We drove deep into the forest where signal bars vanished, and all that remained was the silent confidence of a plug-in hybrid, a dash alive with tech, and a trail that led us through Germany’s soul. This is our real-world review, tested, felt, and driven, not in a showroom but through one of the most serene regions of central Germany.
A New Legacy: The Multivan Reimagined
For years, the VW Multivan was the road-tripping icon of the Autobahn and European vacations. The T7 Multivan is a reinvention of this legacy, not just a facelift. Built on the MQB platform (shared with the Golf and Passat), this is no longer a commercial vehicle remolded for families. It is a full-fledged passenger van designed for the 21st century.
What immediately stood out was its plug-in hybrid drivetrain. Our test unit was the eHybrid version, blending a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor, mated to a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. Together, they deliver 218 hp,silky, quiet, and efficient. The van’s electric-only range of 50 kilometers (31 miles) was more than enough for our silent morning roll through Zitter’s nature preserves.
On the Trail: Zitter Forest Driving Experience
Zitter Forest in Saxony-Anhalt is not your average driving location. Twisting logging routes, elevation changes, and gravel patches challenged the Multivan in ways a family parking lot never could. And yet, it performed with a grace that surprised us.
The steering felt car-like, agile, and light, thanks to the MQB underpinnings. On paved village roads, it was smooth and whisper-quiet, especially in EV mode. On rougher trails, the suspension handled forest undulations with mature dampening. Even without AWD (our test van was FWD only), it managed inclines and dips with composure. You could tell this wasn’t just a people mover, it was engineered with adventure in mind.
One memorable stretch had us navigating a narrow path between oak clusters where fallen leaves blanketed the trail. With regenerative braking active and a low center of gravity, the Multivan descended without drama. It didn’t feel like a tall, top-heavy van at all.
Interior: Where Lounge Meets Tech Lab
Step inside, and you’re greeted not by a cabin, but by a modular lounge on wheels. The T7’s interior is a dramatic departure from previous generations, premium, thoughtful, and digitally rich. The gear lever has migrated to the dashboard (by wire!), freeing up space. The floor is flat throughout, allowing chairs to slide, swivel, or be removed altogether.
The modular seating system gave us endless configuration possibilities. We transformed it from a six-seater to a four-seater lounge with a center table during lunch breaks. Each seat (excluding the driver and front passenger) can slide or rotate independently. No toolkits needed. The optional 5.0-inch touchscreen table that doubles as a storage box was more than just a gimmick, it was genuinely useful during map checks and snack time.
Up front, the 10.25-inch digital cockpit synced beautifully with the 10.0-inch infotainment display. Wireless Android Auto worked flawlessly, and our phones stayed charged thanks to the trio of USB-C ports and a wireless pad. Voice control for climate settings made the ride even more seamless while driving. The Harman Kardon audio system delivered crisp acoustics, whether it was the hum of Sigur Rós or German traffic announcements.
Practicality Beyond the Urban Jungle
What we adored most was how the T7 is engineered to adapt. The rear cargo space, even with all seats in place, held all our hiking gear and photography drones. Fold the seats down or pull a few out, and you’ve got a full-blown camper shell.
VW even sells accessories like a pop-up sleeping tent for the roof, a factory mattress insert, and a kitchen module, turning the Multivan into a quasi-camper without stepping up to a full California van. This hybrid of people-mover and camping utility made it ideal for our two-day exploration without external charging or fuel stops.
Charging-wise, the 13kWh battery topped up overnight at our B&B’s wall socket. Fast charging isn’t supported on this model, but honestly, it’s not needed. This is a hybrid that’s meant to be flexible, not dependent.
Safety, Tech, and Digital Features
Volkswagen loaded the T7 with IQ. Drive assistance systems, and they weren’t just marketing fluff. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and front-collision alerts kicked in seamlessly. On narrow forest roads, the 360-degree camera was our third eye.
One afternoon, while reversing into a tight forest alcove for drone footage, the rear cross-traffic alert saved us from backing into a cyclist. Even in unfamiliar terrain, the T7 always had our back.
Verdict: The Future of Family and Freedom
The Multivan T7 isn’t just a better van. It’s a redefinition of what family road trips, digital nomadism, and weekend getaways can feel like in 2025. It’s not trying to be a rugged off-roader or a full-blown camper van. Instead, it thrives in that space where tech, comfort, and light adventure intersect.
Is it perfect? Not quite. We would have liked an all-wheel-drive variant of the eHybrid, and the touch-sensitive controls can sometimes be fiddly. But none of that takes away from what VW has accomplished here, a digital, modular, beautifully built family shuttle that’s also willing to get its tires muddy.
In the dappled light of Zitter Forest, we found ourselves appreciating the silence, the control, and the sheer joy of movement without noise. And in that silence, the Multivan T7 didn’t just carry us, it changed the way we think about travel.
Volkswagen Multivan T7 eHybrid – Technical Specifications
| Category | Specification |
| Powertrain | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) |
| Engine (Petrol) | 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged, inline-4 |
| Electric Motor | 85 kW Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor |
| Combined Power Output | 218 hp (160 kW) |
| Transmission | 6-speed DSG automatic |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) |
| Battery Capacity | 13 kWh Lithium-ion |
| Electric-Only Range | Up to 50 km (31 miles) WLTP |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 litres |
| Charging (AC) | Type 2, up to 3.6 kW (No DC fast charging supported) |
| Platform | MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) |
Dimensions & Capacity
| Category | Specification |
| Length | 4,973 mm (Long version: 5,173 mm) |
| Width (excl. mirrors) | 1,941 mm |
| Height | 1,903 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,124 mm |
| Boot Space | Up to 3,672 litres (with seats removed) |
| Seating Capacity | 6–7 (Modular, individual removable seats) |
| Curb Weight | Approx. 2,200 kg |
| Towing Capacity | 1,600 kg (braked) |
Performance & Features
| Category | Specification |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | ~11.6 seconds |
| Infotainment Display | 10.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay |
| Digital Instrument Cluster | 10.25-inch customizable screen |
| Audio System | Harman Kardon Premium (Optional) |
| Seats | Modular individual seats, sliding & swiveling |
| Climate Control | 3-Zone Automatic |
| Driver Assistance Systems | Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Emergency Braking, 360° Camera, Rear Cross Traffic Alert |
Conclusion: A Rolling Sanctuary for the Modern Family
As the sun filtered through the pine canopy of the Zitter Forest and the road ahead curled gently into the horizon, the Volkswagen Multivan T7 eHybrid proved it wasn’t just a van, it was a statement. A statement of thoughtful engineering, of blending practicality with comfort, and of Volkswagen’s commitment to versatile mobility in a low-emission world.
Whether navigating narrow trails with electric silence or cruising autobahns with turbocharged assurance, the T7 eHybrid demonstrated an uncanny ability to adapt. The modular seating, panoramic visibility, and tech-laden cockpit transformed every kilometer into a conversation between man and machine, comfort and control, tradition and innovation.
This Multivan isn’t just about transporting people; it’s about elevating the journey. It’s a mobile lounge, a flexible workspace, a weekend escape pod, and a sustainable family hauler all in one refined package. In a world obsessed with SUVs and crossovers, the T7 stands tall, not as a trend follower, but as a category-defining icon for families who travel with purpose and style.
In the silence of the forest or the hum of the city, the Volkswagen Multivan T7 eHybrid is not just moving forward, it’s leading the way.
What is the Volkswagen Multivan T7 eHybrid?
The VW Multivan T7 eHybrid is a plug-in hybrid version of Volkswagen’s iconic van, designed on the MQB platform. It blends a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine with an 85 kW electric motor, delivering a total output of 218 hp. It offers modern family transport with modular seating, advanced tech features, and hybrid efficiency.
What makes the Volkswagen Multivan T7 different from older VW Multivans?
Unlike previous models based on commercial van platforms, the T7 is built from the ground up as a passenger vehicle using the MQB platform (shared with VW Golf and Passat). It’s more refined, spacious, digitally advanced, and designed for families and travelers rather than cargo.
Is the Volkswagen Multivan T7 eHybrid suitable for off-road or forest trails?
While it’s not a hardcore off-roader, the T7 eHybrid performed surprisingly well in the Zitter Forest. Its suspension absorbed uneven terrain, and even without AWD, the van handled forest inclines, gravel paths, and narrow logging trails with impressive stability and composure.
