Engineering:Volkswagen Multivan (T7)

Short description: Seventh generation of Volkswagen large van

Volkswagen Multivan (T7)
Overview
Manufacturer	Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Production	November 2021 – present
Model years	2022–present
Assembly	Germany: Hanover
Body and chassis
Class	Large MPV (M) Light commercial vehicle (M)
Body style	5-door MPV 5-door panel van
Layout	Front-engine, front-wheel-drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group MQB Evo
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.5 L TSI I4 2.0 L TSI I4 Petrol plug-in hybrid: 1.4 L eHybrid I4 Diesel: 2.0 L TDI I4
Transmission	6-speed DSG (eHybrid) 7-speed DSG
Hybrid drivetrain	PHEV
Battery	13 (10.4 usable) kWh lithium-ion
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,124 mm (123.0 in)
Length	SWB: 4,973 mm (195.8 in) LWB: 5,173 mm (203.7 in)
Width	1,941 mm (76.4 in)
Height	1,887–1,907 mm (74.3–75.1 in)
|uk|Kerb|Curb}} weight	1,941–2,257 kg (4,279–4,976 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Volkswagen Transporter (T6) (panel van) Volkswagen Caravelle/Multivan (T6) (MPV)

The Volkswagen Multivan (T7) is seventh generation of the Volkswagen large van series. The Multivan is introduced as a large MPV riding on the front-wheel drive based MQB Evo platform which categorises vehicles such as the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Caddy. The Multivan offers a range of petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid models. The T7 Multivan went on sale in Europe in 2022.

For commercial markets (cargo/panel van), the T6.1 Transporter continued production until 2023. The commercial van successor to the T6.1 Transporter, the T7 generation is built as a sibling of the Ford Transit Custom at Ford Otosan in Turkey. Both the VW and Ford vans will be offered with diesel, mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric drivetrains. Sales of this commercial model is expected to begin in 2024.

In mid-2023, Volkswagen had debuted the T7 California Concept at the 2023 Caravan Salon. The T7 is now positioned above the ID.Buzz and below Crafter in VW's van lineup.

Overview

Multivan

In June 2021, Volkswagen had unveiled the T7 to replace the Caravelle. Longer than its predecessor, the vehicle offers a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time. The SWB model measures 4,973 mm (195.8 in), which is about 70 mm longer than before. The LWB models measures 5,173 mm (203.7 in), which is about 130 mm shorter. Production had started in November 2022, order books for the T7 had opened in January 2022, and deliveries had started in March 2022. Three distinct trims (base Life, mid-range Style, and top-range Energetic) are available.

The T7 moves towards the upscale MPV segment, mainly because of the technology and comfort increase compared to the previous generation. The T7 has expanded in price to the point where it costs more than third-generation Mercedes-Benz V-Class. The T7 is a three-row vehicle (seven-seater) that uses all-time front-wheel drive.

For eHybrid models, charging via an AC charger supports a maximum capacity of 3.6 kilowatts, and will take less than 3 hours and 40 minutes. Fast charging is not accessible. The T7 eHybrid features a WLTP-rated range of 46–50 km (29–31 mi), and a NEDC-rated range of 58–60 km (36–37 mi).

For space, the T7 can carry 469 litres (16.6 cu ft) of luggage space with all seats in place. With the third row down, the T7 can carry 1,850 litres (65 cu ft) of luggage. Removing the second row makes the total capacity 3,672 litres (129.7 cu ft). For the LWB model, the T7 can carry a total of 4,053 litres (143.1 cu ft) with second and third row seats down. Volkswagen says the seats in the second and third row are 25 per cent lighter to make seat removal an easier process. As the second row seats can rotate up to 180 degrees, passengers in the back can face one another.

Models start at the 1.5 EA211 TSI I4 turbo model which generates an output of 136 hp (101 kW) and 220 N⋅m (160 lbf⋅ft). It is followed by the 2.0 TSI EA888 I4 turbo model which generates a power and torque of 204 hp (152 kW) and 320 N⋅m (240 lbf⋅ft) respectively. The diesel model, which uses a 2.0 TDI I4 turbo, has an output of 204 hp (152 kW) and 320 N⋅m (240 lbf⋅ft). A PHEV model, which uses a 1.4 EA211 I4 turbo engine, combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 218 hp (163 kW) and 350 N⋅m (260 lbf⋅ft). The 2.0 TSI, 2.0 TDI, and the 1.5 TSI models use a 7-speed DSG, however the 1.4 PHEV model uses a 6-speed DSG.

Trim levels

Trim levels for the Multivan start at the Life variant. Standard features include: 16-inch alloy wheels, a digital instrument cluster, and a 10-inch infotainment system. The Style variant adds: the IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights, Volkswagen's Discover Media navigation system, Park Assist, electrically sliding doors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Energetic variant includes what the other trims feature, but adds a PHEV powertrain, a six-speed DCT, 18-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, and a premium 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with an 840W amplifier. The T7 features twelve colour configurations; three of which are two-tone and the rest which are conventionally coloured.

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  Rear view

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  Interior

Panel van

Unknown if the commercial van variant will undergo the Transporter name, it will be available sometime in 2023-2024. The Transporter T6.1 will remain on sale until sometime in 2023.

Powertrain

Powertrain (T7)
Type	Model	Engine		Output			Electric system		Performance		Powertrain		Cal. years
		Engine code	Displacement	Power	Torque	System output	Electric motor	Battery	Top speed	0–100 km/h (0–62 mph)	Transmission	Layout
Petrol	1.5 TSI	EA211	1,498 cc (1.5 L) I4 turbo	136 hp (101 kW; 138 PS) @ 5,000-6,000 rpm	220 N⋅m (22.4 kg⋅m; 162 lb⋅ft) @ 1,750-3,500 rpm	-	-	-	182 km/h (113 mph)	13.5 sec	7-speed DSG	FWD
													11/2021–present
Petrol	2.0 TSI	EA888	1,984 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo	204 hp (152 kW; 207 PS) @ 5,000-6,500 rpm	320 N⋅m (32.6 kg⋅m; 236 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600-4,300 rpm	-	-	-	200 km/h (120 mph)	8.4 sec
													11/2021–present
Diesel	2.0 TDI	EA288	1,968 cc (2.0 L) I4 turbo	150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) @ 3,000-3,750 rpm	360 N⋅m (36.7 kg⋅m; 266 lb⋅ft) @ 1,600-2,750 rpm	-	-	-	190 km/h (120 mph)	11.6 sec
													03/2022–present
Petrol plug-in hybrid	1.4 eHybrid	EA211	1,395 cc (1.4 L) I4 turbo	Engine: 150 hp (112 kW; 152 PS) @ 5,000-6,500 rpm Motor: 116 hp (87 kW; 118 PS)	Engine: 250 N⋅m (25.5 kg⋅m; 184 lb⋅ft) @ 1,550-3,500 rpm Motor: 330 N⋅m (33.7 kg⋅m; 243 lb⋅ft)	218 hp (163 kW; 221 PS) / 350 N⋅m (35.7 kg⋅m; 258 lb⋅ft)	87 kW (117 hp)	13 (10.4 usable) kWh lithium-ion	190 km/h (120 mph)	11.6 sec	6-speed DSG
													11/2021–present

Safety

In a Euro NCAP testing conducted in 2022, the Multivan received a five-star rating.

Euro NCAP test results
Volkswagen Multivan (2022)

Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	34.2	90%
Child occupant:	44.0	89%
Pedestrian:	37.3	69%
Safety assist:	14.1	87%