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 had been initially informed 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 possibility 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 probably the most car-like Multivan ever, because it’s now absolutely 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 a further variant and a unique diesel engine will observe down the road. Moreover, Volkswagen Australia has mentioned it hopes to convey 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 absolutely configurable. Which means each seat within the second and third rows will be moved round, eliminated fully, and reinstalled on a whim, due to the rails they slot into.
It’s a complete improve and one which guarantees loads for Volkswagen’s direct rival for fashions just like the Kia Carnival, Hyundai Staria, and Ford Tourneo.
We had the possibility 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 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volkswagen Multivan in opposition to equally sized automobiles.
Volkswagen
Multivan
How a lot does the Volkswagen Multivan price?
Costs have elevated in opposition to 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, nevertheless it’s pretty protected to imagine that it’ll be the bottom mannequin as soon as the brand new lineup is absolutely 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s the Volkswagen Multivan like on the within?
Easy and purposeful – precisely as you’d need.
The Multivan was by no means a car identified for having a flashy inside, and the T7 isn’t any completely different. That makes it straightforward to leap in and perceive what’s occurring should 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 wherever 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 could be very happy with its absolutely customisable seating association, which begins with seven-seat capability in the usual 2+2+3 configuration. There are then numerous alternative ways through which the seats will 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 working the size of the cabin and may simply be eliminated solely. That is finished by pulling a purple tab beneath the seat, which releases it from the rails to be lifted out.
Uniquely, these rails are additionally powered, which supplies not solely alerts for seatbelt sensors but in addition permits for seat heating in fashions with that perform optioned.
Additionally out there 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 additional storage choices if wanted – that is additionally simply detachable.
Then there’s the vis-à-vis Convention Seat package deal, which provides 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 very fact these removeable gadgets aren’t exceedingly heavy, although they’re not precisely gentle both. It will also be considerably fiddly to fit the seats into the ground or swap across the removeable and interchangeable armrests.
Even so, all seats are snug, 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 each. 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 might not be as manoeuvrable, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a purposeful area. There are a number of lidded storage cubbies built-in into the dashboard, together with a fold-out cupholder association beneath.
Integrated into the cupholder piece is a tray the place you’ll be able to retailer your telephone, which is very useful when you have it plugged into the USB-C ports above. The one problem is these ports will be troublesome to see when seated up entrance.
That makes it troublesome to plug in a cable should 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 screen, although the local weather ribbon will nonetheless be in place – we additionally just like the display screen 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 – no less than there’s a local weather shortcut close to the hazard change.
Normal within the T7 Multivan is a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which seems to be fairly sharp and is simple to learn. There are some completely different configurations to decide on between, which will be chosen utilizing buttons on the steering wheel.
Fortunately, these buttons are all completed in uninteresting black plastic and are solely 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 arms and is well-proportioned, so no complaints right here.
Its vary of adjustment can also be strong which, together with the driving force’s seat, makes it straightforward to get snug. Steering wheel and seat adjustment are each guide solely within the Multivan Life, although the latter will seemingly be upgraded to energy adjustment in higher-spec variants down the road.
As for the seats themselves, two-tone material upholstery is fitted as normal. They definitely look the half, and you may go for nicer upholstery for a number of thousand {dollars} if you need one thing slightly extra luxe.
They’re snug 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 properly right here as a defacto centre console. That’s principally 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 fully tradie-proof, then.
The Multivan’s inside remains to be fitted with numerous laborious plastic, which is sturdy however pretty brutal in look. We respect 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 direction of the again of the Multivan, you get a selection if you buy the car. Although there’s just one trim stage at the moment out there, you’ll be able to choose between two completely 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, although their wheelbases are equivalent in size.
What adjustments 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 completely 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 follow that for this overview. Volkswagen has offered cargo volumes for the three most typical seating configurations within the long-wheelbase Multivan.
You’ll discover that within the LWB, specifically, it’s potential to suit seven occupants comfortably and nonetheless cram in a wholesome variety of suitcases and luggage within the very again. This turns into slightly 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 implies these figures are assured to range from the figures within the desk under – in actuality, the load area feels huge and presumably barely bigger than the Carnival, due to its increased roof.
Volkswagen hasn’t quoted cargo quantity for the short-wheelbase Multivan, nevertheless it’s seemingly just a few hundred litres smaller than the long-wheelbase various.
Additionally obvious is its bigger stature in comparison with the T6.1 Multivan, which provides 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 should 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 peak | 1312mm | 1312mm |
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What’s below 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 sort | 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 possibility to get a consultant gasoline 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
How does the Volkswagen Multivan drive?
As straightforward as it’s to get caught within the advertising headspin claiming a car is supremely snug and passenger car-like, there truly is one thing completely different occurring with the brand new Multivan.
The earlier technology, whereas a car that drove properly, felt relatively 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 further cabin insulation, decreasing noise heard from the engine, highway, and wind.
We’d cease in need of 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 implies there’s loads of rubber to take in most smaller imperfections.
Sadly, the experience 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 slightly bit, nevertheless 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 via the cabin as can occur with industrial automobiles; it’s simply that extra is fed again from the highway than you’d count on.
If you’re driving the Multivan unladen, there’s not loads to complain about. The experience 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 straightforward. That is supported by the Multivan’s body, which, regardless of being van-sized, doesn’t really feel overly giant or unwieldy.
We suspect it is a product of the MQB platform, because the short-wheelbase multivan does properly to maintain itself managed and nimble.
Driving via Sydney’s CBD revealed minimal points, and it’s signal that we had been extra involved with getting misplaced than hitting a parked car.
On that be aware, we discovered the short-wheelbase Multivan rode barely higher than the LWB. Possibly we had been imagining it, given the wheelbase between the 2 is equivalent, nevertheless it’s not unreasonable to count on barely extra weight behind the rear axle to have an effect on experience high quality.
We will respect the Multivan’s dealing with although, as a result of it does properly to remain composed round tight bends. It doesn’t really feel terribly unsettled by mid-corner bumps, and you may carry an honest quantity of pace if obligatory – that helps with overcoming slightly little bit of turbo lag.
Constant between each our bodies is robust visibility, assisted by colossal home windows and appropriately sized aspect mirrors.
A excessive driving place permits you to grasp the scale of the car, and Volkswagen’s cut up A-pillar method means the steep bonnet and windscreen don’t create huge blind spots up entrance.
The massive rear windscreen is simple to see out of, and we don’t count on that an individual sitting in the midst of the third row will obscure imaginative and prescient in any prohibitive means.
Altering lanes is simple due to blind spot monitoring, which is able to pipe up should you’re by some means having bother seeing out of these huge aspect home windows for head-checks.
Sadly, we weren’t in a position to put the Multivan’s security tech via its paces. There weren’t any significant freeway stints on our route, and we had been additionally plagued with typical Sydney site visitors that made even regular driving troublesome.
That being mentioned, we noticed no points with its lane-keeping system, and there have been no moments when one thing sudden jumped out. There have been additionally no beeps to harass us.
We discovered the calibration on gadgets like blind-spot monitoring to be good, whereas its reversing digital camera boasts a high-definition show – vital when reversing such an enormous, boxy car.
There haven’t been any vital adjustments to the Multivan’s powertrain, aside from a 20Nm torque enhance for its 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. That’s not a nasty 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 although it might not scurry away, persistence will assist to not take off with a surge of energy because the turbo spools up.
Noise from the engine is saved to a suitable stage, and the standard rackety diesel tendencies are barely noticeable. When mated with the standard Volkswagen DSG, you get clean and comfy 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 robust. 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 potential 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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
What do you get?
There’s at the moment just one trim stage of the brand new Multivan in Australia, with the higher-spec Type 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 material upholstery
- Handbook entrance seats
- Heating perform
- Powered lumbar help
- Modular 7-seat capability
- Interchangeable armrests
- Beneath-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 shops (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 package deal: $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 package deal: $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 in opposition to its rivals, use our comparability software
Is the Volkswagen Multivan protected?
The T7 Multivan wears a five-star ANCAP score in New Zealand based mostly on Euro NCAP assessments, although Australian variants are at the moment 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 equivalent 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 corresponding to what’s on sale in Australia, however there are additionally diesels.
Essentially the most comparable 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 take into account our diesel Multivan unrated as of but.
Normal security gear 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
- Facet 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 stress monitoring
- Protected exit warning
To see how the Volkswagen Multivan stacks up in opposition to 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 |
| Complete 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 in opposition to 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 rather a lot to love concerning the new T7 technology. It’s snug, quiet, and well-appointed sufficient that you simply seemingly gained’t be wanting extra, even should you can solely get a ‘base’ mannequin proper now.
If there’s something you’re nonetheless wanting, chances are high you’ll be capable to 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 implies you may make the Multivan your individual.
The advantages of the MQB Evo platform are apparent when you hit the highway. Having a folks mover on a industrial platform makes it really feel loads like a van, which may make your passengers really feel a bit extra like prospects as an alternative.
It’s a powerful package deal, 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 needs to be greater than able to serving its particular objective.
An unlucky draw back is powertrain choices are restricted right here, and even the SWB choice will price you a reasonably penny.
It’s dearer than virtually all of its direct rivals. Solely if you begin stepping into Mercedes-Benz V-Class territory does the Multivan win on price, however that class of auto is a few rungs increased on the ladder of luxurious.
The Carnival specifically has the good thing about a number of powertrains, together with that all-important hybrid choice. 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 problem too. The actual fact the Multivan was delayed by the very best a part of six months signifies that folks mover prospects who might have been excited by one when it was first introduced might have already jumped ship to one in all its rivals.
To additional put the present gross sales distinction into perspective, the Carnival’s gross sales in 2024 had been 20 occasions better than the T6.1 Multivan. That’s substantial, and even the same (however cheaper) Staria outsold the Multivan by round 800 models.
All issues thought of, and so far as van-like folks movers go, the T7 Multivan is a superb choice – and certain one price contemplating over the Staria or Tourneo. It’s simply laborious to win the award of “most car-like” when your greatest rival is about as car-like as folks movers can get.
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