Volkswagen Multivan & California 2024: what to expect from VW’s new-generation vans

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While Volkswagen’s retro-inspired ID Buzz electric van may have generated the largest headlines as of late, there’s another big update coming to the German brand’s van lineup next year in the form of an all-new T7 Multivan people mover, with a new California campervan-style to follow.

Already on sale in Europe since 2022, it’s taken some time for the new Multivan to make its way down under. However, Volkswagen has given a detailed idea on what we can expect to see from the lineup when it lands locally by the end of 2024. 

While pricing is as yet unknown, Volkswagen has confirmed that the launch lineup will be available in two grades with two wheelbase options, as well as one diesel powertrain at launch.

The two-grade Multivan lineup will include a ‘Life’ entry grade as well as a range-topping ‘Style’ variant. 

Both will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine delivering 110kW and 360Nm. All variants will be front-wheel-drive and come equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Both short- and long-wheelbase variants will be available in either grade, and Volkswagen has also said that an additional powertrain will be offered early in 2025, though it hasn’t revealed details on what that will be.

The new Multivan will be based on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB Evo platform which, importantly, is a passenger car platform that also underpins vehicles such as the current-generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback and the Tiguan midsize SUV. 

A change to a passenger-car focused platform is a big shift for the Multivan, which can trace its roots back more than 70 years to the original Type 2 van, also known as the Kombi. 

Like the Kombi and the soon-to-debut retro ID Buzz due in Q4 2024, two-tone colour options will be available for the new Multivan.

The new generation Mulitvan will also retain a flexible seven-seat layout with a customisable 2/2/3 seat configuration as well as features such as visa-versa rear-facing seating options, 18-way comfort seats with memory and massage functions, dual electric sliding doors, and a multifunction table. A panoramic glass sunroof will also be available.

In terms of tech, a 100-percent shift-by-wire gear selector will feature as well as a 10-inch’ infotainment system.

Volkswagen has also detailed a suite of safety features to be included as part of the range, such as curtain and centre airbags, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, driver fatigue detection, active lane assist, and autonomous emergency braking.

New California campervan to top the range

Importantly, the brand has also recently detailed the new California, which is based off the Multivan and takes a lifestyle and adventure focus that has developed a cult-niche in Australia in previous generations. 

Expected to follow the debut of the new Multivan, the California concept previews what we can expect from the campervan-style vehicle, which includes features like a pop-up roof, kitchenette and a convertible double bed. 

The new Multivan and California will join Volkswagen’s wide range of vans, which also includes the current Caddy, Crafter, Caravelle and Transporter, with the ID Buzz and ID Buzz Cargo also due in Australia in Q4 of 2024. 

What will the new Multivan include in each grade?

The new Multivan will include features such as the below dependent on grade: 

Multivan Life

• Seven single seats (removable /movable)
• Shift-by-wire transmission selector
• LED headlights (ECO) & LED tail-lights
• Digital Cockpit Basic instrumentation
• 10’-inch Infotainment (2 x USB, App-Connect, Bluetooth hands-free speaking system)
• Multifunctional steering wheel (leather)
• Centre airbag
• Armest front and rear (removable)
• Keyless Entry/Start
• Electrical sliding doors and open/close tailgate
• 4 x USB Ports passenger compartment
• Park Distance Control and Rear View Camera

Multivan Style

• Ambient lighting
• Seat covers “Art-Velours”
• LED Matrix “IQ Light”
• Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation
• Climatronic
• Illuminated radiator grille
• 17’-inch alloy rims
• Easy open electric sliding doors and tailgate
• Area view rear view camera
• Park assist