The seventh-generation Volkswagen Multivan is lastly right here.
A mannequin that we first examined abroad in late 2021, the all-new Multivan is individuals 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 advised it might 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 course Volkswagen has cooked up for its bigger new individuals 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 vehicles 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 absolutely separated from the German model’s different industrial autos just like the Transporter, which rides on a industrial automobile 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 observe down the road. Moreover, Volkswagen Australia has mentioned it hopes to carry the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Multivan eHybrid earlier than the tip 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 could 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 examine?
View an in depth breakdown of the Volkswagen Multivan in opposition to equally sized autos.
Volkswagen
Multivan
How a lot does the Volkswagen Multivan value?
Costs have elevated in opposition to the comparable T6.1 Multivan, and never by a small quantity.
| Mannequin | Value 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 era, 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 affordable LWB mannequin was the TDI340 Comfortline Premium, which value $75,290 earlier than on-roads.
In comparison with the competitors, the T7 Multivan can be expensive. 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 automobile recognized for having a flashy inside, and the T7 isn’t any completely different. That makes it straightforward to leap in and perceive what’s happening in case you’re not used to a van-like individuals mover.
The theme all through the cabin is configurability. Whereas it’s counter-intuitive to start out wherever apart from the entrance of the automobile, 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 other ways through which the seats could be combined and matched, supplying 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 might simply be eliminated completely. That is completed 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 supplies not solely alerts for seatbelt sensors but additionally permits for seat heating in fashions with that perform optioned.
Additionally out there are a set of optionally available extras, which additionally utilise the rails. One is the multi-function desk, comprising a sequence 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 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 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 customary 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 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 cellphone, which is particularly useful if in case you have it plugged into the USB-C ports above. The one concern is these ports could be tough to see when seated up entrance.
That makes it tough to plug in a cable in case you’re driving alongside, however luckily, the Multivan comes customary 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 ok, 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.
Customary within the T7 Multivan is a ten.25-inch digital instrument cluster, which seems fairly sharp and is simple to learn. There are some completely different configurations to decide on between, which could be chosen utilizing buttons on the steering wheel.
Fortunately, these buttons are all completed in uninteresting black plastic and are completely 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 be a top 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 be stable which, together with the driving force’s seat, makes it straightforward to get comfy. Steering wheel and seat adjustment are each handbook solely within the Multivan Life, although the latter will doubtless be upgraded to energy adjustment in higher-spec variants down the road.
As for the seats themselves, two-tone fabric upholstery is fitted as customary. They actually look the half, and you’ll go for nicer upholstery for a number of thousand {dollars} if you would like one thing a bit extra luxe.
They’re comfy and well-bolstered for longer drives, and the driving force’s seat is even fitted with armrests on both facet.
There’s not a lot happening between the 2 entrance seats as customary, however the optionally available multi-function desk suits fairly properly 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 additional cupholders on high of the dashboard – not fully tradie-proof, then.
The Multivan’s inside continues to be fitted with plenty of laborious plastic, which is sturdy however pretty brutal in look. We recognize that the important thing contact factors are typically smooth, 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 automobile. Although there’s just one trim stage at present out there, you’ll be able to choose between two completely different physique types that offer you various quantities of cargo area.
Confusingly, Volkswagen Australia refers back to the two fashions as short- and long-wheelbase variants, though 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 customary 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 stick to that for this evaluate. 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 doable to suit seven occupants comfortably and nonetheless cram in a wholesome variety of suitcases and baggage within the very again. This turns into a bit 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 value remembering that the Multivan’s seating positions are extremely configurable, which suggests these figures are assured to range from the figures within the desk under – in actuality, the load area feels large and probably barely bigger than the Carnival, due to its larger roof.
Volkswagen hasn’t quoted cargo quantity for the short-wheelbase Multivan, nevertheless it’s doubtless a couple of hundred litres smaller than the long-wheelbase various.
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 |
| Top | 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 in opposition to 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 computerized |
| 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 customary | 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 and marketing headspin claiming a automobile is supremely comfy and passenger car-like, there truly is one thing completely different happening with the brand new Multivan.
The earlier era, whereas a automobile that drove properly, felt somewhat 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 absorb most smaller imperfections.
Sadly, the trip nonetheless isn’t good. That is most obvious within the suburbs, the place speeds are round 50km/h, and the roads is usually a bit bumpier.
From behind the wheel, you’ll be able to inform the brand new Multivan desires 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 wish to.
Having the Multivan at seating capability helps a bit bit, nevertheless it’s mildly odd that that is trickier to note as the driving force. It’s additionally value noting that these bumps don’t ripple via the cabin as can occur with industrial autos; 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 loads to complain about. The trip is ok 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 this can be 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 a great signal that we have been extra involved with getting misplaced than hitting a parked automobile.
On that notice, we discovered the short-wheelbase Multivan rode barely higher than the LWB. Perhaps we have been imagining it, given the wheelbase between the 2 is equivalent, nevertheless it’s not unreasonable to anticipate barely extra weight behind the rear axle to have an effect on trip high quality.
We are able to recognize 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’ll carry an honest quantity of pace if essential – that helps with overcoming a bit little bit of turbo lag.
Constant between each our bodies is robust visibility, assisted by colossal home windows and appropriately sized facet mirrors.
A excessive driving place lets you grasp the scale of the automobile, and Volkswagen’s break up A-pillar method means the steep bonnet and windscreen don’t create large blind spots up entrance.
The big rear windscreen is simple to see out of, and we don’t anticipate that an individual sitting in the course of the third row will obscure imaginative and prescient in any prohibitive means.
Altering lanes is simple due to blind spot monitoring, which can pipe up in case you’re in some way having hassle seeing out of these large facet home windows for head-checks.
Sadly, we weren’t capable of put the Multivan’s security tech via its paces. There weren’t any significant freeway stints on our route, and we have been additionally plagued with typical Sydney site visitors that made even regular driving tough.
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 digicam boasts a high-definition show – vital when reversing such an enormous, boxy automobile.
There haven’t been any important adjustments to the Multivan’s powertrain, aside from 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 due to this fact value remembering that though it might 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 an appropriate 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 rapidly begin again up at even a touch of any pedal motion.
It’s doable 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 present just one trim stage of the brand new Multivan in Australia, with the higher-spec Fashion 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 shops (entrance and rear)
- 30-colour ambient lighting
Choices
A handful of optionally available packages can be found for the T7 Multivan, together with a sequence of particular person gadgets.
Goodnight bundle: $4390
- Foldable mattress
- Storage baggage
- 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)
- Internet 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 ranking in New Zealand primarily based on Euro NCAP exams, although Australian variants are at present unrated.
For one, the ANCAP ranking apparently applies to solely “New Zealand PHEV variants”, and never customary 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 ranking, 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 an odd mishmash of issues happening, and so we’ll think about our diesel Multivan unrated as of but.
Customary security gear contains:
- 7 airbags
- Twin entrance
- Entrance centre
- Entrance facet
- Full-length curtain
- Adaptive cruise management (with cease/go)
- Energetic lane help
- Semi-autonomous journey help
- Aspect wind help
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Park help
- Excessive beam help
- Reversing digicam
- Parking sensors (entrance and rear)
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Secure 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 value 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 value over 5 years | $3583 |
| Common annual value over 5 years | $716.6 |
Although service pricing may change, present particular person prices are detailed under:
| Service | Value |
|---|---|
| 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 robust improve, however we predict the Kia Carnival will stay the section chief.
To begin with the Multivan, there’s rather a lot to love concerning the new T7 era. It’s comfy, quiet, and well-appointed sufficient that you simply doubtless 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, likelihood is you’ll be capable to get Volkswagen so as to add it to your automobile on the dealership. There’s an enormous quantity of choices you’ll be able to select from too, which suggests you can also make the Multivan your individual.
The advantages of the MQB Evo platform are apparent when you hit the street. Having a individuals 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 robust 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 individuals movers and ought to be greater than able to serving its particular goal.
An unlucky draw back is powertrain choices are restricted right here, and even the SWB choice will value you a reasonably penny.
It’s costlier than virtually all of its direct rivals. Solely if you begin stepping into Mercedes-Benz V-Class territory does the Multivan win on value, however that class of auto is a few rungs larger on the ladder of luxurious.
The Carnival particularly has the good thing about a number of powertrains, together with that all-important hybrid choice. Positive, the Multivan is meant to get a PHEV powertrain earlier than the tip of the 12 months, however given the mannequin’s historical past with delays in Australia, we gained’t maintain our breath.
That’s the opposite concern too. The very fact the Multivan was delayed by the perfect a part of six months implies that individuals mover prospects who might have been fascinated with one when it was first introduced might have already jumped ship to certainly one of its rivals.
To additional put the present gross sales distinction into perspective, the Carnival’s gross sales in 2024 have been 20 instances better 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-about, and so far as van-like individuals movers go, the T7 Multivan is a superb choice – and certain one value 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 individuals movers can get.
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