The Volkswagen Multivan is a combat machine unto itself. It splits out from the industrial sector in order to seek a foothold in a growing market. Its additional features elevate it to the level of true tourism. A large-format minivan with a high degree of adaptability.
The Volkswagen Multivan is one of the world’s most recognizable automobiles. The typical hippy van offers nothing in the way of economic alternatives. The passage of time and continuous modifications have transformed this family minivan into a vehicle that is modern for its age. The seventh generation has arrived on the marketplace, and I traveled to Frankfurt to meet it, taste it, and, most importantly, tell you about it. We began.
The Multivan undergoes radical transformations on every level, and always for the better.
They are the accumulation of countless years of history. The Multivan, commonly known as Bulli, has always been a compromise, a standard-breaker. Going off on tangents has always been a characteristic of his, but to be honest, he did not stand out for any of it in his latter years. Volkswagen wishes to reclaim that road of distinction, and in order to do so, it offers us with a multifunctional vehicle that has a striking resemblance to no other model.
The Germans do not want us to see the Multivan as a touristic industrial vehicle, which would be unjust. A tourist platform, not an industrial one, is concealed under its fresh and styled line. This distinguishes it from its more immediate rivals. The seventh generation is built on the same basis as the Volkswagen Golf and Audi Q3, namely the MQB platform.
As a result, this enormous minivan may provide features similar to those found in a regular automobile, such as suspensions, engines, electronics, and driver assistance systems. By emancipating itself from its industrial mentality, the Multivan is able to abandon some weight-bearing supporting structures. Engineers have restricted the MPV’s weight by up to 200 kg. A considerable loss that enables for weight reduction of up to two tons in the most basic variants.
The usage of a tourist platform has resulted in significant changes in a variety of areas.
Mechanical portfolio was a critical axis around which this makeover revolved. Volkswagen intends to phase out diesel engines across the board, including the new Multivan. Two gasoline engines and one plug-in hybrid are included in the launch package. The range will initially have simply a diesel engine, which will be added later. A one-of-a-kind option geared for those riders who are used to traveling lengthy distances.
The range begins with the 1.5 TSI, which is capable of 136 horsepower. It has a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine that produces 220 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 3,500 rpm. Above it comes the 2.0 TSI with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine and 204 horsepower, which is found in popular cars such as the Skoda Octavia, the SEAT Ateca, and the Golf itself.
According to the authorized consumption statistics, we should spend between 6.6 and 7.7 liters every 100 kilometers traveled. Both engines are front-wheel drive and come standard with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. Yes, the new Multivan is equipped with an automatic gearbox as standard.
The inside, which is reminiscent of a golf course, is of high quality and packed with technology.
The Multivan eHybrid is the most ecologically friendly model. A plug-in hybrid system powered by a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 150 horsepower on its own. It is supplemented by an additional 116 horsepower electric motor attached to the front axle. The combo generates a total of 218 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque. The 10.4 kWh battery provides an electric range of between 46 and 50 kilometers, with an average usage of 1.5 liters per 100 kilometers in the WLTP cycle.
Obviously, the news about the Multivan’s seventh generation does not stop there. Along with a dramatically different look, which is difficult to accomplish in a vehicle of this size, Volkswagen has worked extensively on the inside to create an ambience as unlike to the industrial idea as possible.
To these levels, we must add a 3.12 meter common wheelbase. The primary difference between the models is the length of the back overhang. As a consequence, the occupant space in both units stays same, but the load capacity is altered. The short Multivan has 469 liters of cargo capacity with the three rows of seats folded, while the long Multivan has 763 liters. From there, we may experiment with the settings at our leisure.
The rear seats are completely adaptable. Seven passengers is the maximum capacity.
A third row of chairs with three separate seats is another unusual feature. This little modification enables far more effective use of the interior space. When the three sidewalks are removed, the capacity of the short Multivan increases to 1,844 liters and the long Multivan increases to 2,171 liters. To continue growing the capacity, we simply need to remove two seats from the second row, bringing the total to 3,672 liters for the short unit and up to 4,005 liters for the long unit.
Let us take a look at technology, the third major axis of new development. The MQB platform enables the Multivan to include previously inaccessible parts. As is common in the home, the equipment is classified by trim level: Multivan, Life, Style, and Energetic. Not only will we benefit from technical advancements, but we will also be able to customize the look of our minivan by adding the appealing two-color paint that pays homage to the original Bulli.
It’s worth highlighting a few key points from the lengthy list of features, including matrix LED headlights, keyless entry and start, hands-free boot lid, automatic sliding doors, digital instrumentation, Head-Up Display, parking camera, electric front seats, automatic climate control, and ambient lighting. Panoramic roof, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Car2X, and a multimedia system with a 10-inch display and a slew of driving assistance and safety features.
Numerous technologies are similar to those found in other household items; the only variation is in the way the materials are executed. Despite the fact that the Multivan is not meant for industrial usage, the cabin is mostly constructed of durable plastics. Plastics with a pleasing touch and excellent final execution are, after all, plastics. Only the most sophisticated materials, such as leather upholstery, are available in the finest finishes.
Versatility and practicality are required, indeed demanded, in a vehicle like the Multivan, and in any MPV. It is given in this instance by the provision of several perfect storage places for families. The most difficult part will be remembering where everything was left. To increase habitability, standard seating and table parts have been changed. The area behind the rear bench seats is particularly interesting, since the gearbox is situated on the dashboard, between the instrument panel and the multimedia screen.
The inside is densely packed with storage areas where you may leave a variety of items.
Before I enter to evaluate the seventh generation of the Volkswagen Multivan’s conduct, allow me to evaluate a crucial aspect: the pricing. It has always been one of the most costly MPVs on the market, alongside the Mercedes V-Class, and this time would be no exception.
Test of the Volkswagen Multivan 2022
In industrial terms, referring to the Multivan is wholly unjust. While he is a member of that business family, he is unrelated to California, Transporter, or Caravelle. To put it another way, Volkswagen has done the same thing that Mercedes did in its heyday, and with similar success. There is the Mercedes Vito on the one hand, and the Mercedes V-Class on the other. While both are considered brothers, they are distinct goods targeted at distinct client segments.
Volkswagen is attempting to dethrone its German competitor with an intriguing offering. The platform switch achieved a remarkable miracle; it entirely reconverted the platform. While the Germans want to present the Multivan as a huge seven-seater SUV, it is really a giant minivan. Everything points to it: format, size, capacity, and adaptability. A SUV cannot replicate the attributes of a minivan or vice versa.
It communicates a very good rolling quality, with a great deal of ease in its motions.
This is not to say that the Multivan can be described in solely dynamic terms, but the fact that it can take a quick curve without fear is appreciated. A highly significant conduct results in the development of a mechanical range aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of CO2 emissions. The PHEV’s status as the low-cost access model is highly crucial. Volkswagen plans to shift 70% of Multivan T6 sales to hybrids. A difficult assignment is ahead of you.
I confess that after testing the whole spectrum, there are no performance issues. Unsurprisingly, the most competitive engine is the 136-horsepower 1.5 TSI. If we are used to transporting people and baggage, or if we travel over several mountain passes, this is not an option I would suggest. Yes, I would wager on the fleet’s two most potent units. The 204-horsepower 2.0 TSI engine provides enough responsiveness and recovery while maintaining a low fuel economy (according to official data).
The PHEV unit is interesting if it is used on a near-daily basis.
However, I must say that the plug-in hybrid is the finest of the group. His reaction is extremely nice, and the punch is rather forceful as long as the battery is charged. It should be noted that after the battery’s life is gone, it is circulated through a four-cylinder gasoline engine producing 150 horsepower. Although the features are restricted, here is where the extreme weight loss assistance comes in. There, as well as in consumption.
I wished I could have tried diesel since I am certain it will be the winning choice, as it always has been. If the Multivan is used as the family vehicle for extended excursions, there is little question that the wager must be placed on diesel. If, on the other hand, we live a more mobile lifestyle that requires frequent urban or interurban travel, the plug-in hybrid becomes more appealing. Additionally, bear in mind that the cost of installing the charging station must be included into the selling price. Battery life may be restored in approximately 3.6 hours using a standard 3.6 kW outlet.
The category of large MPVs has become quite attractive. Due to the entry of new players, mostly from the Stellantis Group, more established models have been forced to adapt themselves in order to compete. The Multivan has undergone an incredible metamorphosis. It adds nothing to a regular and modern tourist experience, and calling it industrial is demeaning. Originally intended for big families or as transport vehicles or fleets, the Multivan has evolved into a distinct type to reflect its heritage.
Volkswagen has done a fantastic job with the Multivan’s makeover.
Few things could be expected for more than good modifications, improved driving experiences, and a significant aesthetic leap. In course, the price differential with other models is enormous, but it is what it needs to be to be in the top three of the category, just behind a Class V that, let’s face it, plays in a different league.
Equipment of the VW Multivan
Multivan
- 7 places (2-2-3 configuration)
- Armrests on the front seats
- Two-tone fabric seats
- 17 “light alloy” Dundrod “rims
- Intelligent auto-ignition headlights
- LED headlamps and taillights
- Radio with 10 “color touchscreen
- Digital meters (Digital Cockpit Pro)
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Manual air conditioning
- Additional oil heating (except hybrid version)
- 2 front USB C interfaces and 3 12 V sockets
Driving aids: fatigue detection, lane keeping assistant, pedestrian and cyclist detection system, adaptive cruise control, etc.
- Life (Multivan + 5,440 €)
- Heated front seats
- Textile floor mats
- Multifunction table / center console with 3 cup holders, movable throughout the vehicle
- Sliding door right and left with closing aid
- Tailgate with closing aid
- 17 “black” Dundrod “light alloy wheels
- “Discover Media” navigation system
- 4 USB C sockets in the passenger compartment
- 3-zone air conditioning
- Reversing camera
- Front and rear parking assistance system
- Energetic (Life + 3,200 €)
- 18 “rims
Electric tailgate (open / close) with Easy Open and Easy Close functions
- IQ.Light Matrix LED Floodlights
- Backlit wand between spotlights
- Panoramic glass roof
- 30-color mood lighting
- Perimeter vision system
- Park Assist parking maneuver assistant
- Car2X
- Automatic distance control with Stop & Go function
- Style (Energetic + 10 160 €)
Electrically adjustable and ventilated driver and passenger seats
- Two-tone leather seat covers
- Aluminum crankset
- Sliding door on the right, and electric on the left
- Head-up display
- Adaptive regulation of running gear DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control)
Keyword: New Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid 2022 Unveiled