As announced, the Hanover-based subsidiary of the VW Group will start delivering the new edition of its Bulli series across Europe in early 2025. This date also marks the 75th anniversary of the popular van, which is now available in a "completely newly developed" version according to VW Commercial Vehicles, as a transporter and Caravelle. Those who purchase the small van available in Germany from around 36,800 euros with a 5-year warranty can choose between three drive systems and 13 body variants. Additionally, one of the largest service networks is available for the brand.
More Economical
Even if the manufacturer does not use this designation, the new Bulli version is generally referred to as the successor of the T6.1 and thus as the 7th generation called T7. The completely redesigned series announced in April 2024 is promoted by VNW with significantly more space and customization options compared to the predecessor, as well as more payload. The new edition is also credited with "greater economy," which the provider sees as a kind of revolutionary milestone:
"With its market introduction and the upcoming delivery of the first customer vehicles, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles completes the greatest transformation in the history of the iconic Bulli,"
according to the press release. And to ensure the Bulli remains "for everyone," the transporter range will be offered with three drive types, allowing for a wide range of applications: available are the low-cost base version as a Turbodiesel Transporter Kasten/Caravelle TDI, an eHybrid version with two drives, and the purely battery-electric version for passenger transportation and transport. The eHybrid as a Caravelle will not be available until 2026.
TDI Versions
The new transporter and Caravelle models each feature 2.0-liter TDI four-cylinders in three different power levels: 81 kW (110 PS), 110 kW (150 PS), and 125 kW (170 PS).
Up to a power output of 110 kW, a 6-speed manual transmission is offered as standard. The highest power level is exclusively equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The latter is also optionally available for the middle (110 kW) version. In addition, the two higher power levels can also be ordered with all-wheel drive (4Motion). The simplest TDI panel van is available for 36,780 euros net.
Plug-in Hybrid
The models with combustion and electric motors all come with front-wheel drive, continuously variable transmission (CVT; Continuous Variable Transmission), and a system output of 171 kW (232 PS). The eHybrid as a panel van starts at 43,945 euros net.
Battery Electric
For the electric drives, power levels offered are 85 kW (115 PS), 100 kW (136 PS), 160 kW (218 PS), and 210 kW (186 PS). The electric van for passenger transportation as a Caravelle is available in the three higher power levels. The E-models are rear-wheel driven and have a net battery capacity of up to 64 kWh. The entry-level model of the electric panel van, with a range of around 330 kilometers, costs 46,213 euros net.
More Payload
The van offers the options of being a panel van, a kombi, and a flatbed truck. Depending on the version, two wheelbases and two roof heights are available. The Caravelle is also offered with two wheelbases; both versions are 5,050 mm long, 146 mm longer than the predecessor T6.1. The total length with an extended wheelbase is 5,450 mm. The width has also been increased by 128 mm, and now measures 2,032 mm without side mirrors. With a standard roof, the height is 1,984 mm, and as a panel van with a high roof, "just under 2.5 m." According to the specifications, this results in a load volume between 5.8 and 9.0 cubic meters, depending on the version. The maximum payload has been increased by 0.13 tons to up to 1.33 tons, and the towing capacity from 2.5 tons to now 2.8 tons.
Driver Comfort
The seats have been ergonomically designed: the basic version features a 4-way seat, with optional individual seats available with electric 8-way adjustment (6-way for the passenger) and four-fold lumbar adjustment. The display system has also been rearranged and the cockpit made clearer with 12-inch instruments: the “Digital Cockpit” has a diameter of 30 cm, and the infotainment system's 13-inch touchscreen has a diameter of 33 cm. Especially useful for vehicles with a partition wall is the option, available for the first time in a Volkswagen commercial vehicle, to display the interior mirror digitally as a screen, which additionally includes a dashcam monitoring function.
Equipment
The basic version of the panel van is available as a “Transporter” as well as a “PanAmericana” with all-wheel drive and each also with a high roof. The flatbed truck is only offered in the basic version. The Caravelle can be configured as a basic version or as “Life,” and in the top version “Style” as well as “PanAmericana.” In the off-road version, the van comes with all-terrain exterior equipment and refined interior. But the Transporter and Caravelle can also be outfitted with a new look in the special series “Edition” with “completely customized equipment.”
Assistants
Compared to the predecessor version T6.1, the seventh generation received some additional standard equipment. The basic version of the Transporter already features LED headlights with automatic high beam regulation ("Light Assist"), LED taillights, a “Digital Cockpit,” and the 13-inch infotainment system. The latter includes DAB+ radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and online services.
Additional comfort features include the multifunction steering wheel, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold function, a keyless start system "Keyless Start," or the rain sensor. Safety features include a lane-keeping assistant ("Lane Assist"), an emergency braking system (“Front Assist”), and also traffic sign recognition.
The electrical systems are powered through various interfaces. USB-A, USB-C, and 12V sockets are available in the cockpit. Connections for 230V devices are optional – “thus, there is a suitable power source for every electrical device.”
Prices
Since the Transporter and the Caravelle are primarily purchased by businesses, VWN states the prices for the models offered in Germany in net amounts. The costs for the Transporter panel van TDI, for example, start at 36,780 euros, for the Caravelle TDI at 43,945 euros. The eHybrid as a Transporter panel van is available from 46,453 euros, as a purely electric version from 46,213 euros; the fully electric Caravelle has a base price of 55,480 euros, all amounts net.
According to the manufacturer, the Caravelle as an eHybrid will not be released until 2026.
