Volkswagen to unveil zero-emission Multivan T17 today

After a long teaser campaign, the new generation Volkswagen Transporter (T7) will be set loose on the Nurburgring, Germany, today, Thursday June 10, 2021.

Volkswagen says the all-new Multivan T7, built as 2022 model, will be more car-like than never by switching to the MQB platform.

The German automaker, according to Carscoops, has concentrated its efforts on hiding the Golf-like front end by making the headlamps look bigger than they are. The grille, logo and parts of the bumper are also under wraps, alongside the side window line, tailgate, roof-mounted spoiler and taillights

In its preview of the vehicle, the auto reviewer says, “In the Multivan – aka MPV – configuration, the 2021 T7 features three rows of seats and a clever table design on tracks that can be used in different ways. Things such as a modern infotainment system with a 10-inch display, shift-by-wire gear selector, and 360-degree cameras will be included.

“Built around the MQB platform that’s shared with a wide number of Volkswagen Group products, like the Golf Mk8, the T7 will launch with different powertrains. As usual, petrol and diesel units are understood to be part of the lineup.”

The all-new Multivan will get an eHybrid version from day one to denote its PHEV setup with an E-Mode that will offer zero-emissions driving for an unspecified range.

VW Commercial Vehicles doesn’t go too deep into details about the plug-in hybrid arrangement but we do know it will be linked to a dual-clutch automatic transmission as all T7 versions will come exclusively with the DSG. Another important detail revealed today is the Multivan’s front-wheel-drive configuration, which means the PHEV version lacks a rear-mounted electric motor.

The e-motor will work closely together with a turbocharged gasoline engine (TSI) for a plug-in hybrid setup likely adapted from the VW Golf eHybrid or the more powerful GTE. Expect the combustion engine to be a 1.4-liter unit since other VW Group products offered with a PHEV configuration have this four-cylinder engine. Relevant examples include the SEAT Leon e-Hybrid, Skoda Octavia iV, and the Audi A3 E-Tron.

VW Commercial Vehicles explains the lithium-ion battery pack sits within the van’s underbody to save up space inside the cabin and also to lower the center of gravity to improve handling. The charging port is located in the front fender on the right-hand side and owners will get a charging card to “fill up” the Multivan T7 at public charging points. In addition, wall boxes with fast-charging support are going to be available.

Based on the MQB platform, the T7 goes official sometime in June and will go on sale in Europe in the second half of 2021. Thankfully, the Multivan eHybrid will be available right away alongside conventional gasoline and most likely diesel powertrains. VW Commercial Vehicles will still offer the old T6.1-based Transporter as the workhorse is sticking around for a couple of years.

Sources: Volkswagen Commercial Services, Carscoops