Three platforms for the vans
The transporter will be built on different platforms in the future.
(Photo: vw)
Hanover At some point it is simply the end of the day. Vehicle platforms cannot be modernized forever in order to meet all requirements for safety, efficiency and electronics.
It was precisely at this point that the strategists at VW Commercial Vehicles found themselves in Hanover a few years ago when the question of how the future of the T6 (Bulli) should be designed. The brand’s core model is based on an architecture that is now over 20 years old and that can no longer be adapted economically to today’s technology.
So the decision was made to make the Multivan more independent. From now on it will be on the MQB platform originally developed for passenger cars and given the name T7. The van division is keeping its T6 for the time being. However, this will be revised as far as possible and will be called T6.1 from now on.
The modern MQB architecture offers the T7 Multivan many advantages. It weighs up to 200 kilograms less and the platform allows for better space economy. In addition, more efficient drives can be used and, in addition to digitalization, the new electronics also enable various assistance systems for which the T6.1 is not prepared. Even a head-up display, matrix LED and travel assist are possible in the T7.
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VW will again be offering the new Multivan in two lengths. The base of the car measures 4.97 meters, the longer version is 5.17 meters. Since the wheelbase of 3.12 meters (more than the Mercedes S-Class) is the same, the only difference between the two vehicles is their rear overhang.
On the drive side, the Multivan can be hybridized for the first time, moving into a CO2 area that was previously unthinkable. The technology comes from the Passat GTE. The plug-in hybrid drive delivers 160 kW218 hp and enables the T7 to travel up to 50 kilometers in electric mode. At the market launch in autumn, Bulli customers also have the choice between two conventional petrol engines with 100 kW / 136 PS or 150 kW / 204 PS.
Electrically only rebuilt
The Transporter and Bus Caravelle based on the old 6.1 platform are currently still fully electric. Volkswagen has both models converted by the specialist ABT.
(Photo: vw)
Futuristic successor
The ID.Buzz is set to debut in late summer 2022.
(Photo: vw)
However, VW does not want to submit a diesel (110 kW / 150 PS) until 2022, not least a strategic move to get as many customers as possible to the plug-in hybrid and reduce the CO2 balance. This variant will also be the only one that can be upgraded to all-wheel drive. The classic cardan shaft, however, is going to the technology museum. In the future, an electric motor will take over the rear drive in the T7.
The Transporter and Bus Caravelle based on the old 6.1 platform are currently still fully electric. Volkswagen has both models converted by the specialist ABT. The technology donor is essentially the e-Golf. With its battery (32.5 kWh), buses and vans can cover a maximum of 138 kilometers. For many craftsmen and tradespeople who have to have access to environmental zones, this may usually be enough in day-to-day business.
However, the MEB modular electrification kit promises significantly more range, over 450 kilometers according to the WLTP cycle. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is using it as a third platform and in a modified form for its most emotional electric car to date, the ID.Buzz. The unique lifestyle van is due to go on the market in late summer 2022. World premiere is in February.
The base drives with rear-wheel drive, while the all-wheel drive also has an electric motor on the front axle. The ID.Buzz will also be available as a cargo version and with a long wheelbase. The versatile T6.1 van is due to be replaced in 2024.
The successor model is developed together with Ford. You share the drives and the shell. The Cologne-based company is putting its next Transit Custom and the Tourneo Custom on the new architecture (1-tonne class). Conventional, hybrid and later also fully electric drives are planned. Transit Custom, Tourneo Custom and the new VW Transporter will roll off the assembly line together in Turkey as part of the Ford-Volkswagen alliance.
More: Bulli without humming – the Abt e-Transporter 6.1 can do that