Volkswagen Multivan (T7)

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. The Multivan offers a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models. The T7 Multivan went on sale in Europe in 2022.

The T7 Multivan is solely produced as a passenger car. For commercial applications (cargo/panel van), the T6.1 Transporter continued production until 2023, 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. Sales of this commercial model is expected to begin in 2024.

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.

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

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. 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. Fast charging is not accessible. The T7 eHybrid features a WLTP-rated range of 46-50 km, and a NEDC-rated range of 58-60 km.

For space, the T7 can carry 469 L of luggage space with all seats in place. With the third row down, the T7 can carry 1850 L of luggage. Removing the second row makes the total capacity 3672 L. For the LWB model, the T7 can carry a total of 4053 L 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.

Models start at the 1.5 EA211 TSI I4 turbo model which generates an output of 136 hp and 220 Nm. It is followed by the 2.0 TSI EA888 I4 turbo model which generates a power and torque of 204 hp and 320 Nm respectively. The diesel model, which uses a 2.0 TDI I4 turbo, has an output of 204 hp and 320 Nm. 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 218 hp and 350 Nm. 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. The T7 features twelve colour configurations; three of which are two-tone and the rest which are conventionally coloured.

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