VW Transporter fans have long awaited the return of a powerful diesel engine combined with all-wheel drive, a combo that was wildly popular in the previous generation. Now, VW has answered part of their wish—but with a twist. Instead of a torquey diesel, the new 4×4 Multivan is powered by a plug-in hybrid.
A Mixed Reaction to the New Lineup
When the latest VW Multivan debuted over two years ago, some fans were less than thrilled with the engine options. In previous models, the T6 and T6.1, buyers could choose between diesel engines in various power levels, plus front- or all-wheel drive. This time around, due to VW’s shift to the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, those powerful diesel options didn’t make the cut. The only diesel choice for the new model is a 150-hp (110 kW) version—a blow to hotel shuttles in alpine regions and longtime customers who loved the 200-hp diesel and all-wheel drive configuration.
After some delays, VW has introduced an option that offers partial relief, although it may not fully satisfy every customer. Multivan and California are now available with all-wheel drive—but only as plug-in hybrids. Instead of a driveshaft, the rear axle is powered by an electric motor. Up front, a 1.5-liter, 177-hp (133 kW) turbocharged four-cylinder engine works with an electric motor, which delivers an additional 115 hp (85 kW) and is integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Another 136-hp (100 kW) electric motor in the rear transforms the Multivan into an AWD bus, offering a combined system output of 245 hp (180 kW) and 350 Nm of torque.
Up to 100 km Electric Range
The 19.7 kWh battery pack, mounted under the seats, enables the Multivan eHybrid 4Motion to drive up to 100 km purely on electric power. At the front, a DC/DC converter in the power electronics maintains the low-voltage 12V system. Unlike the previous eHybrid, the all-wheel-drive version can recharge at normal charging stations or wall boxes at speeds up to 11 kW. VW’s approach to electric rear-axle drive is similar to that used in hybrid models by Toyota, BMW/Mini, and Stellantis brands. And when it gets cold—down to -28°C—the eHybrid 4Motion will start in electric mode by default.
However, AWD support from the rear electric axle is only available up to 65 km/h in low-traction conditions. Even if the battery runs low, the electric rear axle can still activate to aid in slick conditions by drawing power from the front gasoline engine, which doubles as a generator. Depending on road conditions and driving mode, the system can send up to 100% of power to either the front or rear axle. In Sport mode, the hybrid Multivan remains in all-wheel drive, while in other modes, it activates AWD only if the front wheels begin to slip. It reaches speeds of 130 km/h in electric-only mode and up to 200 km/h in hybrid mode. The estimated fuel economy? An impressive 0.5–0.8 liters of gasoline per 100 kilometers.
Charging, Comfort, and Price
At a fast-charging station, this family and adventure van recharges up to 50 kW. Buyers can choose between the regular Multivan and the highly popular California camper edition. The base price for the VW Multivan eHybrid 4Motion starts at around €71,000, while the California hybrid with AWD and a longer wheelbase costs at least €77,800. Both models come standard with electric auxiliary heating, making them perfect for winter adventures.
