Sometimes you look at a new car and think, “What on earth is this?” The lines don’t quite work, the proportions feel off, and you wonder if the designer left their glasses at home. But then, over time, it starts to click. The design grows on you, like a fine wine you didn’t appreciate at first sip. That’s exactly what happened with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, recently crowned the most beautiful car of 2025 by a jury of around a hundred automotive journalists. Yes, you read that right: an electric van, on the road for three years already, has nabbed the World Car Design of the Year trophy. And honestly? I get it. Let’s take a closer look at this gem.
The ID. Buzz isn’t a car that knocks your socks off at first glance. It’s not a sleek supercar with the allure of an Italian muse or a brawny SUV that looks like it lives at the gym. No, this is a retro-futuristic van that feels like it rolled straight out of a 1960s dream, only with a plug. It blends the charming, rounded shapes of the old Volkswagen T1 – you know, the hippie van your grandparents probably cruised around in – with the clean, modern lines of an electric vehicle. It’s like a Beatles track remixed by Daft Punk: familiar, yet undeniably fresh.
But why the award now? The ID. Buzz has been around since 2022, and suddenly the jurors think it’s gorgeous? It’s almost like a fine whisky: it needs time to mature. At first, we were all a bit skeptical. An electric van? That sounds about as thrilling as doing your taxes. But the more you see it, the more its charm sinks in. The round headlights that gaze at you like a friendly Labrador, the two-tone paint that gives it a playful vibe, and that wide, confident grille that says, “Yep, I’m a van, and I’m proud!” It’s a design that doesn’t scream for attention but earns it anyway.
Let’s be real: the jury probably needed some time to warm up to it too. In a world full of shiny SUVs and aggressive sports cars, the ID. Buzz is an oddball. It’s not a car you buy to show off on the boulevard, but one you choose for its quirky character. And that character has only grown stronger over the past year. Volkswagen has expanded the lineup with a long-wheelbase version, a bigger battery, and even a sporty GTX variant for those who think a van can have some bite. But let’s not kid ourselves: it’s not these technical updates that clinched the award. No, it’s the design, which still feels fresh and unique after three years.
That said, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Some folks still find the ID. Buzz a bit weird. “The most beautiful car? Seriously?” I heard someone grumble. And yeah, if your dream ride is a low-slung V8 beast with gullwing doors, I can see why an electric van might not float your boat. But beauty lies in the details, and the ID. Buzz has something few cars do: personality. It’s a car that puts a smile on your face, whether you’re behind the wheel or just spotting it on the road.
What also helps is that the ID. Buzz fits the zeitgeist perfectly. We’re in an era where electric driving is becoming the norm, but so many EVs look like soulless refrigerators on wheels. The ID. Buzz proves an electric car can have character. It’s a statement, a nod to a time when cars had soul, but with a modern twist. And let’s be honest: when you drive it, you feel a bit cooler than everyone else. Like you’re cruising in a living Instagram post.
So, what’s the takeaway? Good design takes time. It’s not always love at first sight. Sometimes you need to see a car a few times, experience it in person, to get why it’s special. The ID. Buzz is the perfect example. It’s not a car you understand right away, but once it clicks, it’s got you hooked. And that’s exactly why it won this coveted design award.
For those now itching to find a car with character – whether it’s a retro van or something entirely different – check out our marketplace. At Volty, you’ll find a wide range of cars to browse and buy. Who knows, you might just uncover your own hidden gem!
