Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented the first photos of its completely new Transporter. Every technical detail and function has been improved compared with the predecessor. The new generation offers more space, more payload, more towing capacity, more efficiency and even more perfection.
While Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has preserved the Transporter’s distinctive design, the brand has also transformed it ready for a new era. The seventh generation of the product line will be launched in three Transporter variants (Kombi, panel van and dropside) and also as a Caravelle (passenger transport). State-of-the-art turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid and electric drive systems power the vehicles.
All-wheel drive is available as an option. In fact, there has never been such a wide array of vans on offer: with the new Transporter and Caravelle, the iconic ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo, the versatile Multivan and the new California based on the Multivan, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has the ideal van for every customer.
The model range
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is offering the new Transporter as a panel van (load compartment for pure goods transport), panel van Plus (load compartment with second seat row for combined goods and passenger transport), Kombi (for passenger transport) and as a double cab variant (platform body with long wheelbase). The Kombi and panel van versions are optionally available with a high roof and an extended wheelbase.
With its nine seats, the more exclusive Caravelle has been developed for commercial passenger transport – an ideal shuttle and large-capacity taxi. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will offer the Caravelle as an entry-level version, with a medium Life equipment specification, or as the top-of-the-line Style version. The Caravelle is also available with an extended wheelbase. Another version, the PanAmericana, is a cult favourite. With its robust all-terrain design and exclusive equipment details, this intrepid Bulli will be available based on the Transporter and Caravelle in the new generation.
New drive range
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is significantly expanding its range of drive systems with the debut of the new Transporter and Caravelle versions. In addition to the latest turbodiesel engines (TDI), both models will be available with both a plug-in hybrid drive and an all-electric drive.
The newly developed plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid) with a system power of 171kW (232 PS) can already be ordered. Three electric drives with outputs of 100kW (136 PS), 160kW (218 PS) and 210kW (286 PS) and a net battery capacity of 64kWh will follow soon. In addition, there will be an electric version with reduced power and a smaller battery for urban delivery transport. The TDI and eHybrid models come with front-wheel drive. The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is available as an option for the TDI versions from 110kW. The all-electric models have rear-wheel drive; an all-wheel drive version is also planned here for a later date.
Characteristic Bulli feeling
The driver’s door opens the door to the new world of the Volkswagen van. The seventh generation is no longer started by key, but generally by means of the starter button next to the 12-inch digital instrument cluster and the 13-inch infotainment display. The standard multifunction steering wheel is equipped with clearly arranged buttons. The infotainment system volume is adjusted using the steering wheel or a classic rotary knob. The handbrake lever has been discontinued and replaced by a switch for the parking brake, located in the centre of the dash panel.
An additional new feature is the space-saving steering column selector lever in the automatic versions. It enables even better access to the load or passenger compartment. Large cup holders in the centre console, which has been moved forwards (depending on equipment), as well as additional cup holders and practical stowage compartments at the top of the dash panel make everyday work easier. A hallmark feature of Bulli vans: the high and clear dash panel, the high seat position and the ergonomic layout of all controls.
Usability
The new Transporter is 5,050mm long (an extra 146mm compared with the T6.1). Its wheelbase has been extended by 97mm to 3,100mm; a wheelbase extended by 400mm will also be available as an option (total length: 5,450mm). At 2,032mm, the exterior width of the Transporter has grown by 128mm compared with its predecessors (without exterior mirrors). The maximum width between the wheel housings has been increased by 148mm to 1,392mm. This makes it easy to stow Euro pallets.
The load compartment length on the floor of the normal-wheelbase Transporter is 2,602mm – this corresponds to an additional 61mm; with an extended wheelbase, the load compartment length grows to 3,002mm. Thanks to the increased length, width and wheelbase, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been able to significantly increase the load capacity of the new Transporter. The largest stowage volume of the versions with normal wheelbase is now 5.8m3. The versions with long wheelbase and high roof will accommodate up to 9.0m3. The Transporter can be equipped with up to six seats in the passenger compartment and various partitions.
Optimum energy supply
The electrical equipment is supplied via various interfaces, including USB-A, USB-C and 12V sockets. Sockets for 230V devices are available as optional equipment. In the diesel versions, the 230V socket is always located on the driver’s seat frame. The Transporter with an electric drive will optionally also have two additional sockets in the area around the D-pillars. The total output of the 230V system is up to 2,300 watts. This means that there is a suitable power source for any electrical device – from laptops to circular saws.
Increased payload and towing capacity
Despite its size, the new Transporter with a height of less than 2.0 metres (normal roof) fits into all conventional multi-storey car parks. With a turning circle of only 11.8 metres (normal wheelbase), it also manoevers round tight bends effortlessly. In addition, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has ensured that this automotive tool for professionals can also carry the weight of the volume it can transport: the maximum payload is up to 1.33 tonnes. And if even that is not enough, the new Transporter generation can pull trailers weighing up to 2.8 tonnes, depending on variant, to wherever the load is needed (predecessor: up to 2.5 tonnes).
Enhanced standard equipment
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has expanded the standard equipment package for its new Transporter models compared with the predecessors. Always on board from now on: LED headlights, LED tail light clusters, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function, 12-inch digital instruments (Digital Cockpit), an infotainment system (including DAB+, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, online services and 13-inch touchscreen), a multifunction steering wheel, the Keyless Start system, rain sensor, Lane Assist, Autonomous Emergency Braking and Dynamic Road Sign Display. The panel van is now also equipped with a partition as standard. The Kombi equipped with windows in the rear is characterised by three individual seats in the second row of seats and an audio system with six instead of four loudspeakers.
