New VW Multivan eHybrid offers 50 km of pure electric range

The all-new VW Multivan is here, and for the first time, it will be available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain (eHybrid). Featuring an overhauled exterior and cabin, the new VW Multivan eHybrid is based on the company’s MQB platform and will be replacing the Caravelle in the European markets. The Multivan eHybrid will be offered in three different variants – ‘Multivan’, ‘Life’ and ‘Style’.

VW Multivan eHybrid Design

The new VW Multivan eHybrid seeks inspiration from the 1985 Transporter T3 but in a heavily modernised manner. Compared to its predecessor, the new Multivan comes with body-coloured air intakes, redesigned A-pillars and LED inserts in the front and rear lights.

VW Multivan front three quarter
The VW Multivan eHybrid comes with optional IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps. Photo courtesy: Volkswagen.

While the VW Multivan eHybrid comes with LED headlamps as standard, customers have the choice of opting for IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlamps with a horizontally stretched daytime running light bar over the radiator grille.

Also optional are a large panoramic roof made up of LowE laminated safety glass as well as electrically operated sliding doors and rear hatch, the former of which can also be opened and closed by gesture controls. The Multivan comes with up to 19-inch alloy wheels.

Dimensions

The new VW Multivan eHybrid will be available in two versions – one with a length of 4,973 mm and the other being a long-wheelbase version with a length of 5,173 mm. However, the width and height of both the versions are the same at 1,941 mm and 1,903 mm respectively. The boot space of the Multivan is rated at 469 litres, which can be expanded up to 3,672 litres in the short-wheelbase version and 4,053 litres in the long-wheelbase version, by folding all the seats up to the front ones.

Volkswagen Multivan rear three quarter
The VW Multivan eHybrid will be available with two wheelbase versions. Photo courtesy: Volkswagen.

Interior

The new MQB platform has liberated more cabin space in the new VW Multivan, which comes with a seating capacity of seven passengers as standard, with captain seats in the middle row and three individual seats in the third row. There are multiple configurations in which the second and third row of seats can be folded, including a 180-degree conference style arrangement for the seats in the second row.

Volkswagen Multivan seats
The VW Multivan eHybrid comes with captain seats in the middle row and three individual seats in the third row. Photo courtesy: Volkswagen.

The cabin of the VW Multivan eHybrid also comes with a thoughtful multi-function table that can be moved between the first and third row of seats through a central track. This table incorporates three cup holders and a storage bin and can be used as a centre console between the front seats.

Features

Other features of the cabin of VW Multivan, which make it a much more modern place, are 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit display, ambient lighting, electronic parking brake, touch-controlled panel for adjusting air-conditioning and volume of audio system, shift-by-wire DSG lever, head-up display and a 10-inch ‘Ready 2 Discover’ infotainment system with integrated eSIM for ‘We Connect’ telematics with features like current vehicle location and health status and assistance in breakdown situations.

For the first three years, the customers will have access to the ‘We Connect Plus’ telematics system, which offers additional features like locking and unlocking the vehicle, optional Discover Media and Discover Pro navigation systems, OTA map updates and live traffic updates. The additional features exclusive to the eHybrid version include pre-setting cabin temperature. Customers can also opt for a high-end 14-speaker sound system from Harmon Kardon, which uses ‘Fraunhofer Sonamic Panorama Algorithm’ for a fine music experience and comes with a 16-channel Ethernet amplifier and four sound settings.

VW Multivan cabin
The VW Multivan eHybrid has been equipped with a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit display. Photo courtesy: Volkswagen.

Powertrain

The new VW Multivan eHybrid comes with a powertrain of a 1.4-litre 150 PS (148 hp) turbocharged petrol engine and an 85 kW electric motor, with a 13 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted under the floor. Combined, the powertrain makes 218 PS (215 hp) of maximum power output and can cover 50 km (31 miles) in pure electric mode. The only transmission option for the Multivan eHybrid is a 6-speed DSG gearbox.

50 km is the range which you can drive in pure electric mode in the Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid. I believe the Multivan is of interest will appeal to the customers, with this model being a good bridge to e-mobility, which we are going to launch next year on the occasion of world premiere of ID.Buzz.

Lars Menge, Head of Product Marketing, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles

Safety

A suite of more than 34 driver assistance systems will be available in the Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid. The standard safety features include a front assist monitoring system which is a combination of City Emergency Braking, Dynamic Road Sign Display and Lane Assist system, Car2X which signals warnings of danger while opening the door or from vehicles approaching from behind and a 360-degree parking camera. There is also an all-new IQ.DRIVE travel assist offering a semi-autonomous driving system by combining adaptive cruise control and lane assist.

Other new systems include Car2X – allowing local communication with other vehicles and the highways infrastructure to provide warnings of any danger, side protection, crosswind 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.

VW Multivan eHybrid FAQs

What is the price & release date of the VW Multivan eHybrid?

The prices and the launch date of Multivan eHybrid haven’t been released. We expect an announcement in September.

What are the variants of Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid?

The Multivan eHybrid will be offered in three different variants – ‘Multivan’, ‘Life’ and ‘Style’.

Featured Image: Volkswagen