VW ID.Buzz 3: A Potential Competitor with the R1S?

Streaming and other functions without Rivian Connect+

wildlife R1T · 2025-04-03T14:11:49+00:00

I have previously used the streaming capability back when it first came out as well as the hotspot since before Connect+ was a thing. I am trying to get the streaming working again but it seems to have been hidden fully behind the paywall. (Not looking to argue the merits of that system here) I recall after Connect+ came out being able to still use the Hotspot while tethering with my phone, and losing it isn't a big deal other than needing to update my wife's wifi, but I think I remember needing to be on the Hotspot to do casting. My question is, did Rivian remove both of these features to fully behind the connect+ paywall? I thought that if you used phone tethering or if you were connected to WIFI you could use most all of the usual streaming like features of the Rivian? If anyone can recommend how to stream while using tethering I'm sure myself and others without Connect+ would appreciate it.

Rivian Mom

Active Wheeler

Feb 15, 2025

So the ID.Buzz was released this month and from the first day I heard about it and even saw a few pictures of it, it had similar properties to that of the R1S in terms of camping.

So the big question is, would this release start up a potential competition with the R1S?

For me, I think the ID.Buzz3 isn't a direct competitor to the R1S, but it's pretty damn cool I won't lie. Clearly doesn't have any real off-road capability but I love the look, and the utility will be quite impressive (like most minivans). Maybe in the future, VW or some after market companies might decide to develop camper options. Also, I feel it’s going to be hard to sell them at $60-75k for an EV minivan with 335hp and 230mi of range.

For those who have no idea of what the Buzz 3 looks like, here are a couple of pictures of what it looks like.