Volkswagen Expands Bulli Range with New Transporter and Caravelle Models

Volkswagen needed to complete its range of commercial vehicles. With recent updates to the Multivan, California, and ID. Buzz, it was now the turn of the Transporter and Caravelle. The former is a work van with various versions, such as the Kombi for combined transport of larger teams and equipment, and depending on the version, with two wheelbase lengths and two roof heights; the Caravelle is designed for professional passenger transport. The Caravelle range spans from high-capacity taxis with eight or nine seats to exclusive VIP shuttles. The Caravelle is also available with two wheelbase lengths.

In the basic version, the new Transporter and Caravelle measure 5.05 metres in length, an increase of 146 mm compared to the T6.1. Simultaneously, the short wheelbase increased by 97 mm to 3,100 mm, while the optional long wheelbase now measures 3.50 metres. The total length in this case is 5.45 metres. The long wheelbase is always used for the Transporter van with a standard double cab platform. At 2.03 metres, the exterior width (excluding exterior mirrors) of all models has increased by 128 mm compared to their predecessors, and the vehicle's interior fully benefits from this additional width. In the standard version, the height is 1.98 metres (normal); for the high-roof van, it is just under 2.5 metres. Thanks to the new body dimensions, all models offer a significant increase in space in the passenger and cargo compartments.

The maximum width between the wheel arches has also increased by 148 millimetres to 1.39 metres. The length of the cargo compartment on the floor of the Transporter with a short wheelbase is 2.60 metres, which is 61 millimetres more. With the extended wheelbase, the length of the cargo compartment on the floor increases to 3 metres. Thanks to this greater length and width, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has been able to significantly increase the load capacity. The largest storage volume of vans with a normal wheelbase and normal roof is now 5.8 cubic metres (T6.1: 5.5 m3). Versions with a long wheelbase and high roof can accommodate up to 9.0 m3. The extended Transporter can now also accommodate three Euro pallets instead of two.

Moreover, in all versions of the new generation of Transporter and Caravelle, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has ensured that these professional vehicles can carry the weight of what they can transport in volume: the maximum payload is now 1.33 tonnes, 0.13 tonnes more than before. And if that's not enough, the new generation of Transporter and Caravelle can tow up to 2.8 tonnes, depending on the variant, to transport loads wherever needed. The previous model had a towing capacity of up to 2.5 tonnes. The roof load has also been improved: it has increased from 150 kg to 170 kg for van, Kombi, and Caravelle models.

The vehicle's interior, and therefore the driver's workplace, has also been systematically adapted for use as a professional and flexible work vehicle. All T6.1 owners will be familiar with the elevated seating position, the wide door sills with integrated electric window controls at the top, and in versions with a manual gearbox, the elevated position of the selector lever. Equipment for frequent drivers also includes ergonomic seats for the driver and passenger. The spectrum here ranges from the standard four-position seat in basic versions to optional AGR individual seats (an independent German certification for tested ergonomic seats) with eight-position electric adjustment (front passenger, six positions) and four-position lumbar adjustment.

The cabin is more digital than ever. It consists of a 12-inch digital instrument cluster (digital cockpit with a 30-centimetre diagonal) and a 13-inch touchscreen (33 cm diagonal) for the infotainment system (including DAB+ and App-Connect Wireless for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto). A 5G module is on board for updates and digital data transfer. For the first time in a Volkswagen commercial vehicle, the interior rearview mirror is also optionally available as a digital display. The key point here: commercial vehicles with a partition or a full load do not allow any or only a limited view to the rear using a conventional exterior mirror. In contrast, the interior rearview mirror equipped with a display performs this task by receiving the image from a rearview camera, thus ensuring an unobstructed view to the rear while driving. The mirror also integrates a dashboard camera function.

Not to forget that the standard equipment package of the new generation has been considerably expanded compared to previous versions. Taking the basic version of the Transporter as an example, the following features are now always standard: LED headlights with Light Assist high beam control, LED rear lights, electronic parking brake with Auto Hold function, multifunction steering wheel, keyless start system, rain sensor, Lane Assist lane-keeping system, automatic emergency braking system Front Assist, and dynamic traffic sign display.

The electrical equipment of the Transporter models is powered through various interfaces, including USB-A, USB-C, and 12 V sockets, as well as a 12-pin electrical terminal strip for special applications. Connection options for 230 V devices with a total power of 400 W (TDI) or up to 2300 W (eHybrid and electric models) are also available. This means there is a suitable power supply for any electrical device, from laptops to circular saws.

Finally, the Transporter can be equipped with efficient turbo diesel engines (TDI) of 110 or 150 HP, or with newly developed electric motors (called e-Transporter) with 136 HP. The Caravelle will also be launched with a new plug-in hybrid engine (eHybrid) of 232 HP, in addition to diesel with the same power outputs. Later, an optional all-wheel-drive system will be offered for the e-Caravelle and e-Transporter models.

The new chassis and suspension design of the Transporter and Caravelle ensures optimal comfort and safety. Compared to the previous model, it is noticeable that particularly short jolts caused by poor road conditions are now almost completely filtered out. The basis for the high level of comfort and very precise vehicle handling is provided by a combination of axles consisting of front McPherson struts with a transverse stabiliser and a space-saving independent rear wheel suspension with trailing arms. A front differential lock is optionally available for Transporter and Caravelle models with front-wheel drive (TDI and eHybrid).

In the city and when manoeuvring, the large commercial vehicles also impress with their small turning circles: these are 11.9 metres with the short wheelbase and 13.0 metres in the long version.