2025 Volkswagen Transporter delivers with PHEV, EV and diesel-power

The all-new seventh-generation 2025 Volkswagen Transporter has been unwrapped in Germany, the van claimed to offer more space, more payload, more towing capacity and more efficiency.

It’s also the first van to be offered with turbo-diesel, plug-in hybrid and EV power.

Based on the same platform as the second-gen Ford Transit Custom that was introduced last year, the new VW Transporter comes with the option of a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that produces either 81kW, 110kW or 125kW.

The two most powerful diesels get the option of all-wheel drive, while the 125kW derivative comes standard with an eight-speed automatic.

The new plug-in hybrid Transporter offers even more power, combining a 2.5-litre petrol engine with a single e-motor and a 16.5kWh lithium-ion battery to produce a combined 171kW.

Lowering running costs, Volkswagen claims the plug-in hybrid Transporter can cover up to 56km using pure-electric power in town and around 23km during highway use.

When it comes to the electric version there's three different powertrains offered for the new VW Transporter that all use a 64kWh battery.

The entry-level zero-emission Transporter comes with 100kW, the mid-spec version 160kW while the flagship EV pushes out a healthy 210kW.

Once introduced, a special low-power electric Transporter will be produced with a smaller battery that's been specifically tailored for urban delivery outfits.

The all-electric models are rear-wheel drive, although an even more-powerful dual-motor version will be introduced later that gets all-wheel drive.

Equipment levels appear generous, including a starter button rather than a key, plus a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 13-inch infotainment system fitted to all models.

All model-grades also come with a standard multi-function wheel that enables the driver to operate the infotainment while a traditional manually-operated handbrake lever has been banished, replaced with a button on the centre of the dash panel.

Also new on the auto version of the Transporter is a column gear selector that frees up space within the centre console, which is home to large cup holders pushed further forward.

Much bigger than the Transporter T6.1 it replaces, the new VW van measures 5050mm long (+146mm), with a generous 3100mm (+128mm) wheelbase. An extended wheelbase variant will also be available that adds another 400mm, taking total length to 5450mm.

The VW van is now wider at 2032mm (+128mm) without door mirrors and, crucially, the bigger dimensions translate into greater carrying capacity.

There's 148mm extra wriggle room between the wheel housings (1392mm) making it easier to load a standard Euro pallet.

When it comes to load length the VW cargo van can now carry objects that are up to 2602mm long (+61mm), with the extended wheelbase boosting that figure to a very impressive 3002mm.

Opt for the standard van and you can carry up to 5.8 m3 while long wheelbase, high roof versions can accommodate up to 9.0 m3.

The standard Transporter has a payload of 1330kg and can pull trailers weighing up to 2800kg – a big bump up on the current van's 2500kg towing capacity,

Alternatively, the Transporter can be specified with up to six seats in the passenger compartment to create a spacious minibus.

As standard, the VW Transporter comes with USB-A, USB-C and 12V sockets, while 230V outlets are optional.

The all-electric Transporter gets two 230V outlets fitted to its D-pillars that are said to be capable of powering everything from laptops to circular saws.

The 2025 VW Transporter comes with lots more standard equipment than before, including LED lighting, lane-keep assist, the van-maker's latest AEB with traffic sign detection and a standard partition for the panel van.

The new Kombi model gets rear windows and three individual seats in the second row, plus an upgraded sound system that boasts six- instead of four-speakers.

The nine-seat versions, once again called the Caravelle, get side and curtain airbags in the cab and a 10-speaker stereo.

Mid-spec Life versions in Europe add colour-coded bumpers and mirrors, air-con, an armrest for the driver, a height adjustable passenger seat, lumber support, three extra USB ports in the passenger compartment, plus 16-inch alloy wheels.

The flagship Caravelle Style versions gets more sophisticated LED matrix headlamps, 17-inch alloy wheels, faux leather seats, electric folding mirrors, three-zone climate control (with rear-seat controller panel), a leather steering wheel and sunblinds.

Optional extras include a panoramic roof and 14-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

Finally, some markets will also be offered a rough-road ready PanAmericana version that is available on both the Transporter and Caravelle that adds a raised ride height, large 19-inch wheels, extra plastic protective cladding on the side sills and arches and more rugged bumpers.

Inside, there's illuminated stainless steel steps, black gloss trim and PanAmericana-branded seats.

All-wheel drive is an option but it's not known if the most rugged Transporter or Caravelle PanAmericana is any more capable off-road.

Both timings and availability of the all-new 2024 Volkswagen Transporter, Kombi and Caravelle has yet to be announced for the Australian market but local launches of the delivery van and minibus are expected to occur by early 2025.

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