The seventh-generation Volkswagen Multivan is lastly right here.
A mannequin that we first examined abroad in late 2021, the all-new Multivan is folks mover we’ve been ready to drive on native roads, but it appeared to get additional away each time its estimated date of arrival approached.
We have been initially instructed it will arrive in Australia in late 2024, however in August 2024 it was delayed till the primary quarter of 2025. When first quarter of 2025 rolled round, Volkswagen Australia narrowly missed that deadline too.
And so right here we’re in April 2025, and we’ve lastly had the prospect to drive it. Higher late than by no means, and it’s given us loads of time to prepare for the change in path Volkswagen has cooked up for its bigger new folks mover.
The headline change is that it’s now constructed atop the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform, a unibody structure primarily used for passenger automobiles just like the Golf and Tiguan, to not point out quite a few fashions from Skoda, Cupra, and Audi.
That’s led Volkswagen to name this essentially the most car-like Multivan ever, because it’s now totally separated from the German model’s different industrial automobiles just like the Transporter, which rides on a industrial car platform shared with the Ford Transit Customized.
The T7 Multivan has been launched right here with only one trim stage and one diesel engine, although an extra variant and a special diesel engine will comply with down the road. Moreover, Volkswagen Australia has stated it hopes to carry the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Multivan eHybrid earlier than the top of 2025.
Each of those variations – and extra – have been on sale in Europe for a while already. What has carried over to Australia is the T7’s bigger body in comparison with the T6.1 Multivan, although costs have gone up.
You continue to get seven-seat capability, but it’s totally configurable. Which means each seat within the second and third rows may be moved round, eliminated utterly, and reinstalled on a whim, due to the rails they slot into.
It’s a complete improve and one which guarantees quite a bit for Volkswagen’s direct rival for fashions just like the Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria, and Ford Tourneo.
We had the prospect to drive it in and round Sydney to see what it’s all about – does the T7 Multivan have what it takes to be a people-moving chief?
How does the Volkswagen Multivan examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volkswagen Multivan towards equally sized automobiles.
Volkswagen
Multivan
How a lot does the Volkswagen Multivan price?
Costs have elevated towards the comparable T6.1 Multivan, and never by a small quantity.
| Mannequin | Worth earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Volkswagen Multivan TDI360 Life SWB | $75,990 |
| Volkswagen Multivan TDI360 Life LWB | $78,990 |
There was no Life trim stage with the earlier technology, however it’s pretty secure to imagine that it’ll be the bottom mannequin as soon as the brand new lineup is totally established.
The entry-level T6.1 was the TDI340 Comfortline SWB, which was priced at $69,290 earlier than on-roads. The most cost effective LWB mannequin was the TDI340 Comfortline Premium, which price $75,290 earlier than on-roads.
In comparison with the competitors, the T7 Multivan can also be dear. The Kia Carnival begins at $50,300 earlier than on-roads for the bottom S, and extends to $76,360 earlier than on-roads for the flagship hybrid GT-Line.
The Ford Tourneo, in the meantime, prices both $65,990 or $70,990 earlier than on-roads, relying on the variant. Additional, the Hyundai Staria ranges from $49,500 to $67,500 earlier than on-roads.
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the Volkswagen Multivan like on the within?
Easy and practical – precisely as you’d need.
The Multivan was by no means a car recognized for having a flashy inside, and the T7 isn’t any totally different. That makes it simple to leap in and perceive what’s occurring in case you’re not used to a van-like folks mover.
The theme all through the cabin is configurability. Whereas it’s counter-intuitive to begin anyplace apart from the entrance of the car, we really feel it makes extra sense to speak about what it’s that makes the Multivan distinctive.
Volkswagen may be very pleased with its totally customisable seating association, which begins with seven-seat capability in the usual 2+2+3 configuration. There are then numerous other ways wherein the seats may be blended and matched, providing you with full freedom to make the Multivan suit your particular person wants.
The seats within the second and third rows each slot into rails operating the size of the cabin and may simply be eliminated fully. That is executed by pulling a pink tab beneath the seat, which releases it from the rails to be lifted out.
Uniquely, these rails are additionally powered, which offers not solely indicators for seatbelt sensors but in addition permits for seat heating in fashions with that perform optioned.
Additionally obtainable are a set of non-compulsory extras, which additionally utilise the rails. One is the multi-function desk, comprising a collection of cupholders, an extendable folding desk, and further storage choices if wanted – that is additionally simply detachable.
Then there’s the vis-à-vis Convention Seat bundle, which supplies you two rear-facing seats for the second row and that multi-function desk in case your use case is a little more business-y.
What helps is the actual fact these removeable gadgets aren’t exceedingly heavy, although they’re not precisely mild both. It can be considerably fiddly to fit the seats into the ground or swap across the removeable and interchangeable armrests.
Even so, all seats are comfy, and also you’ll wrestle to expire of leg or head room in all three rows. Volkswagen has additionally fitted air vents above every normal seating place, in addition to two USB-C ports for every row and fold-out tray tables on the entrance seatbacks – folding down the rearmost center seat offers you a flat floor with cupholders.
Making the T7 Multivan really feel much less industrial is the inclusion of carpet flooring, versus the vinyl discovered within the T6.1. This helps with each a extra inviting look and extra sound insulation.
You additionally get power-sliding rear doorways and a powered tailgate for ease of entry, and there are clear buttons up entrance to open and shut every one. The home windows fitted to the sliding doorways additionally characteristic a bit that may be opened for airflow, although that is considerably crude in operation.
The entrance of the Multivan will not be as manoeuvrable, however it’s nonetheless a practical area. There are a number of lidded storage cubbies built-in into the dashboard, together with a fold-out cupholder association beneath.
Included into the cupholder piece is a tray the place you’ll be able to retailer your telephone, which is particularly useful when you’ve got it plugged into the USB-C ports above. The one concern is these ports may be troublesome to see when seated up entrance.
That makes it troublesome to plug in a cable in case you’re driving alongside, however happily, the Multivan comes normal with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These interfaces utilise the entire 10-inch infotainment display, although the local weather ribbon will nonetheless be in place – we additionally just like the display and cabin’s sheer quantity of beauty customisation.
Whereas having a visible illustration of the local weather system right here is okay, we don’t like that the Multivan nonetheless has Volkswagen’s touch-operated fan and temperature sliders under. They’re too fiddly, and the shiny black end is a magnet for fingerprints and smudges – a minimum of there’s a local weather shortcut close to the hazard swap.
Commonplace within the T7 Multivan is a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which appears to be like fairly sharp and is straightforward to learn. There are some totally different configurations to decide on between, which may be chosen utilizing buttons on the steering wheel.
Fortunately, these buttons are all completed in boring black plastic and are fully bodily – no haptic controls right here. This implies you’re not second-guessing what you’re urgent whereas on the transfer.
The steering wheel itself can also be a high quality unit, leather-wrapped and unexpectedly small for the scale of auto it’s tasked with piloting. Nonetheless, it feels good within the fingers and is well-proportioned, so no complaints right here.
Its vary of adjustment can also be stable which, together with the driving force’s seat, makes it simple to get comfy. Steering wheel and seat adjustment are each guide solely within the Multivan Life, although the latter will possible be upgraded to energy adjustment in higher-spec variants down the road.
As for the seats themselves, two-tone fabric upholstery is fitted as normal. They actually look the half, and you may go for nicer upholstery for a number of thousand {dollars} if you’d like one thing somewhat extra luxe.
They’re comfy and well-bolstered for longer drives, and the driving force’s seat is even fitted with armrests on both aspect.
There’s not a lot occurring between the 2 entrance seats as normal, however the non-compulsory multi-function desk suits fairly effectively right here as a defacto centre console. That’s largely since you get these couple of cupholders, and if you end up with some downtime, you’ll be able to fold out the desk for paperwork or a laptop computer.
There are nonetheless bottle holders within the doorways, however no further cupholders on high of the dashboard – not utterly tradie-proof, then.
The Multivan’s inside continues to be fitted with a whole lot of laborious plastic, which is sturdy however pretty brutal in look. We recognize that the important thing contact factors are typically delicate, and interactive gadgets just like the drive-by-wire gear selector are typically sturdier and harder-wearing.
In the direction of the again of the Multivan, you get a alternative once you buy the car. Although there’s just one trim stage presently obtainable, you’ll be able to choose between two totally different physique kinds that provide you with various quantities of cargo area.
Confusingly, Volkswagen Australia refers back to the two fashions as short- and long-wheelbase variants, though their wheelbases are an identical in size.
What modifications is physique size, which is signified by a shorter or longer rear overhang.
Much more complicated is the truth that in abroad markets like in the UK, the 2 totally different Multivan our bodies are known as normal or lengthy overhang and are differentiated as such in on-line configurations.
As a result of they’re designated as SWB and LWB fashions in Australia, we’ll persist with that for this assessment. Volkswagen has offered cargo volumes for the three most typical seating configurations within the long-wheelbase Multivan.
You’ll discover that within the LWB, particularly, it’s attainable to suit seven occupants comfortably and nonetheless cram in a wholesome variety of suitcases and luggage within the very again. This turns into somewhat tougher within the SWB.
In comparison with the Carnival, there’s much less quoted area with the third row up (627L vs 469L) and with the third row down (2827L vs 1844L), regardless of the Carnival having a decrease roofline and marginally shorter physique size.
It’s price remembering that the Multivan’s seating positions are extremely configurable, which suggests these figures are assured to fluctuate from the figures within the desk under – in actuality, the load area feels large and probably barely bigger than the Carnival, due to its greater roof.
Volkswagen hasn’t quoted cargo quantity for the short-wheelbase Multivan, however it’s possible just a few hundred litres smaller than the long-wheelbase different.
Additionally obvious is its bigger stature in comparison with the T6.1 Multivan, which supplies you extra space inside. The SWB has a wheelbase that’s greater than 120mm longer than the outgoing mannequin, whereas its physique is wider too.
Which means it’s roomy for passengers and will function a reasonably convincing makeshift industrial van in case you took out all of the detachable seats.
| Dimensions | Volkswagen Multivan SWB | Volkswagen Multivan LWB |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4973mm | 5173mm |
| Width | 2252mm | 2252mm |
| Peak | 1907mm | 1907mm |
| Wheelbase | 3124mm | 3124mm |
| Baggage area (all seats up) | – | 469L |
| Baggage area (third row folded) | – | 1844L |
| Baggage area (2nd and third rows folded) | – | 3672L |
| Load area width | 1665mm 1207mm between arches |
1665mm 1207mm between arches |
| Load area size | 2297mm (behind entrance seats) 1316mm (behind 2nd row) 461mm (behind third row) |
2497mm (behind entrance seats) 1516mm (behind 2nd row) 661mm (behind third row) |
| Load area top | 1312mm | 1312mm |
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The T7 Multivan retains a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, however torque has been elevated by 20Nm. Its seven-speed DSG is unchanged.
| Specs | Volkswagen Multivan TDI360 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L 4cyl turbo-diesel |
| Energy | 110kW |
| Torque | 360Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automated |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Kerb weight | 2237kg (SWB) 2266kg (LWB) |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 6.4L/100km |
| Gasoline tank capability | 80L |
| Gasoline requirement | Diesel |
| CO2 emissions | 164g/km |
| Emissions normal | Euro 6 |
| Braked tow capability | 2000kg |
Gasoline economic system for the T7 Multivan is supposedly 0.2L/100km higher than the T6.1. Our drive route at Volkswagen’s launch didn’t give us the prospect to get a consultant gas economic system determine, however we noticed figures upwards of 8.0L/100km after substantial inner-city and suburban driving.
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Volkswagen Multivan drive?
As simple as it’s to get caught within the advertising headspin claiming a car is supremely comfy and passenger car-like, there truly is one thing totally different occurring with the brand new Multivan.
The earlier technology, whereas a car that drove effectively, felt quite van-like with its considerably echoey rear cabin and extra noticeable engine noise.
Its utilisation of Volkswagen’s EQB Evo platform means the T7 Multivan advantages from extra cabin insulation, lowering noise heard from the engine, street, and wind.
We’d cease wanting calling it whisper quiet, however there’s no query there’s been an enchancment.
What helps its refined on-road traits are appropriately sized wheels and tyres, which suggests there’s loads of rubber to take in most smaller imperfections.
Sadly, the journey nonetheless isn’t good. That is most obvious within the suburbs, the place speeds are round 50km/h, and the roads could be a bit bumpier.
From behind the wheel, you’ll be able to inform the brand new Multivan needs to drive like a passenger automotive, however these sitting within the second or third rows will discover extra bumps and small chatter than they’d need to.
Having the Multivan at seating capability helps somewhat bit, however it’s mildly odd that that is trickier to note as the driving force. It’s additionally price noting that these bumps don’t ripple by way of the cabin as can occur with industrial automobiles; it’s simply that extra is fed again from the street than you’d anticipate.
In case you are driving the Multivan unladen, there’s not quite a bit to complain about. The journey is okay from the entrance of the cabin, and when you hit higher-speed roads you’ll discover the Multivan is sort of composed.
Bigger bumps and undulations get ironed out successfully, which makes long-distance driving simple. That is supported by the Multivan’s body, which, regardless of being van-sized, doesn’t really feel overly massive or unwieldy.
We suspect it is a product of the MQB platform, because the short-wheelbase multivan does effectively to maintain itself managed and nimble.
Driving by way of Sydney’s CBD revealed minimal points, and it’s a very good signal that we have been extra involved with getting misplaced than hitting a parked car.
On that observe, we discovered the short-wheelbase Multivan rode barely higher than the LWB. Possibly we have been imagining it, given the wheelbase between the 2 is an identical, however it’s not unreasonable to anticipate barely extra weight behind the rear axle to have an effect on journey high quality.
We will recognize the Multivan’s dealing with although, as a result of it does effectively to remain composed round tight bends. It doesn’t really feel terribly unsettled by mid-corner bumps, and you may carry a good quantity of velocity if vital – that helps with overcoming somewhat little bit of turbo lag.
Constant between each our bodies is powerful visibility, assisted by colossal home windows and appropriately sized aspect mirrors.
A excessive driving place means that you can grasp the scale of the car, and Volkswagen’s cut up A-pillar strategy means the steep bonnet and windscreen don’t create large blind spots up entrance.
The big rear windscreen is straightforward to see out of, and we don’t anticipate that an individual sitting in the midst of the third row will obscure imaginative and prescient in any prohibitive means.
Altering lanes is straightforward due to blind spot monitoring, which is able to pipe up in case you’re someway having bother seeing out of these large aspect home windows for head-checks.
Sadly, we weren’t in a position to put the Multivan’s security tech by way of its paces. There weren’t any significant freeway stints on our route, and we have been additionally plagued with typical Sydney visitors that made even regular driving troublesome.
That being stated, we noticed no points with its lane-keeping system, and there have been no moments when one thing surprising jumped out. There have been additionally no beeps to bother us.
We discovered the calibration on gadgets like blind-spot monitoring to be good, whereas its reversing digital camera boasts a high-definition show – essential when reversing such a giant, boxy car.
There haven’t been any important modifications to the Multivan’s powertrain, other than a 20Nm torque enhance for its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. That’s not a foul factor, because it was already fairly a refined unit.
The torque enhance helps to get the Multivan off the road, although you’ll discover some turbo lag. It’s subsequently price remembering that though it could not scurry away, endurance will assist to not take off with a surge of energy because the turbo spools up.
Noise from the engine is stored to a suitable stage, and the everyday rackety diesel tendencies are barely noticeable. When mated with the everyday Volkswagen DSG, you get clean and cozy energy supply, one thing carried over from the T6.1.
There’s no hybrid help to be seen right here, however Volkswagen’s engine cease/begin system is powerful. You’ll discover that as you roll to a cease, the engine will shut off and shortly begin again up at even a touch of any pedal motion.
It’s attainable to confuse the system with inconsistent coasting and throttle enter, however we’re general impressed with its calibration.
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
There’s presently just one trim stage of the brand new Multivan in Australia, with the higher-spec Model coming later.
Multivan Life highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size alloy spare wheel
- LED headlights and tail lights
- Energy sliding doorways
- Energy tailgate
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
- Shift-by-wire lever
- Two-tone fabric upholstery
- Handbook entrance seats
- Heating perform
- Powered lumbar assist
- Modular 7-seat capability
- Interchangeable armrests
- Below-seat storage (excl. third row center seat)
- Keyless entry and begin
- Tri-zone Climatronic local weather management
- Three-row air vents
- Darkish-tinted, heat-deflecting rear glass
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 8-speaker sound system
- 2 x entrance USB-C ports
- 4 x rear USB-C ports
- 12V retailers (entrance and rear)
- 30-colour ambient lighting
Choices
A handful of non-compulsory packages can be found for the T7 Multivan, together with a collection of particular person gadgets.
Goodnight bundle: $4390
- Foldable mattress
- Storage luggage
- 2 x folding tenting chairs
- 1 x folding desk
- Entrance window air flow grille
- Magnetic blockout blinds
vis-à-vis Convention Seat bundle: $690
- 2 x single second- and third-row seats
- Rear-facing second-row seats with built-in seatbelts
Standalone choices:
- Two-panel, darkish tint panoramic sunroof ($2290)
- Rail-mounted multifunction desk with three cupholders ($990)
- Web partition ($490)
- IQ.Gentle Matrix LED headlights ($2100)
- Illuminated moulding between headlights ($490)
- Seat heating for outboard passenger seats ($1600)
- Digital Cockpit Professional ($460)
- Entrance ArtVelours microfleece seat upholstery ($3990)
- Entrance leather-based seat upholstery with air flow ($6990)
- 17-inch black end alloy wheels ($470)
- “Uncover Professional” navigation system ($1090)
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Volkswagen Multivan secure?
The T7 Multivan wears a five-star ANCAP score in New Zealand based mostly on Euro NCAP assessments, although Australian variants are presently unrated.
For one, the ANCAP score apparently applies to solely “New Zealand PHEV variants”, and never normal diesel choices. As talked about, Australia isn’t resulting from obtain a hybrid Multivan till a lot later in 2025.
It additionally has a five-star Euro NCAP rating, which supposedly applies to all variants. All particular person metrics are an identical to our ANCAP score, besides Security Help, which is 8.0 per cent decrease right here. Diving into New Zealand’s configurator additionally reveals PHEVs that aren’t akin to what’s on sale in Australia, however there are additionally diesels.
Probably the most related Kiwi Multivan has the identical diesel engine as ours, besides it utilises a six-speed dual-clutch auto as an alternative of our seven-speed. It’s a wierd mishmash of issues occurring, and so we’ll contemplate our diesel Multivan unrated as of but.
Commonplace security tools consists of:
- 7 airbags
- Twin entrance
- Entrance centre
- Entrance aspect
- Full-length curtain
- Adaptive cruise management (with cease/go)
- Lively lane help
- Semi-autonomous journey help
- Aspect wind help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Park help
- Excessive beam help
- Reversing digital camera
- Parking sensors (entrance and rear)
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Secure exit warning
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
How a lot does the Volkswagen Multivan price to run?
Like the remainder of its mannequin lineup, Volkswagen Australia backs the Multivan with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, and the German model is cautious to not name it “capped-price servicing”.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Volkswagen Multivan |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12 months, service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Service pricing information | 5 years |
| Whole estimated price over 5 years | $3583 |
| Common annual price over 5 years | $716.6 |
Although service pricing might change, present particular person prices are detailed under:
| Service | Worth |
|---|---|
| 12 months, 15,000km | $624 |
| 24 months, 30,000km | $762 |
| 36 months, 45,000km | $716 |
| 48 months, 60,000km | $857 |
| 60 months, 75,000km | $624 |
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Multivan
It’s a powerful improve, however we predict the Kia Carnival will stay the phase chief.
To begin with the Multivan, there’s quite a bit to love concerning the new T7 technology. It’s comfy, quiet, and well-appointed sufficient that you simply possible gained’t be wanting extra, even in case you can solely get a ‘base’ mannequin proper now.
If there’s something you’re nonetheless wanting, chances are high you’ll be capable of get Volkswagen so as to add it to your car on the dealership. There’s an enormous quantity of choices you’ll be able to select from too, which suggests you may make the Multivan your individual.
The advantages of the MQB Evo platform are apparent when you hit the street. Having a folks mover on a industrial platform makes it really feel quite a bit like a van, which may make your passengers really feel a bit extra like prospects as an alternative.
It’s a powerful bundle, and one which seems to be assured in itself. That’s good for Volkswagen as a result of the Multivan is far-enough distinguished from the German model’s different folks movers and must be greater than able to serving its particular goal.
An unlucky draw back is powertrain choices are restricted right here, and even the SWB possibility will price you a reasonably penny.
It’s costlier than virtually all of its direct rivals. Solely once you begin moving into Mercedes-Benz V-Class territory does the Multivan win on price, however that class of auto is a few rungs greater on the ladder of luxurious.
The Carnival particularly has the advantage of a number of powertrains, together with that all-important hybrid possibility. Certain, the Multivan is meant to get a PHEV powertrain earlier than the top of the yr, however given the mannequin’s historical past with delays in Australia, we gained’t maintain our breath.
That’s the opposite concern too. The actual fact the Multivan was delayed by the very best a part of six months implies that folks mover prospects who could have been concerned about one when it was first introduced could have already jumped ship to one among its rivals.
To additional put the present gross sales distinction into perspective, the Carnival’s gross sales in 2024 have been 20 occasions larger than the T6.1 Multivan. That’s substantial, and even the same (however cheaper) Staria outsold the Multivan by round 800 items.
All issues thought of, and so far as van-like folks movers go, the T7 Multivan is a superb possibility – and sure one price contemplating over the Staria or Tourneo. It’s simply laborious to win the award of “most car-like” when your largest rival is about as car-like as folks movers can get.
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