The new VW Multivan has grown significantly and offers more space than before. A rail-based flexible chair system makes the space configuration easier and over 20 assistance systems support the driver.
“Divide et impera” (divide and conquer). Gaius Julius Caesar took this principle to heart. What is fine with the great Roman general and politician, VW is only cheap. So the commercial vehicle division of the Lower Saxony car manufacturer is splitting up the T series in order to win as many customers as possible: In addition to the Stromer ID.Buzz (to be released next year) and the Transporter (albeit as the predecessor version T6.1), the Multivan is the classic one VW Bus. Despite all the marketing tricks and verbal acrobatics, this model has to follow in the big footsteps of the famous VW Bullis. The success of the series stands and falls with it, and the ID.Buzz can continue to be the hip Stromer for as long as it takes.
The new Bulli has become a little longer
In 2021, the Bulli will not work entirely without electrical support. So the new Multivan gets a plug-in hybrid variant that fires the VW Bus eHybrid with a system output of 160 kW / 218 PS and a torque of 350 Newton meters. This combination of 1.4 liter turbo gasoline engine with 110 kW / 150 PS and the electric motor (86 kW / 115 PS) comes from the group shelf, as does the 13 kilowatt hour battery that provides the energy and allows a purely electric top speed of 130 km / h. However, the range will not crack the 50 kilometer mark, especially since the new Multivan is not a lightweight despite a good drag coefficient of 0.3. Those who rely on conventional drives will find what they are looking for with the two gasoline engines with 100 kW / 136 PS and 150 kW / 204 PS and next year with the TDI diesel with 110 kW / 150 PS.
The VW bus is always about space and transport options. The seventh generation of the Bulli has increased in length by almost seven centimeters (69 millimeters) to 4,973 meters and in width to 1,941 meters (plus 3.7 centimeters). Since the T7 is 4.7 centimeters lower at 1.903 meters, it is now sturdier. The decisive factor in this list is the wheelbase: it has increased significantly and is now 3.124 meters: That is 12.4 centimeters more than before, which arrives in the interior and provides more space. As an alternative, the long version is available, which is 5.173 meters long and 13.1 centimeters more compact than before, and with the same wheelbase. The trunk grows from 469 liters to up to 4053 liters and if necessary the Bulli can pull up to two tons.
Panoramic roof and airy lightness have their price
Obviously, no vehicle can work without Denglish. So the VW marketing experts speak of a Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV), i.e. a versatile vehicle. The table and seating system has been redeveloped to give substance to these words. The guests should feel like they are in a lounge. As a consequence, the interior specialists have banned the third row of seats from the interior as a back seat, which only has a maximum of five individual seats including folding tables in the rear. It goes without saying that the chairs in the second row can be rotated 180 degrees as before.
The chairs are up to 29 kilograms lighter than before and can easily be pushed back and forth on a rail system in the passenger compartment. The reduced weight also makes it easier to remove. Interesting configurations are conceivable – for example, that you only expand one row in order to transport bulky objects. In winter, the fact that power lines run through the rails and thus enable seat heating for the outer seats helps. The middle chair in the third row remains cold, but can be pushed all the way forward if necessary and serves as an additional center console in the first row of seats. The optional panoramic glass roof ensures pleasant, natural lighting conditions. The entrance to the Schöner-Wohnen oasis is of course through two sliding doors and when you have your hands full, the tailgate can be opened with a courageous kick.
This airy lightness is also reflected in the cockpit, which now works without the classic center tunnel, as the wireless (shift by wire) automatic lever of the dual clutch transmission and the lever for the electronic parking brake have moved up into the dashboard. With all the comfort for the guests, someone also has to drive the Bulli and behind the wheel feels almost like in a VW Golf thanks to MQB technology, since digitization is also finding its way into the VW Multivan: The round instruments are virtually on a 10.25 Inch monitor and a ten-inch touchscreen serves as the central operating unit for the infotainment, on which the 360-degree all-round view of the new camera system is now displayed. This makes maneuvering much easier.
The head-up display allows you to keep your eyes on the road and more than 20 assistance systems help the helmsman to navigate his Multivan safely: These include an adaptive cruise control including Stop & Go function, which, together with the lane departure warning system, enables autonomous driving from level 2 to allows up to 210 km / h. Other systems such as the lane change assistant (including exit warning), the crosswind assistant, the trailer assistant (supports maneuvering with a trailer) or the parking assistant including turning assistant make life on the road easier. The new Multivan will be launched in the second half of the year and will probably be a bit more expensive than the current model, which costs at least 41,531 euros.
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
