The new Volkswagen Multivan has made a giant leap. It is significantly smaller, especially lower. And with its unique, aerodynamic front section and LED headlights, the new family van distances itself from its brothers in the van class. But the new VW T7 also points the way technically into the future: For the first time, the VW Bulli is available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). This new motorization was made possible by switching to the MQB-Evo platform.
The Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid, which combines a 1.4-liter petrol engine with an output of 110 kW (150 PS) with an electric motor with an output of 85 kW (116 PS), is just a temporary solution until the arrival of the VW ID Buzz in 2022. Particularly given that its battery in the car floor holds just 13 kWh, of which only 10.3 kWh are available for driving. In principle, you could reach over 50 kilometers on electricity.
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The new VW Multivan plug-in hybrid is unquestionably more modern. The era of the puristic, utility-oriented Bulli charm is now history. In the seventh generation, the Bulli now has the fully digital cockpit from the Golf 8, including the known software problems and points of criticism. For example, rotary controls and pushbuttons were eliminated; instead, you toast your way through the menu on the 10-inch screen or adjust the volume by touching a horizontal channel located directly in front of the touchscreen and is, therefore, often connected unintentionally. The solution to these operational problems is either the buttons built into the multifunction wheel or the control via voice control.
The VW Multivan PHEV is state-of-the-art in terms of safety: up to 25 driver support systems are available, most of them only at an additional cost. They even include two entirely new ones that have not been available in the Golf to date: the turning assistant and an exit warning that warns of cyclists in the blind spot. The new Volkswagen Multivan eHybrid also has permanent access to the latest digital traffic information via the Car2X system.
The inside looks of greater overall quality, nicer surfaces and materials, and a unique seating idea provide a lounge-like atmosphere. There are now simply seven individual chairs with an optional table element rather than the bench. As a result, there is no longer a sleeping option in the (multi-) van. After all, VW offers a future retrofit camping kit as a solution. Volkswagen has now reacted to consumer requests by making seats and rail systems significantly lighter and much easier to dismantle and place in the cabin, depending on their intended function.
Seat heating is now possible for the back seats. The new chairs are no longer rotatable, as they were in the antecedent model. If you wish to sit face to face, you must remove the chairs and flip them 180 degrees back in. On the other hand, the huge panorama roof is a welcome novelty: it not only provides a gorgeous perspective and adds light to the inside, but it also allows for nearly five centimeters additional headroom. The two folding doors are now standard equipment. And, thanks to the Easy-Open feature, the tailgate may now be opened electrically.
The VW T7 is around 200 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The chassis is a completely new development. The adaptive chassis system DCC is highly recommended. It not only brings more comfort but also lowers the body by two centimeters. The standard chassis is two centimeters more, which could cause problems in some parking garages.
With a powerful 350 Newton meters, the Volkswagen Multivan PHEV accelerates comfortably and powerfully from a standing start thanks to the electric assistance. 0 to 100 km/h is reached in just 11.6 seconds.
If you want to travel purely electrically in the city center, a percentage of the electricity can be maintained via e-management. The Volkswagen Multivan has four driving modes: Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Individual. In sport mode, a considerable amount of energy is recovered by the electric motor, and there is no need to use the foot brake.
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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is charging at least 57,000 euros for the VW Multivan plug-in hybrid. For comparison: the Opel Zafira-e Live is already available for 53,000 euros. But, the prices for the VW Multivan with a petrol engine start at 44,000 euros.
If you care about the environment, you should wait a few more months for the Volkswagen ID Buzz. However, if the utility value is more significant, the preceding model will remain in the delivery program for two years.
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