how VW’s blend of retro and futurism struck a chord globally.
Interior and Tech Integration: Futuristic Comfort for Dubai Drives
Step inside the ID. Buzz and you’re greeted with an airy, ultra-spacious cabin that feels tailor-made for Dubai’s lifestyle. The van’s long wheelbase and upright design translate to cavernous interior volume – five adults can stretch out with ease, and there’s plenty of headroom even for tall passengers (the Buzz is taller than most other minivans) . A Dubai owner raved that “the space inside is huge – perfect for friends or a big shopping trip to Ibn Battuta [Mall]” . Families will appreciate the generous legroom and the flexible seating: currently a 5-seater configuration, with 6- and 7-seat versions (2-3-2 layout) on the way for even larger groups . In van tradition, there are useful storage cubbies everywhere and even fold-flat seats that can turn the rear into a makeshift lounge or bed.
The design theme inside is fun and modern. Up front, the driver’s view is expansive – a wide windshield and tall side glass give a panoramic outlook over the road . The dashboard is minimalist and brightly trimmed, often color-coordinated with the exterior (for example, a yellow van might have yellow accents inside). Reviewers call the driving environment “uplifting” and love the classic VW fold-down armrests on the seats that add lounge-chair comfort . Materials are eco-friendly (no animal leather; options for recycled fabrics) yet feel high-quality and durable, ideal for withstanding both daily commutes and weekend adventures.
In terms of technology, the ID. Buzz is every bit a 21st-century EV. The cockpit features a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a large central infotainment touchscreen (up to 12.9 inches in the latest models) that appear like floating tablets on the dash . The van comes loaded with high-end features typically found only in luxury cars. For instance, even the entry Pro S model offers 12-way power front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the second-row seats can be heated as well . Tri-zone automatic climate control keeps everyone comfortable – a must in Dubai’s heat – and early users praise the A/C’s strength, noting it “cools the large cabin instantly”, even under the Gulf sun . There are USB-C ports galore (up to eight throughout the three rows) so every passenger can charge devices, and an optional 700W Harman Kardon sound system turns the Buzz into a rolling concert hall .
Notable tech and comfort features include:
- Advanced driver aids: Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree surround camera make highway cruising and parking in tight spots easier – useful for navigating Dubai’s busy downtown and mall parking lots . The ID. Buzz even offers an automated “Park Assist” feature that can self-park the van into spaces at the push of a button .
- Innovative infotainment: The ID. Buzz’s latest infotainment system supports voice controls and even features integrated AI assistance. Volkswagen has experimented with ChatGPT-based voice functions in the ID lineup, hinting that future software updates could enable more natural voice commands and smarter navigation help . (On test drives, the voice assistant still had some learning to do – at one point apologizing for not understanding a drive mode change request – but OTA updates promise to improve this) . The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration as well.
- Premium extras: Buyers can option a huge panoramic glass roof with electrochromic tint (turning from clear to opaque at the touch of a button) for stargazing on desert nights . There’s also a head-up display and nifty touches like a removable center console cooler box on some trims. Essentially, the ID. Buzz delivers luxury-car amenities in a family-friendly van, aligning well with Dubai drivers’ high expectations for comfort and tech.
All this tech is backed by the ID. Buzz’s status as a rolling computer on wheels. It supports Car-to-X communication, meaning it can exchange information with road infrastructure and other vehicles – a forward-looking feature that fits nicely with Dubai’s smart city initiatives . For example, in time the van could receive alerts from traffic signals or hazard warnings from cars up ahead. Over-the-air software updates ensure the ID. Buzz’s features stay up-to-date without visiting a dealership. In short, this microbus may look retro, but it’s fully in sync with the digital age and then some.
Driving in Dubai: Culture, Reactions, and Everyday Usability
Perhaps the biggest question: How does the ID. Buzz fit into Dubai’s distinct driving culture and environment? After all, this is a city where daily traffic sees burly Land Cruisers, flashy G-Wagons, and low-slung sports cars share the road. Interestingly, the ID. Buzz carves out its own niche quite naturally.
For one, its practicality aligns with the needs of many Dubai residents. With spacious seating and ample cargo room, the Buzz is ideal for family life – school runs, weekend outings, or group road trips to Hatta or Abu Dhabi are well within its range and capacity. (The van’s approx. 400–480 km range per charge means you can do a Dubai–Abu Dhabi round trip with some to spare, and an 80% fast charge can be done in about 30–35 minutes at a high-power station .) The ever-improving EV charging infrastructure in the UAE, including new high-speed charging hubs on the Dubai–Abu Dhabi highway, makes owning an EV like the Buzz increasingly convenient . Daily commuting in the Buzz is a relaxing affair – the silence of the electric motor and absence of engine vibrations make stop-and-go traffic far less fatiguing. “The silence of the electric motor is perfect for relaxing in traffic,” noted the Dubai owner, who also loved the fact that “the best part? No more petrol costs! Charging is cheap and easy.” Given Dubai’s fuel prices and the availability of DEWA charging stations at many malls and public parking areas, the cost per km of running an ID. Buzz is a fraction of its petrol or diesel counterparts – a practical perk for the wallet.
Then there’s the emotional and social aspect. Dubai’s car scene appreciates novelty and style, and the ID. Buzz delivers both in spades. It’s not uncommon for this van to draw a crowd in Dubai. Onlookers frequently approach to ask if it’s the “new electric VW bus” they’ve heard about, and owners often find themselves giving impromptu tours of the vehicle’s interior to curious strangers. The positive vibe it spreads is palpable; one reviewer coined the term “friendly gigantism” – the Buzz’s large, playful presence seems to make people happy wherever it goes . In a region where cars are an extension of one’s personality, the ID. Buzz broadcasts fun-loving, eco-conscious, and tech-savvy traits. It’s a conversation starter that bridges generational and cultural gaps: expatriate residents reminisce about road trips in old VW combis, while young locals admire the high-tech novelty.
Crucially, the ID. Buzz does all this without feeling out of place. It has the comfort and road presence to cruise alongside luxury SUVs on Sheikh Zayed Road confidently. High seating and a solid suspension tune (optimized for comfort) soak up bumps and speed humps common in city roads. The van’s cooling system is engineered for extreme climates – owners report the A/C is powerful enough for Dubai’s summers, a non-negotiable in this market . And while nobody will take an ID. Buzz dune-bashing, its rear-wheel (or all-wheel) drive and instant torque could handle a gravel trail to a desert campsite or a beach picnic without issue. It’s a multi-purpose people-mover that fits the active, outdoor lifestyle many enjoy here – from weekends at Kite Beach (where its distinctive style will turn heads in the parking lot) to drives up the mountains in Fujairah.
One thing to note is that, as of now, the ID. Buzz is a rare sight in the UAE because Volkswagen has not yet officially launched the ID series here. Enthusiasts have imported a few units (often European-spec models) on their own. A local discussion noted there’s “no official presence of [VW’s] ID series in UAE”, meaning service and parts support rely on third parties for now . This may change soon – VW is likely to bring the ID. Buzz to Middle Eastern showrooms once the long-wheelbase 7-seat version is globally available . In the meantime, spotting an ID. Buzz in Dubai is an event in itself. Its rarity adds to its allure – owning or test-driving one now is like being at the forefront of a new trend. Given the region’s accelerating embrace of EVs (and government support for green mobility), the ID. Buzz feels right at home as an early icon of sustainable driving in Dubai.
Conclusion: A Feel-Good Future on Wheels
Driving the Volkswagen ID. Buzz in Dubai is an experience that blends the past and future in a uniquely satisfying way. Its retro design and cheerful personality make every trip an occasion – you can’t help but smile when you’re behind the wheel, and everyone around you seems to be smiling too. Yet beneath that nostalgia is a thoroughly modern machine: quick, smooth, and packed with technology that enhances daily driving. It meets the practical needs of Dubai’s drivers with space, comfort, and climate-conquering capability, all while proving that going electric can have plenty of character.
In a city famed for looking forward, the ID. Buzz strikes a chord by also looking back at an automotive legend, now reimagined for the EV era. Whether it’s cruising down the skyscraper-lined Sheikh Zayed Road or parked at a desert overlook at sunset, the ID. Buzz feels like the right car at the right time – a symbol that sustainable vehicles can be cool, family-friendly rides can be exciting, and the joy of driving can unite generations. As one delighted Dubai driver summed up her experience: “It’s the ideal car for a young, modern person or a family who wants a spacious, eco-friendly, and unbelievably cool car for Dubai life.” The VW ID. Buzz is more than just a mode of transport; in the UAE, it’s a statement that the future of driving can indeed be filled with “Buzz” – and a lot of heart.
