VW T7 Multivan: All Features, Details and Review

The new VW T7 Multivan will be the largest Golf of all time. For the seventh generation, the VW bus is changing its platform as a Multivan and will use the ” MQB-Evo” modular system in the future. The change in the floor assembly enables the engineers to electrify the new Bullis, but conventional drives remain the backbone of the versatile Hanoverian. With the T3 series, VW’s commercial vehicle division introduced the Multivan in 1985; more than 35 years later, the interior concept is being rethought and should thus adapt to the needs of the modern age. Despite the new platform also commercial vehicle friends and artisans will continue to get their money: The T6.1 continues as a transporter and California- campers remain in the program. Only the Multivan changes to the Golf floor pan, with one exception. The market launch should be in the second half of 2021, prices are likely to rise.

The front of the Multivan visually approaches the Caddy. The division of headlights, grill, and apron is strongly reminiscent of the large-capacity station wagon and integrates the bus into the range of VW’s practical passenger car models. The bonnet is flatter than its predecessor and merges at a larger angle into the windshield, which is also flat. When viewed from the side, the triangular window in front of the side mirrors is noticeable; an optical line connects the standard LED headlights (optional Matrix LED) with the standard LED taillights.

The new bus has two sliding doors as standard. At the rear – for the first time on a VW transporter – there are two-part rear lights that are arranged horizontally. The model lettering moves to the middle, but is not located under the logo, but below the license plate recess. The roof of the T7 Multivan slopes slightly towards the rear and ends in a roof edge spoiler.

Dimensions and trailer load: VW T7 is slightly larger than the T6.1

The new Multivan has grown somewhat in almost all dimensions. There are two different body versions, a short and a long version.

The dimensions at a glance:

Length: 4973 mm (short) / 5173 mm (long)
Width: 1941 mm
Height: 1903 mm
Wheelbase: 3124 mm

Trunk volume

Short version: 469 liters / 3672 liters
Long version: 763 liters / 4053 liters

Trailer load

up to 2000 kg

Platform: Multivan is finally becoming a car

With the T4 at the latest, Volkswagen brought its popular transporter closer to the passenger car segment. Despite everything, all derivatives shared a commercial vehicle platform. That should change in 2021. Volkswagen is building the T series on three pillars in the future. The basis continues to be the current T6.1, which as a transporter, Caravelle and California will continue to meet the requirements of a commercial vehicle and camper. Like the T7, the Multivan changes to the MQB Evo platform, on which the Golf is also located. In addition to the current golf infotainment and modern assistance systems above all, the floor plan offers the option of electrifying the Multivan. For the first time, this allows a plug-in hybrid model in the T series. The last pillar will be the fully electric ID. Buzz from 2022, which will also use the new MEB as a cargo version.

VW T7 Multivan Interior

The cockpit is digital like never before in a VW bus. The group is transplanting the dashboard, including screens and steering wheel, from the Golf 8 into the new Multivan. For operation, this means that most of the buttons disappear and are replaced by touch surfaces. However, the steering wheel retains its multifunction buttons. A 10.25-inch monitor serves as the digital cockpit, and the infotainment is operated via a 10-inch touchscreen. The connection of the smartphone via App-Connect is already possible in the basic configuration.

As befits a VW bus, the driver and front passenger seats are also available with armrests, which are standard in higher equipment lines. In the future, the DSG will only be selected using a toggle button on the Multivan; there is no longer a selector lever, and neither is a mechanical handbrake. It will be replaced by an electric parking brake when the model is changed. If desired, the ambiance in the interior can be more dignified than in the Golf. Depending on the equipment, there is also a choice of wood-look decors that give the bus a homely look.

Rear

If you are interested in a Multivan, you want to do a variety of tasks with the vehicle. VW also promises this variable utility value with the new model. However, the 3-seater rear bench seat, which had previously been in keeping with the status of all Multivans, has not made it into the T7; instead, the Hanover-based company is offering sliding individual seats for the bus. The bus indeed loses its sleeping space – in return, however, this is to be compensated for with a modular interior concept in which there is even space for e-bikes in the interior.

The rail system on the floor allows the seats to be in different positions and is equipped with a power supply. If necessary, the outer seats should optionally be provided with seat heating. In addition to the first panoramic glass roof in a Multivan, the variable center console is likely to be the biggest highlight in the rear. It can be moved over almost the entire length of the vehicle and, in addition to storage space, also includes two table halves. By relocating the area of use, the console can be pushed between the two front seats if required, which for the first time in a Bulli provides standard storage between the driver and front passenger.

Assistants

Thanks to the new car platform, the new Multivan adopts almost all of the safety systems that other Volkswagens are currently offering. Through the “Travel Assist” functions are coupled as adaptive cruise control with the lane-keeping system. This allows the bus to travel semi-autonomously.

All assistants in the Multivan at a glance

“ACC” with Stop & Go (automatic distance control)
“Area View” (360-degree view of the surroundings via four cameras)
Parking assistant including turning assistant
Hill-start assistant ● Car2X (local warning system)
“Emergency Assist” (assisted stop in an emergency)
ESC with ABS, ASR, EDS
Edge protection
“Front Assist” including city emergency braking function
Cruise control system including speed limiter
“IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist” (automated driving, Level 2)
“Lane Assist” (lane departure warning )
Drowsiness detection
Multi-collision brake
Park steering assistant
“ParkPilot” (distance warning)
Proactive occupant protection
“Rear View” (reversing camera)
Tire pressure monitoring system
Crosswind assistant
“Side Assist” (lane change assistant) including exit warning
“Trailer Assist” (trailer maneuvering assistant)
Traffic sign recognition

Connectivity: MIB 3.2 in the new VW T7 with full networking

As with the Golf, the infotainment of the Multivan is based on MIB 3.2. In addition to the fully digital instrument cluster, the system in the Bulli is also controlled via a 10-inch touchscreen. For the first time, VW is also offering a head-up display on a bus. Regardless of the equipment variant chosen, the “Ready 2 Discover” is used as the basic infotainment system. It already includes a free integrated eSim card and is therefore always online. There is no navigation here (can be booked later in the car), but Google Maps or Apple Maps can be accessed via App-Connect via Apple Carplay and Android Auto in the head unit.

Anyone who attaches importance to networking their vehicle with their mobile phone can book the “We Connect Plus” service for a fee and thus gain access to various vehicle functions. This includes unlocking and locking the Multivan over the phone or preconditioning the interior before the trip. The phone is connected to the vehicle via USB-C sockets, music fans can fall back on the optional Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers and 840 watts of power. Security also plays a role in networking. Like the Golf 8, the Multivan has Car2X communication and can therefore network with other vehicles or the surrounding traffic infrastructure.

Drives: The Multivan as a plug-in hybrid model

For the first time in the history of the VW bus, Lower Saxony is offering a model with a plug-in hybrid drive. The Multivan eHybrid has a system output of 218 PS, generated from a 1.4 Lite TSI (150 PS) and an electric motor (85 kW / 116 PS). A 13 kWh battery should enable fully electric driving in the city. VW does not yet specify ranges, but the press release mentions daily distances of a little less than 50 kilometers. In addition to the plug-in hybrid variant, VW continues to offer the Multivan with conventional drives. Two TSI petrol engines and diesel are available, but the diesel is not expected to be available until 2022. The 1.5 TSI petrol engine develops 136 hp and a maximum torque of 220 Nm.

The larger 2.0 TSI has 204 hp and generates up to 320 Nm of torque. The machine also powers the Polo GTI, Golf GTI, and Golf R and has the engine code EA888. Both petrol engines are coupled to a seven-speed DSG. The unspecified TDI is expected to produce 150 hp next year. VW does not offer all-wheel drive for the new models, which is why a model of the T6.1 Multivan remains in the program. The 2.0 TDI with 204 PS and 4Motion is allowed to live on and ensures that the Bulli can also pull heavy loads.