IAA Transportation 2024: world premiere of new Transporter generation from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
September 2024
- Improvements in every area: the new Transporter and Caravelle offer more space, an increased payload and towing capacity and a professional cockpit landscape
- Innovative drive spectrum is in step with the times: as well as efficient turbodiesels with front-wheel and all-wheel drive, there are plug-in hybrids and electric drives
- Design DNA of the icons: with its clean and striking exterior design, the seventh-generation Transporter carries forward the unmistakable style of its six predecessors
- The right van for everyone: with the new Transporter and Caravelle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles completes the Bulli family consisting of the Multivan, California and ID. Buzz
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will present the all-new Transporter at a world premiere that will take place at the IAA Transportation in Hanover (17 to 22 September). Every detail of this brand icon has been improved. Never before has the Transporter offered so much space and load capacity or been so sustainable and economical; never before has the Transporter been more systematically thought out down to the smallest detail. For the first time in the Transporter’s history, this multi-purpose vehicle for tradespeople, couriers and fleet operators will also be available from the factory as a plug-in hybrid and an electric vehicle, alongside the range of turbocharged diesel injection options. Also being launched alongside the seventh-generation Transporter is the new Caravelle – the VW bus among the vans. The fact that the design of both models has been revamped is immediately obvious – but what’s equally apparent is that the new Bulli generation has taken the DNA of their successful predecessors and transposed it into the present day. What we can say for certain is that visitors to the IAA Transportation 2024 will be able to see the most modern Transporter and Caravelle of all time. With pre-sales of Transporter panel vans already underway, the world premiere at the IAA will mark the start of orders for the majority of the range.
Anything is possible: The range of new-generation Transporter and Caravelle models available is impressively large. The Transporter is available as a panel van with various partitions and seat configurations, two wheelbases and two roof heights. The Kombi (passenger transport) and the more exclusive Caravelle (shuttle, large-capacity taxi, VW bus for families) are also available in two different wheelbase lengths. Unique in the segment and a characteristic Bulli variant is the dropside with double cab. Iconic: the Transporter and Caravelle are also available as the PanAmericana all-terrain version.
Noticeably better across the board: Compared with the predecessor model (T6.1), the Transporter and the Caravelle offer significantly more space, higher payload and greater towing capacity. The stowage volume of the panel van with standard wheelbase and roof has increased by more than 10 per cent to 5.8 m3. With the long wheelbase and high roof, the stowage volume of the panel van has been increased to 9.0 m3. Three Euro pallets fit into the load compartment of the long wheelbase versions. The maximum payload has also increased to up to 1.33 tonnes (plus 0.13 tonnes). Volkswagen has also increased the maximum trailer weight, which may now be as much as 2.8 tonnes depending on the drive system and model (previously 2.5 tonnes).
Ergonomic high-tech workplace: The workplaces of the driver and passengers have been significantly enhanced. In the all-new cockpit landscape, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has combined the digital world of displays and controls with robust hardkeys, making the vehicles easy and safe to operate for professionals in any situation. This also includes the integration of various USB-A, USB-C and 12 V ports as well as a 230 V socket on the driver’s seat, making it possible to charge tools and devices of all kinds. The plug-in hybrid and electric models can be fitted with two additional 230 V sockets in the load compartment; the total output is 2.3 kW. The latest-generation assist and lighting systems provide a tangible increase in safety and comfort. In short, the seventh generation of the Transporter is also the best generation of the Transporter. Its story begins at the IAA Transportation 2024.
The right van for everyone: With the debut of the new Transporter generation, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is following through on its strategy to offer just the right van for every customer. The current, seventh-generation van range centres around three vehicles: the new Transporter, the Multivan and the ID. Buzz. The Transporter product line is divided into two categories: pure commercial vehicles and the Caravelle series. The Multivan is the recreational and business van in the range and has also recently been launched as the newly designed California camper van. Meanwhile the electric ID. Buzz and its commercial counterpart, the ID. Buzz Cargo, are fast becoming the first icons of local carbon-free electric mobility. Together, the three Volkswagen van model series form the most extensive range of vans, buses and camper vans in their class on the market. The new Volkswagen van range will be on display in its entirety for the first time at the IAA Transportation.
Perfect drive system range for our times: The requirements for drive systems are more complex and varied than ever before. Companies operating primarily within urban areas want electric mobility in order to keep running costs as low as possible, while city-based companies with longer travel distances often favour plug-in hybrids; firms involved in long-distance goods transport, on-site assembly and industrial transport generally opt for clean turbodiesel engines. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles serves precisely this spectrum of needs with the new Transporter and Caravelle. The power output of the seven efficient drive versions ranges from 81 kW (110 PS) to 210 kW (286 PS). For the first time, the range of drives includes a plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) and three electric drives (e-Transporter and e-Caravelle) alongside three turbo diesel engines (TDI). Two of the TDIs are also available with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. This is the right drive range for changing mobility needs.
New range of variants – specialist vehicles for specialists
Transporter as panel van, Kombi and dropside: The new Transporter range includes a huge number of variants. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers the Transporter as a panel van (load compartment for goods transport only), as a panel van Plus (load compartment with three-seater bench seat in the second row and partition with plastic window) and as a panel van with an L partition (L-shaped continuous metal partition behind the driver’s seat and behind the two individual seats in the second row). Pre-sales for these versions are already open. In addition, the Transporter is now available as a Kombi with up to nine seats (for passenger transport) and – exclusively in the segment – as a six-seater double cab with a platform body and long wheelbase. The Kombi and panel van models are also available with a high roof and extended wheelbase.
Caravelle as entry-level version and in Life and Style specifications: The Caravelle is a unique model: boasting up to nine seats, it is the ideal shuttle or large-capacity taxi and was developed for commercial passenger transport. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers the Caravelle as an entry-level version, as the Life with a medium equipment specification, or as the top-of-the-line Style. The Caravelle is also available with an extended wheelbase. The Caravelle can be optionally enhanced with details such as a large panoramic roof, which turns it into a kind of modern Samba bus.
Transporter and Caravelle as PanAmericana: The fourth generation of the Transporter was available with a PanAmericana equipment package from 2001 onwards. With the fifth generation, the PanAmericana became an independent, exclusive version of the model, evolving into a cult classic. It is therefore no surprise that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is also offering this seventh generation of the product line as a PanAmericana. This will be available in conjunction with both the panel van versions and the Caravelle. With their robust all-terrain design and exclusive equipment details, the rugged PanAmericana models – especially as all-wheel-drive 4MOTION versions – are the ideal choice for any large construction site or professional off-road application.
Newly configured equipment – everything on board
Well-equipped Transporter: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has significantly expanded the standard equipment package for its new Transporter models compared with the predecessor versions. The following features now come as standard: LED headlights including Light Assist, LED tail light clusters, an electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function, 12-inch digital instruments (Digital Cockpit), an infotainment system (including DAB+, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, online services and 13-inch touchscreen), a multifunction steering wheel, Keyless Start system, rain sensor, Lane Assist lane keeping system, Front Assist automatic emergency braking system and dynamic road sign display. The panel van is now also equipped with a partition as standard. The Kombi equipped with windows in the rear is characterised by three individual seats in the second row of seats and an audio system with six instead of four loudspeakers.
Power supply for the working day: Electrical equipment is supplied with power via various ports and sockets, including USB-A, USB-C and 12 V. Sockets for 230 V devices are available as optional extras. In the diesel versions, the 230 V socket is located on the driver’s seat frame. The Transporter models with plug-in hybrid and electric drives can be optionally equipped with two additional 230 V sockets in the D-pillar area. The total output of the 230 V system is 2.3 kW. This means that there is a suitable power source in the Transporter for any electrical device – from laptops to circular saws.
Comfortably equipped Caravelle and Caravelle Life: The new Caravelle is the ideal choice for large-capacity taxis or shuttles. The entry-level version already offers a removable three-seat bench in the third row as standard, giving it a total of nine seats. Compared with the Transporter versions, the Caravelle features customised seat fabrics, side and curtain airbags in the cab and an audio system with ten loudspeakers. The medium Life equipment level is enhanced by features such as bumpers and door handles painted in the vehicle colour, exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black, an air conditioning system, armrests for the driver’s seat, a height-adjustable front passenger seat with lumbar support adjustment and armrests to match the driver’s seat, unique decorative trims, four additional USB ports in the passenger compartment and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Exclusively equipped Caravelle Style: The top-of-the-line Caravelle Style can be recognised from the outside by its distinctive front with a dark contrasting strip, which includes an integrated chrome strip. This elegant line extends into the Caravelle Style’s standard-equipment IQ.LIGHT LED headlights with matrix function. These headlights also include the dynamic and static cornering light and poor weather light. Other features of the Caravelle Style include LED tail light clusters with a custom light signature, privacy glass in the rear and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also standard: the keyless locking and starting system Keyless Access, electrically folding exterior mirrors, two-tone leatherette seats, distinctive applications in the interior, multifunction leather steering wheel, large centre console with cup holders, a three-zone automatic air conditioner with an additional control panel for the rear (in the headliner) and sun blinds in the second seat row. The Caravelle can be optionally enhanced with details such as a large panoramic roof and a Harman Kardon sound system with 14 speakers.
Iconic PanAmericana models: Both the Transporter (panel van version) and Caravelle are available with the popular PanAmericana equipment package. On the outside, these models are characterised by robust all-terrain trims on the side sills and wheel arches, matching bumpers designed for tough conditions and a painted radiator grille. Film wraps protect the boot lid and rear wing doors in the lower area. Inside, the PanAmericana equipment includes illuminated steps with stainless steel applications and a PanAmericana logo, striking decorative trims in the dash panel and chrome interior door handles. Other distinctive features include exclusive seat fabrics with PanAmericana lettering incorporated into the backrests as well as colour-coordinated contrasting seams. The Caravelle PanAmericana is equipped as standard with 19-inch Indianapolis alloy wheels (in black with a diamond-cut finish); these are also available as an option for the Transporter PanAmericana.
New range of drives – diesel, plug-in hybrid and electric drive
Three new TDI engines: A completely new drive range is available for the Transporter and Caravelle. For the first time, this product line will be available not only with the important turbodiesel engines (TDI), but also with a newly developed plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid) and new electric drives (e-Transporter and e-Caravelle). Three newly developed 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI engines form the basis of the drive system range for the seventh-generation Transporter: They develop 81 kW (110 PS), 110 kW (150 PS) and 125 kW (170 PS) respectively. The TDI engines up to 110 kW are paired with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The 125 kW TDI is always combined with an eight-speed automatic gearbox; this is optional for the 110 kW TDI. The TDI models from 110 kW upwards can be ordered with 4MOTION all-wheel drive.
Powerful TDI engines with low consumption: The 81 kW TDI produces a maximum torque of 310 Nm; the WLTP consumption of the panel van with short wheelbase (NWB) is 7.7 to 6.9 l/100 km, with long wheelbase (LWB) the consumption is 7.8 to 7.0 l/100 km. The 110 kW TDI provides a maximum torque of 360 Nm. As a panel van, it consumes 7.6 to 6.9 l/100 km (NWB, manual), 8.2 to 7.5 l/100 km (NWB, automatic), 8.8 to 8.3 l/100 km (NWB, automatic, 4MOTION), 7.8 to 7.0 l/100 km (LWB, manual), 8.3 to 7.5 l/100 km (LWB, automatic) and 9.0 to 8.4 l/100 km (LWB, automatic, 4MOTION). For the panel van with a 125 kW TDI engine with 390 Nm maximum torque, the following WLTP values were calculated: 8.2 to 7.5 l/100 km (NWB, automatic), 8.8 to 8.3 l/100 km (NWB, automatic, 4MOTION), 8.3 to 7.5 l/100 km (LWB, automatic) and 9.0 to 8.4 l/100 km (LWB, automatic, 4MOTION).
New plug-in hybrid: The plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid) combined with a continuously variable automatic transmission provides a system output of 171 kW (232 PS). The 2.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine alone delivers a maximum torque of 320 Nm; the electric drive motor generates 205 Nm of torque. The fuel consumption figures for the plug-in hybrid versions, which are likewise available with a short and a long wheelbase, will be published soon. The models with a plug-in hybrid system have front-wheel drive.
Three new electric drives: The e-Transporter and e-Caravelle are available with outputs of 100 kW (136 PS), 160 kW (218 PS) and 210 kW (286 PS). Their battery has a capacity of 64 kWh (net). In addition, at a later date there will be an electric version with reduced power and a smaller battery for urban delivery transport. Like the TDI and eHybrid models, the e-Transporter and e-Caravelle will be offered with two different wheelbases. The all-electric models have rear-wheel drive. The consumption figures will be published at a later date.
New exterior dimensions – optimised length and width
New exterior dimensions: The new Transporter and new Caravelle are 5,050 mm long in the base version, which is an increase of 146 mm over the preceding version, the T6.1. The wheelbase has been increased by 97 mm to 3,100 mm. The Transporter and Caravelle are also available with a wheelbase extended by 400 mm (overall length: 5,450 mm). The dropside version of the Transporter has the long wheelbase as standard. At 2,032 mm, the exterior width (without exterior mirrors) of all models has increased by 128 mm compared with their predecessors. In the standard versions, the height is 1,983 mm (normal roof). With a turning circle of only 11.9 metres (normal wheelbase), it also masters tight bends effortlessly when manoeuvring.
New interior dimensions – more space than ever
Larger load compartment dimensions: The interior of the seventh-generation Transporter has a considerably larger volume than previous iterations. The maximum width between the wheel housings has been increased by 148 mm to 1,392 mm. The load compartment length on the floor of the normal-wheelbase Transporter is 2,602 mm – this corresponds to an additional 61 mm; with an extended wheelbase, the load compartment length grows to 3,002 mm. Thanks to the increased length, width and wheelbase, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been able to significantly enlarge the load capacity of the new Transporter. The largest stowage volume of the panel vans with normal wheelbase is now 5.8 m3; the versions with long wheelbase and high roof can accommodate up to 9.0 m3. The Transporter with long wheelbase can now hold up to three Euro pallets (two loaded from the side, one from the rear).
New figures for payload, trailer load and roof load – more capacity
Improved payload and towing capacity: In all versions of the new-generation Transporter and Caravelle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has made sure that the vehicles are allowed to carry the weight of what they can carry in volume: the maximum payload is now 1.33 tonnes, 0.13 tonnes more than before. And if even that is not enough, the new-generation Transporter and Caravelle can pull trailers weighing up to 2.8 tonnes, depending on the variant, so loads get transported to wherever they are needed. The predecessor model pulled weights of up to 2.5 tonnes. The roof load has also been improved, increasing from 150 kg to 170 kg.
New driver’s workplace – by professionals for professionals
Characteristic Bulli feeling: The interiors of both the Transporter and Caravelle have been newly designed and revamped down to the smallest detail. The clear development goal was to produce a Transporter with the customary Volkswagen design features, combined with maximum spaciousness and functionality. The new generation of the product line shows that this objective has been met in every way. All owners of a T6.1 will be familiar with the typical high seat position, the wide door shoulders and – in versions with manual gearbox – the high position of the selector lever in the new Transporter generation. Open the door, climb in, and experience that familiar Volkswagen van feeling.
New cockpit landscape: The new Transporter is started using the starter button of the Keyless Start system in the upper part of the cockpit. The new digital cockpit landscape extends to the left and right of this, forming a visual axis. It consists of the freely configurable 12-inch instrument (Digital Cockpit with 30 cm diagonal) and the 13-inch touchscreen (33 cm diagonal) for the standard infotainment system (including DAB+ and App Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). Another standard feature: a new multifunction steering wheel with buttons that are easy to operate even when wearing gloves. As in the Multivan and ID. Buzz, the new Transporter now has an electronic parking brake plus Auto Hold function. Operation of the electronic parking brake has been moved to the dash panel, freeing up more space in the footwell for through-cab access to the rear (depending on derivative and partition type). The selector lever for the automatic gearbox (either standard or optional depending on the drive system) now takes the form of a steering column switch. As before, the gear lever for the manual gearbox is located in the centre console. The automatic versions have two cup holders in this location; this compartment can be closed with a shutter. There are additional cup holders and practical stowage compartments for items of all kinds in the upper part of the dash panel.
New body design – the DNA of icons
Iconic Bulli DNA: “Although it has been newly designed from the first to the last millimetre, the briefest of glances is enough to confirm that this is a successor to the T6.1 and thus a member of the Volkswagen van family,” says Albert Kirzinger, Chief Designer at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, summing up the design of the seventh generation. Indeed, the design consistently follows the iconic Volkswagen Bulli DNA. This is already evident in the main body, which has the characteristic Bulli line below the window line. The DNA of the six previous Transporter generations can be found in almost every aspect of the new generation. The exterior design in detail:
Front: The T5 can be seen briefly in the shape of the radiator grille, the T6.1 in the headlights and the T1 in the iconic clarity – but all these features have evolved significantly into a new Volkswagen Transporter and Caravelle look. The striking LED headlamps are an important style element, helping to make the new Transporter and Caravelle unmistakable faces in the crowd.
Silhouette: The side section shows the clean lines typical of a VW van. Similar to the T6.1, the upper contour of the headlights has been extended as a line into the side section, continuing through to the rear. Above this is the already mentioned Bulli line – a pronounced linear curvature. This divides the upper and lower areas of the body and is the designers’ way of paying homage to the very first generation of the Transporter. The 16-, 17- and 19-inch Transporter and Caravelle wheel rims have also been redesigned. Particularly striking is the 19-inch Indianapolis alloy wheel, initially available for PanAmericana versions: it features a diamond-cut rim flange, as well as six black spokes and inner surfaces. Positioned for optimal access once again: the tank flap for the versions with diesel and plug-in hybrid drives is integrated in the area of the B-pillar, as on the T6.1. The charging socket flap on the models with plug-in hybrid and all-electric drives is located below the right headlight.
Rear: The rear of the new Transporter and Caravelle has a homogeneous design, giving it the clean look typical of a VW van. As with the T6.1, the new generation can be alternatively ordered with a boot lid or wing door. Although completely redesigned and technically revamped, the striking shape of the tail lights with LED dots towards the sides creates a stylistic bridge to the T5. Once again here, the forms always follow the function. The boot lid and wing door are another example: their opening extends far into the bumper, giving the panel van a low load sill height of only 575 mm to 622 mm (depending on version).