Volkswagen debuts Multivan T7 with hybrid power and fresh looks

Friday, 11 June 2021

The seventh generation of Multivan is here, boasting fresh new looks and a hybrid powertrain.

For the first time, Volkswagen’s van can be had with a plug, in this case connecting to a 13kWh battery and a single electric motor. A 1.4-litre TSI engine makes up the combustion side of things, generating a total power output of 160kW. It’s sent through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

VW isn’t offering electric-only speed or range, just saying the Multivan is capable of “short urban trips”.

The handsome new Multivan has been revealed. Thankfully the two-tone colours are sticking around.

If you’d rather ditch the electricals, VW will also offer a pair of petrol engines, comprising a turbocharged 1.5-litre TSI mill making 100kW or a larger turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI engine good for 150kW.

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It will be available with plug-in hybrid and conventional power, although the former might not be here for a little while.

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A four-cylinder turbo diesel with 110 kW will be offered next year. A seven-speed DSG is the only transmission available for all engine options.

In terms of dimensions, the T7 is slightly larger compared with the sixth Multivan, and can be had in an extended version with 4053 litres of maximum storage capacity. A modular seating system is included as part of a new “lounge-like interior”, which lets you rotate the second row of seats by 180 degrees or remove them entirely.

Up front is, like most new Volkswagens, a lot of digitisation. A 10.25-inch digital instrument display is paired with a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen the driver gets a head-up display, the first time Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has included the tech.

Other new goodies includes We Connect, which adds breakdown assistance and vehicle status, a Harmon Cardon 14-speaker sound system, lots of device charging ports, and no fewer than 34 various driver-assist and safety systems.

Autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist are both standard while Car2X, a point-to-point communication system that lets the Multivan 'speak' to other vehicles and infrastructure with the tech, informing the driver of potential hazards in the area.

Finally, semi-autonomous driving comes with VW's IQ.Drive system, offering predictive cruise control and lane assist, as seen in the Golf 8.

As for a release date, this is yet to be confirmed. Same with a debut for the next-gen Transporter. The current Multivan T6.1 is still on sale, with prices ranging between $75,500 to $98,000.