Volkswagen Multivan (T7) Explained

Volkswagen Multivan (T7)
Manufacturer:Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Production:November 2021[1] [2] – present
Model Years:2022–present
Assembly:Germany: Hanover
Class:Large MPV (M)
Light commercial vehicle (M)
Body Style:5-door MPV
Layout:Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform:Volkswagen Group MQB Evo
Drivetrain:PHEV
Battery:13 (10.4 usable) kWh lithium-ion
Wheelbase:3124mm
Width:1941mm
Height:NaNmm
Weight:NaN0NaN0
Predecessor:Volkswagen Transporter (T6) (panel van)
Volkswagen Caravelle/Multivan (T6) (MPV)

The Volkswagen Multivan (T7) is seventh generation of the Volkswagen large van series. The Multivan is introduced as a large MPV riding on the front-wheel drive based MQB Evo platform which categorises vehicles such as the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Caddy.[3] The Multivan offers a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models.[4] The T7 Multivan went on sale in Europe in 2022.[5]

The T7 Multivan is solely produced as a passenger car. For commercial applications (cargo/panel van), the T6.1 Transporter continued production until 2023,[6] with its replacement built as a sibling of the Ford Transit Custom instead, and will not be based on or related to the T7 Multivan. Both the VW and Ford vans will be offered with diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric drivetrains.[7] Sales of this commercial model is expected to begin in 2024.[8]

In mid-2023, Volkswagen had debuted the T7 California Concept at the 2023 Caravan Salon. The T7 is now positioned above the Caddy and ID.Buzz, and below Crafter in VW's van lineup.

Overview

Multivan

In June 2021, Volkswagen had unveiled the T7 to replace the Caravelle.[3] Longer than its predecessor, the vehicle offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time. The SWB model measures 4973mm, which is about 70 mm longer than before. The LWB models measures 5173mm, which is about 130 mm shorter.[9] Production had started in November 2022, order books for the T7 had opened in January 2022, and deliveries had started in March 2022.[1] Three distinct trims (base Life, mid-range Style, and top-range Energetic) are available.[1]

The T7 moves towards the upscale MPV segment, mainly because of the technology and comfort increase compared to the previous generation. The T7 has expanded in price to the point where it costs more than third-generation Mercedes-Benz V-Class.[9] The T7 is a three-row vehicle (seven-seater) that uses all-time front-wheel drive.

For eHybrid models, charging via an AC charger supports a maximum capacity of 3.6 kilowatts, and will take less than 3 hours and 40 minutes.[10] Fast charging is not accessible. The T7 eHybrid features a WLTP-rated range of, and a NEDC-rated range of .

For space, the T7 can carry 469L of luggage space with all seats in place. With the third row down, the T7 can carry 1850L of luggage. Removing the second row makes the total capacity 3672L. For the LWB model, the T7 can carry a total of 4053L with second and third row seats down. Volkswagen says the seats in the second and third row are 25 per cent lighter to make seat removal an easier process. As the second row seats can rotate up to 180 degrees, passengers in the back can face one another.[11]

Models start at the 1.5 EA211 TSI I4 turbo model which generates an output of and . It is followed by the 2.0 TSI EA888 I4 turbo model which generates a power and torque of and respectively. The diesel model, which uses a 2.0 TDI I4 turbo, has an output of and . A PHEV model, which uses a 1.4 EA211 I4 turbo engine, combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of and .[12] The 2.0 TSI, 2.0 TDI, and the 1.5 TSI models use a 7-speed DSG, however the 1.4 PHEV model uses a 6-speed DSG.

Trim levels

Trim levels for the Multivan start at the Life variant. Standard features include: 16-inch alloy wheels, a digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment system. The Style variant adds: the IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Volkswagen's Discover Media navigation system, Park Assist, electrically sliding doors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Energetic variant includes what the other trims feature, but adds a PHEV powertrain, a six-speed DCT, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with an 840W amplifier.[1] The T7 features twelve colour configurations; three of which are two-tone and the rest which are conventionally coloured.

Powertrain

Powertrain (T7)
TypeModelEngineOutputElectric systemPerformancePowertrain years
Engine codeDisplacementPowerTorqueSystem outputElectric motorBatteryTop speedTransmissionLayout
Petrol1.5 TSI[13] EA21114981NaN1 I4 turbo1360NaN0 @ 5,000-6,000 rpm @ 1,750-3,500 rpm---13.5 sec7-speed DSGFWD
11/2021–present
Petrol2.0 TSI[14] EA88819841NaN1 I4 turbo2040NaN0 @ 5,000-6,500 rpm @ 1,600-4,300 rpm---8.4 sec
11/2021–present
Diesel2.0 TDI[15] EA28819681NaN1 I4 turbo1500NaN0 @ 3,000-3,750 rpm @ 1,600-2,750 rpm---11.6 sec
03/2022–present
Petrol plug-in hybrid1.4 eHybrid[16] EA21113951NaN1 I4 turboEngine: 1500NaN0 @ 5,000-6,500 rpm---- Motor: 1160NaN0Engine: @ 1,550-3,500 rpm---- Motor: 2180NaN0 / 13 (10.4 usable) kWh lithium-ion11.6 sec6-speed DSG
11/2021–present

Safety

In a Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2022, the Multivan received a five-star rating.[17]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2022 VW T7 Multivan Kicks Off From £43,160 In The UK. CarScoops. Brad. Anderson.
  2. Web site: VW T7 Multivan Review. MotorHome Couch.
  3. Web site: The new Volkswagen T7 Multivan is basically perfect. CNET.
  4. News: Vijayenthiran . Viknesh . 11 June 2021 . Volkswagen's T7-generation van debuts in Multivan guise . Motor Authority . US . 18 August 2021.
  5. Web site: VW Transporter T7 preview. VanGuide.
  6. News: New VW Multivan – the Caravelle replacement project . Hubbard, CJ . 18 June 2021 . Car . 18 November 2022.
  7. News: 2023 Ford Transit Custom, VW Transporter to gain EV versions . Page, Felix . 16 March 2021 . Autocar . 18 November 2022.
  8. News: Where's the prenup! The Ford Ranger-based 2023 VW Amarok is one of many unlikely hookups that even saw the birth of a VW-made Toyota HiLux! . Mathioudakis, Byron . 9 July 2022 . Cars Guide Australia . 18 November 2022.
  9. Web site: 2022 Volkswagen Multivan. 13 January 2023. AutoEvolution.
  10. Web site: 2022 Volkswagen Multivan T7 review. Dave. Humphreys. CarExpert.
  11. Web site: Volkswagen T7 Multivan, next-gen Transporter set for 2024 launch. William. Stopford. CarExpert.
  12. Web site: 2022 Volkswagen Multivan (T7) specs, Fuel consumption, Dimensions. Auto-Data.net.
  13. Web site: 2021 Volkswagen Multivan (T7) 1.5 TSI (136 Hp) DSG. Auto-Data.net.
  14. Web site: 2021 Volkswagen Multivan (T7) 2.0 TSI (204 Hp) DSG. Auto-Data.net.
  15. Web site: 2022 Volkswagen Multivan (T7) 2.0 TDI (150 Hp) DSG. Auto-Data.net.
  16. Web site: 2021 Volkswagen Multivan (T7) 1.4 eHybrid (218 Hp) DSG. Auto-Data.net.
  17. Web site: Official VW Multivan 2022 safety rating . 8 September 2023. Euro NCAP . en.