Volkswagen was once the furthest thing from carbon neutral. Today, the automaker is cleaning up its act by producing not one, not two, but several electric vehicles for consumers to enjoy. Gone are the days of Dieselgate. VW has its eyes on the electric future. It’s producing some of the most captivating EVs on the market, like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz. Is the VW ID. Buzz classified as a minivan? If it is, why does the Volkswagen ID. Buzz look so peculiar compared to other vans?

What is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz?

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric vehicle inspired by the Volkswagen Microbus that first hit the scene in the 1950s. Over the next few decades, the Microbus gained a huge international following thanks to its quirky exterior design.

First things first. Is the VW a bus or a van? Volkswagen refers to the ID. Buzz as both a “bus” and “Microbus” on its overview page of the exciting new electric vehicle. So, if you want to get technical, it’s a bus, specifically a new take on VW’s OG bus.

Now that we have a better understanding of where the ID. Buzz stands among its peers and within the wide world of automobiles; what makes it interesting?

What’s so great about the VW ID. Buzz?

Part of being an automotive journalist means frequenting as many auto shows as possible. I can honestly report that the exterior of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is like nothing I’ve ever seen at recent auto shows. The only other production vehicle that’s as visually odd and distinct as the VW bus that I’ve personally admired recently is the Kia EV9 fully-electric midsize three-row SUV, and that’s saying something.

So, for starters, the ID. Buzz’s exterior and interior are legitimately like no other new production vehicle on the market. This thing is a one-of-one, and that’s arguably its greatest appeal. Tie that nugget of information in with its close relation to the beloved VW Microbus of old, and you’ve got a killer combination that targets a huge audience of consumers.

Sure, its specs also play an essential role in its overall appeal, but the bottom line is the average ID. Buzz buyer is getting this thing because of how funky its design is, not how fast or far it can go. It has a groovy body shape yet utilizes some of the industry’s most modern technology.

What we know about Volkswagen’s upcoming EV thus far

The ID. Buzz electric Microbus has already hit the European market, but American drivers still have to wait on the quirky new EV. Furthermore, Volkswagen hasn’t released pricing for the U.S. version. That said, many experts estimate that the electric bus will start between $50,000 and $60,000. The three-row U.S. version should have at least around 230 miles of driving range.

Don’t expect the VW electric bus to knock your socks off with power, and don’t get your hopes up for a stellar standard driving range either—the ID. Buzz is the reincarnation of the classic Volkswagen Microbus with a new electric heart and modern-day tech. Will it disrupt its segment? Probably not. But it sure is fun to look at.