The new Volkswagen Transporter has been launched, completing the T7 generation of versatile vans.
For the first time, the new Volkswagen Transporter has been jointly developed with Ford – it is derived from the legendary Ford Transit Custom, which is one of the UK’s best-selling vehicles and the clear leader in the van sector. Its unveiling completes the line-up of VW's latest generation of vans, alongside the ID. Buzz and the Multivan.
The new Volkswagen Transporter has plenty of VW input though, to set it apart from the competition which also includes the Vauxhall Vivaro, Toyota Proace and Peugeot Expert.
Variants of the new Volkswagen Transporter include the classic panel van, a Kombi, a Shuttle minibus, a dropside model and the Caravalle. As well as diesel models, customers can choose from an electric version, alongside plug-in hybrid models. Both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive models will be produced, all of which should ensure broader appeal than ever before.
New 2024 Volkswagen Transporter: price and release date
While full details and prices have yet to be released, new Volkswagen Transporter prices are likely to be a little higher than today’s model, which starts from around £36,000. Expect them to start from around £40,000 for a regular diesel version, which is around £1000 more than a comparable Ford Transit Custom.
The new Volkswagen Transporter electric will cost more, and may start from around £50,000. Buyers will be able to take advantage of the £5000 plug-in van grant, though.
The new Volkswagen Transporter is open for pre-ordering in Germany right now, but it is not yet open for pre-ordering in the UK. We're expecting it to arrive in dealers either later this year or in early 2025.
New 2024 Volkswagen Transporter: exterior and interior
As the new Volkswagen Transporter has been jointly developed with Ford, the overall profile will mirror the new Ford Transit Custom, with Volkswagen differentiators including the bumpers, headlights and front grille. LED lights are standard both front and rear.
So far we've seen the Caravelle and the Transporter PanAmericana, both pictured here and sharing the similar clean, modern and friendly appearance with latest vans such as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Volkswagen Multivan.
The new Volkswagen Transporter will come in several different sizes, with varying lengths, wheelbases and heights. Options include a panel van with no windows in the rear, panel van ‘Plus’ with a second row of seats, panel van with L-partition, Kombi (with windows in the rear) and a long dropside vehicle with double cab.
Kombi and panel van versions can be combined with a high roof and an extended wheelbase – and the high roof option can now be combined with the shorter wheelbase. Both rear hatchback boot lid and dual wide-opening wing doors are available.
The Volkswagen Transporter Caravelle version has a more upmarket interior trim.
Overall, the new Volkswagen Transporter is 5050mm long, a notable 146mm longer than the previous version. The standard wheelbase is 3100mm, and with the optional 3400mm extended wheelbase, overall length goes up to 5450mm. The new Volkswagen Transporter is also, at 2032mm, 128mm wider.
The bigger dimensions of the new Volkswagen Transporter allow both more cargo to be carried, but also give passengers more space and comfort.
Inside, the new Volkswagen Transporter has a high-tech cabin with digital cockpit and large central touchscreen display. The 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster is standard and sits alongside a 13.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A suite of online services will also be offered.
The new Volkswagen Transporter has a multifunction steering wheel, plus standard rain sensor and active safety assist systems including lane assist, autonomous emergency braking and a dynamic road sign display with wrong-way warning. An electronic parking brake is also standard.
To differentiate the new Volkswagen Transporter from the new Ford Transit Custom, expect different upholsteries and trims, aimed at giving the VW a more premium feel.
As for load space, the new Volkswagen Transporter offers significantly more room than its predecessor. Even with a standard wheelbase and standard roof, it now offers a total volume of 5.8 cubic metres. Maximum space between the wheelarches is up 148mm to 1392mm, and payload of the standard TDI model has increased from 1.2 to 1.3 tonnes.
Maximum trailer weight of the new Volkswagen Transporter is up from 2.5 to 2.8 tonnes. Even the maximum dynamic roof load has increased from 150kg to 170kg. The firm says it’s been able to achieve this by separating the Volkswagen Transporter commercial vehicle range from more lifestyle-oriented models such as the Volkswagen Multivan and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
New 2024 Volkswagen Transporter: engines and gearboxes
The new Volkswagen Transporter will offer a core range of turbodiesel engines, plus new plug-in hybrid eHybrid drive and all-electric eTransporter variants. Electrified new Volkswagen Transporter follow later, with launch plans centred on the TDI diesels.
There will be three choices of new Volkswagen Transporter TDI diesel, with 110PS, 150PS and 170PS. Front-wheel drive is standard, with 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option. Customers will be able to choose from manual and DSG automatic gearboxes.
The new Volkswagen Transporter eHybrid plug-in hybrid has a 233PS power output. Battery size and electric range will be announced later.
The new Volkswagen eTransporter EV impressively offers four different power outputs – 115PS, 136PS, 218PS and a potent 286PS. The 116PS version will have a 54kWh battery, with the other three offering a generous 83kWh battery. Interestingly, new Volkswagen e-Transporter models are rear-wheel drive, with an all-wheel drive version planned later.
Find a used Volkswagen Transporter for sale
The Volkswagen Transporter is a popular and long-running van that's spanned multiple generations. Three-year-old entry-level TDI van versions can now be found for around £25,000, with higher-spec models costing upwards of £30,000 and coming with a suite of gadgets including automatic gearboxes. Such is the reputation of the Volkswagen Transporter, secondhand models hold onto their values well, making them a reassuring used van buy.
Looking for more new car news?
Another way to guarantee you'll stand out on the building site is with a new Tesla Cybertruck, and we have all the information on the exciting new electric pickup truck. We also have details on the new Range Rover Electric that's already open for preorders, while the new Suzuki Swift is a more real-world alternative. The new Ford Explorer is coming later this year as well, and we have all the info.
The electric version of the new Volkswagen Transporter will be called Volkswagen eTransporter.
The range-topping new Volkswagen eTransporter, with its 286PS power output, is likely to be a surprisingly fast van with impressive performance – particularly when combined with grippy 4Motion all-wheel drive.
The new Volkswagen Transporter is developed on a dedicated commercial vehicle van architecture in partnership with Ford. It is closely related to the new Ford Transit Custom. The Volkswagen Multivan is a more lifestyle-focused machine, developed on a different architecture called MQB – this is also used by Volkswagen passenger cars such as the Volkswagen Golf and new Volkswagen Passat, plus the electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Exclusive look at the new Volkswagen Transporter
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