Volkswagen Multivan Review 2026

Volkswagen Multivan At A Glance

Versatile people carrier, MQB platform means it's easy to drive and loaded with safety tech, available with plug-in hybrid power.

Unlikely to be particularly cheap.

The Volkswagen Caravelle is dead. Long live the, er, Volkswagen Multivan.

Despite its name, the Volkswagen Multivan is no longer based on the Transporter van. It's actually based on a car platform – the same MQB achitecture that underpins pretty much everything VW Group, from the Skoda Octavia to the Audi TT.

That means – in theory – it's more car-like to drive, and should tempt family buyers away from big, expensive SUVs. And while it still looks like a van with windows, you can jazz it up with two-tone colour schemes and wheels measuring up to 19-inches in diameter.

There are petrol and diesel engines on offer and – in a first for this segment – plug-in hybrid power. While this represents a serious step towards electrification, you'll have to wait for the ID. Buzz if you want a pure-electric people carrier.

It's inside where the Volkswagen Multivan impresses the most. It combines the comfort and technology of a passenger car with the versatility of a van. You'll find a slick 10-inch infotainment system (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) as well as a smart 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display in place of regular dials. If it wasn't for the vast view of the road ahead, you could be fooled into thinking you're sitting in the front of the latest Golf hatchback.

Kids will love to sit in the back of the Multivan, while it feels luxurious enough to act as a VIP shuttle for business use. It's available with up to seven seats but works best as a six-seater, with four individual seats in the back. These can be configured in a variety of ways, or taken out entirely to provide van-like practicality.

We'll hold our full judgement on the Volkswagen Multivan until prices and specifications are confirmed, however it's rumoured that it could come in below the Volkswagen Caravelle's £51,000 start price. That'll still make it considerably pricier than utilitarian van-based rivals like the Peugeot Traveller and Ford Tourneo Custom, but it's a small price to pay for a premium and practical people carrier.

Driving the Volkswagen Multivan

By shifting the Volkswagen Multivan onto the brand's MQB platform, it's more car-like to drive than rivals like the Mercedes-Benz V-Class and Ford Tourneo Custom. Sure, it still feels big, but light steering and a tight turning circle take the effort out of negotiating town traffic.

It feels civilised on the open road, although that light steering means it never feels as confident or assured as SUV alternatives like the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Multivan's blocky shape means there's quite a lot of wind noise at higher speeds, although no more so than van-based alternatives.

There's a fairly extensive engine line-up on offer, with the big news being the introduction of a plug-in hybrid model. Badged the Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid, this uses the same setup as other VW Group PHEV models – combining a 1.4-litre petrol engine with a 13kWh battery and 85kW electric motor. Officially, this'll be able to travel up to 31 miles under electric power alone – enough to cover the school run with zero tailpipe emissions.

The weight of the batteries in the Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid mean it feels quite heavy on the road – it doesn't ride as well as other models, while performance isn't as brisk as you'd expect for its combined 218PS. As such, unless electric motoring particularly appeals (or you're a company car driver looking to save cash), we'd stick with one of the straightforward petrol models.

These include a 1.5 TSI with 136PS and a 2.0-litre TSI with 204PS. The smaller engine is punchier than you might think but, if you're planning to drive a fully-loaded Multivan on the motorway for an extended period, the 2.0-litre's probably a better option.

A 2.0-litre turbodiesel with 150PS is set to arrive in 2022. If you're seeking frugal out-of-town motoring (or need to tow a trailer), it's probably worth waiting for this.

Volkswagen Multivan interior

Don't worry Caravelle fans, the shift onto a car platform has done little to knock the Multivan's practicality. There are actually two sizes of Multivan on offer, with the extended model offering an extra 20cm of rear overhang, ultimately providing more space in the back.

Both sizes of Volkswagen Multivan are available with up to seven seats – two in the front and five in the back. Unlike before, they can no longer swivel around, but they can be lifted out entirely and positioned as you like. That means you can have three rows of seating – like in a conventional people carrier – or those in the back can face each other, VIP style.

There are grooves in the floor which act as a track system for slotting the seats into, while a multi-function table can be used in the back (ideal for picnics or maybe even remote working during a pandemic). Alternatively, this doubles up as a centre console for those in the front.

The standard Multivan has a 469-litre boot behind the third row of seats. That's much bigger than you'd get in conventional seven-seat MPVs like the SEAT Alhambra, while taking the third row of seats increases space to 1844 litres. With all the rear seats removed, the Volkswagen Multivan can take a van-like 3672 litres of luggage (or 3710 litres with the optional panoramic sunroof).

With its extra rear overhang, the longer Multivan can accommodate 763 litres of luggage behind the third row of seats, stretching to 4005 litres with all the rear seats removed (4053 litres with the panoramic roof).

At 4973mm long (5173mm for the extended version), 1941mm wide and up to 1903mm height, you might wish to get your tape measure out if you're hoping to fit the Multivan on a tight driveway. It's not quite as tall as the old Caravelle, though – something which has been done deliberately, apparently, meaning it ought to be slightly easier to squeeze into multistorey car parks.

Model History

June 2021: Volkswagen Multivan revealed
December 2021: Pricing starts at £43,160 for Volkswagen Multivan

June 2021

Volkswagen Multivan revealed

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has revealed the all-new Multivan, featuring a fresh design, more flexible interior, improved connectivity, and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid option.

The Multivan is the replacement for the current Volkswagen Caravelle, providing customers with up to seven seats and the perfect combination of practicality, comfort, and safety for whatever their needs: from chauffeuring to the daily school run to holiday adventures.

The Multivan has been given a new name in the UK to reflect the complete overhaul of its predecessor while still providing the same versatility to the Caravelle’s loyal fan base. No longer built on the Transporter platform, the model will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform.

The Multivan has an new exterior design that pays homage to the DNA of its predecessors, dating back to the 1985 Transporter T3, with a horizontal design line and full-width grille and headlights, to give it a modern and dynamic look. The A-pillars have been remodelled to improve visibility, while unique front and rear light signatures give it a fresh look. The front air intakes, painted in the same colour as the vehicle, have been reduced, paying tribute to the heritage of the rear air-cooled engines of the first three generations while showcasing the future of the hybrid powertrain.

The Multivan measures 1,941mm wide, 4,973mm long, up to 1,903mm high, and with a wheelbase of 3,124mm. A longer version, measuring 5,173mm is also available. Overall, it means the new generation has a longer wheelbase and wider, lower profile, all designed to improve aerodynamics, lower fuel consumption and increase range. The model is available with wheels up to 19”, and in three specifications: “Multivan”, “Life”, and “Style”.

Optional is a panoramic glass roof, with LowE laminated safety glass to reduce incoming thermal radiation by 44 per cent, as well as an electrically-operated rear hatch and power sliding doors, which can be operated via gesture control for ease of entry.

The Multivan is fitted with LED headlights as standard but can be upgraded to interactive IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights, which offer a permanent full beam, without blinding oncoming drivers and dynamic cornering to provide precise illumination during bends. The IQ.LIGHT system also features an illuminated LED lateral bar in the radiator grille as a further element of the daytime running lights.

Inside, the Multivan is more flexible and spacious than ever, with a new modular, lightweight seating system and innovative table.

With space for up to seven seats, the rear five seats, which are up to 25 per cent lighter, can be moved and removed to suit, while the second row can be moved 180-degrees to create a conference style seating configuration. The full-width bench seat for the third row has been replaced by individual seats to allow single seats to be removed for complete flexibility.

An innovative multi-function table has been designed for the Multivan. Using the central track, it can be moved between any of the seating rows, and for the first time can be used as a centre console between the front seats. The table, which is completely removable, features adjustable height, three cup holders, and a storage bin.

Enabling the flexible seating and table track system is the completely flat floor from front to rear seats with no centre console, made possible by the removal of the traditional handbrake. Instead, the parking brake is activated electronically by button, or automatically. The Multivan is offered only with an automatic DSG gearbox controlled via shift-by-wire technology, meaning the gearstick has been removed to further increase occupant space, with controls ergonomically integrated into the instrument panel.

In base version the Multivan offers 469 litres of luggage space behind the third row of seats, extending to 1,844 litres (1,850 litres with panoramic glass roof) behind the second row. The full cargo capacity up to the front seats is 3,672, extending to a maximum 4,053 litres in the longer version fitted with the panoramic glass roof.

The cockpit area has been completely redesigned alongside a new multi-function steering wheel. All key features in the Multivan are now on one line of sight, with a secondary line for other functions to make operation as intuitive as possible. Touch controls provide direct access to settings such as air-conditioning, seat heating, and audio volume.

On the central line are the 10.25-inch ‘Digital Cockpit’ display and the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Centrally arranged between the two on a high-gloss black surface are minimalist shift-by-wire DSG controls. Integrated next to this are two USB-C sockets as standard, and a tray for optional inductive smartphone charging. For the first time on a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model, a head-up display is available.

The standard infotainment system is called ‘Ready 2 Discover’, which includes an integrated eSIM to deliver online safety and convenience features. We Connect can be used free of charge for an unlimited period, with services such as breakdown assistance, vehicle status and parked position.

We Connect Plus, available free for three years, provides extra services such as the ability to lock and unlock the vehicle, or control the optional auxiliary heater remotely via smart phone. In combination with the more advanced, optional Discover Media and Discover Pro navigation systems, We Connect Plus includes further navigation-related services, such as online map updating and traffic information. We Connect Plus also provides additional services for the eHybrid, such as allowing owners to pre-set the vehicle inside temperature and to manage the charging process via smartphone.

All infotainment systems can be combined with a Harmon Kardon sound system developed specifically for the Multivan. In addition to 14 high-end loudspeakers behind precision laser-cut panels, a 16-channel Ethernet amplifier with 840 watts of music output, and four sound settings, the system uses the ‘Fraunhofer Sonamic Panorama Algorithm’, which is able to separate out the individual sources of a stereo recording and distribute them evenly across a U-shaped acoustic stage, to create the optimum sound.

The Multivan features more than 34 driver assist systems enhancing safety, comfort, and convenience. Standard is the Front Assist area monitoring system, which includes City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display, and the Lane Assist system.

Other new systems include Car2X – allowing local communication with other vehicles and the highways infrastructure in order to provide warnings of any danger, side protection, cross wind assist, turn-off assist, which warns of any oncoming traffic when turning across a carriageway, and an exit warning system, which warns when opening a door of any bicycles or vehicles approaching from behind.

The Multivan also debuts IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist, which allows semi-autonomous driving by combining the predictive Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist to make long-distance journeys safer and easier.

Also available on the Multivan is Area View, a real 360-degree representation of the vehicle using four cameras, visible on the 10-inch infotainment display, to making parking and manoeuvring as safe and easy as possible.

Based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, the Multivan, which has a towing capacity of up to 2,000kg, is available with three powertrains, including for the first time in a Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option.

The Multivan eHybrid combines a 1.4 TSI 150 PS engine with an 85kW electric motor to produce a combined power output of 160kW / 218 PS, providing silent, zero-emission driving when in electric only mode for short, urban trips while giving customers flexibility to enjoy longer journeys. The eHybrid uses a bespoke six-speed DSG gearbox.

The 13kWh lithium-ion battery is housed under the Multivan’s flat floor, saving interior space and lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity to improve handling. The charging point is located on the right-hand side of the front wing.

The front-wheel drive Multivan is also available with two four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines: a 1.5 TSI 136 PS and a 2.0 TSI 204 PS. A four-cylinder turbo diesel, with a power output of 150 PS, will join next year. All of these are twinned with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard.

December 2021

Pricing starts at £43,160 for Volkswagen Multivan

The Multivan is the replacement for the current Volkswagen Caravelle, and features a fresh design, more flexible interior, improved connectivity, and, for the first time, a plug-in hybrid option.

The Multivan is available with two wheelbase options – standard and long – with two trim levels: Life, Style, plus a special launch model - Energetic.

The standard Multivan measures 1,941mm wide, 4,973mm long, up to 1,903mm high, and with a wheelbase of 3,124mm. The long wheelbase version increases length to 5,173mm. Overall, it means the new generation has a longer wheelbase and wider, lower profile - all designed to improve aerodynamics, lower fuel consumption, and increase range.

The Multivan is fitted with LED headlights as standard but can be upgraded to interactive IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights, which offer a permanent full beam without blinding oncoming drivers, and dynamic cornering to provide precise illumination during bends.

Inside, the Multivan is more flexible and spacious with a new modular, lightweight seating system and innovative table.

A multi-function table has been designed for the Multivan. Using the central track, it can be moved between any of the seating rows, and for the first time can be used as a centre console between the front seats. The table, which is completely removable, features adjustable height, three cup holders, and storage bin.

The Multivan offers 469 litres of luggage space behind the third row of seats, extending to 1,844 litres (1,850 litres with panoramic glass roof) behind the second row. The full cargo capacity up to the front seats is 3,672, extending to a maximum 4,053 litres in the longer version fitted with the panoramic glass roof.

The Multivan eHybrid combines a 1.4 TSI 150 PS engine with an 85kW electric motor to produce a combined power output of 160kW/218 PS, providing silent, zero-emission driving when in electric-only mode for short, urban trips while giving customers flexibility to enjoy longer journeys. The eHybrid uses a bespoke six-speed DSG gearbox.

The 13kWh lithium-ion battery is housed under the Multivan’s flat floor, saving interior space, and lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity to improve handling. The charging point is located on the right-hand side of the front wing.

From launch, the front-wheel drive Multivan is also available with two four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines: a 1.5 TSI 136 PS and a 2.0 TSI 204 PS. Both are twinned with a seven-speed DSG gearbox as standard.

Prices range from £43,160 for the 1.5 TSI 136 PS Life model to £60,865 for the 1.4 TSI eHybrid 218 PS Energetic model with long wheelbase.

Even on the entry-level Life model, specification includes 16” alloys, seven seats, two sliding doors with power latching, a Digital Cockpit plus 10” infotainment system and front Assist and Lane Assist among many other standard items.

Style models, which start at £58,130 for the SWB 2.0 TSI 204 PS model, introduce the IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights, the Discover Media navigation system, Park Assist, electric sliding doors and tailgate with easy open feature, and 17-inch alloys.

The special launch edition - Energetic - starts from £59,515 and is available only with the 1.4 TSI eHybrid 218 PS powertrain. Additions include a Harmon Kardon sound system, privacy glass, 18-inch alloys, and panoramic glass roof.

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