Volkswagen has officially launched its seventh-generation Transporter, a highly anticipated upgrade to the popular medium panel van. Now available to order in the UK, the new Transporter offers improved performance, enhanced practicality, and cutting-edge technology. Here’s what to know about the latest addition to Volkswagen’s commercial vehicle lineup.

Pricing and Availability

The new Volkswagen Transporter comes with a starting price of £30,995 for the TDI diesel variant, while the battery-electric BEV model begins at £41,965. Both prices exclude VAT. For businesses, leasing options are available from £399 per month for the diesel model and £459 per month for the electric version.

Volkswagen has also included a value-packed “5+ Promise” as standard. This package provides five services, two MOTs, a five-year warranty, and five years of roadside assistance, ensuring peace of mind for buyers.

First customer deliveries for the panel van are scheduled for April 2025. Additional variants, including the Kombi and Shuttle, will follow in spring 2025, with a double-cab version rounding out the lineup by the end of the year.

A Practical Upgrade

Volkswagen has focused on making the new Transporter more versatile than ever:

• Dimensions: The SWB version measures 5,050mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,100mm, offering 5.8 cubic metres of load space. The LWB model extends to 5,584mm and accommodates up to 9 cubic metres of cargo. The roof height remains below two metres, allowing access to multi-storey car parks .
• Payload and Towing: The van now boasts a maximum payload of 1.33 tonnes and a towing capacity of up to 2.8 tonnes .

The increased dimensions and practicality make the Transporter ideal for businesses with demanding cargo requirements.

Modern Technology and Features

The interior of the new Transporter sees a significant upgrade, with features designed to enhance driver comfort and convenience:

• Standard Equipment: All trims come equipped with a 12-inch digital instrument panel, a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED headlights, and advanced safety systems like lane-keeping assist and autonomous emergency braking.
• Trim Levels: The three available trims—Commerce, Commerce Plus, and Commerce Pro—cater to different needs. Commerce offers essential features, while Commerce Plus and Pro add premium elements such as keyless start, body-coloured bumpers, heated seats, and alloy wheels.

The redesigned interior also includes practical touches such as a dashboard-mounted gear selector, freeing up cabin space, and multiple USB ports for connectivity. Optional extras include 230-volt sockets and a high-capacity inverter for electric and hybrid models.

Diverse Powertrain Options

Volkswagen offers a comprehensive range of powertrains for the Transporter, designed to cater to various operational needs:

• Diesel Engines: Three 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engines are available, delivering outputs of 109bhp, 147bhp, or 168bhp, with the latter two offering optional all-wheel drive.
• Electric Models: The e-Transporter comes with power outputs ranging from 134bhp to 282bhp, driven by a 64kWh battery. These variants deliver an estimated range of 200 miles per charge. A smaller battery option aimed at urban delivery applications will be introduced later.
• Plug-in Hybrid: Set to join the lineup in 2026, the plug-in hybrid combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor for a combined output of 229bhp.

This range of options ensures that the Transporter meets the needs of both traditional and eco-conscious fleets.