2025 Volkswagen Transporter: no more sneak peeks, UK pricing revealed from £30,995

The wait is over. Following the new Volkswagen Transporter’s big reveal earlier this year — which wasn’t without some controversy — we finally have the UK pricing and specifications ahead of the popular van’s 2025 return. 

The grand reveal

After months of prototype livery teasers, this summer finally offered us a proper look at the new Volkswagen Transporter: the seventh generation of the ‘Bulli’ medium-sized van.

Boasting ‘more space, more payload, more towing capacity, more efficiency, and even more perfection’, this might be the most hype surrounding a Transporter since Jason Statham gave up his high-octane getaway driving gig. However, like the movies, VW’s latest rendition hasn’t received a universally positive reception so far.

Rather than being built from scratch, the new Transporter uses a Ford Transit Custom base. Now, as the UK’s best-selling van, you couldn’t really ask for a better platform, but this has inevitably opened the door to questions around the Transporter merely being a rebadged Ford — only exacerbated by the use of Ford engines. A model with such a rich iconic history being incorporated into VW’s alliance with the blue oval was always going to be polarizing, no matter the quality of the foundation.

The silhouette does mirror that of the Ford, but the sharp Transit styling has been traded in for soft edges, and a smiling front grille. Leaning on its storied DNA, elements of previous Transporters shine through in the underlined headlights, and the ‘Bulli line’ crease along the side, harking back to the two-toned haulers of yesteryear.

Current images showcase the latest PanAmericana model, and the cult-favourite variant’s metallic green paintjob is sure to turn heads, playing with the light to create a pleasing shadowy effect. The robust off-road wheel arches and bumper also provide a distinct look, even if we don’t expect this appear on the standard variants.

Collaborative power

However the tech alliance has been received, it’s allowed the new Transporter to offer turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric power options — the first VW van to do so.

The ever-popular diesel variants will be available with 108, 148, and 168 hp engines, and the electric variants will offer 134, 215, and 282 hp motors, using a 64 kwh net capacity battery. There will also be a last-mile delivery focused electric van with ‘reduced power and a smaller battery’ to tackle urban environments. Last up, the PHEV variant will aim to offer the best of both worlds, using a 228 hp powertrain.

So far, front, rear, and all-wheel drive options have been sprinkled across the different powertrain variants, with more combinations said to be in the pipeline. No matter how many of them are delivering the power, it looks like Volkswagen have opted to wrap all four wheels in Continental tyres, and we’d suggest the Van Contact 200 here as a reliable all-rounder.

For those who don’t fancy rowing through gears, all electric and PHEV models will be equipped with eight-speed automatic gearbox, which is also an option for selected diesel variants.

Doing what it says on the tin

Transporters are really designed for one thing: transporting, and the 2025 edition offers even more hauling potential. 146 mm longer and 128 mm wider than the outgoing T6.1 model, the new Transporter will sit at 5,050 by 2,032 mm (with an additional 400 mm available on the long wheelbase edition).

This will allow an increased load space of 5.8m³ on standard Transporters, while long wheelbase high-roof versions will offer an impressive 9.0m³. Maximum payload will also be increased to 1.33 tonnes, and if that’s still not enough space to squeeze all your cargo in, towing capabilities will be up to 2.8 tonnes.

Making the most of these carrying capabilities, panel, double cab, Kombi, and shuttle van variants have now all been confirmed for UK release. Plus, a people-carrying Caravelle model which brings the maximum seating number up from six to nine. There are currently no plans for an in-house California Transporter camper, so if the van life beckons, you’ll have to wait for campervan converters to apply their talents, or dust off that old DIY toolkit.

Bang for your buck?

So, now that we have the scoop: how much does the new VW Transporter cost in the UK?

The entry level ‘Commerce’ trim is priced from £30,995. This brings with it features including 16-inch steel wheels, black grained bumpers, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster partnered by a 13-inch infotainment display in the cabin. The latter items will be complimented by some tactile buttons and a ‘classic rotary knob’ for volume adjustment — because sometimes you just can’t beat the classics.

Upgrade to the ‘Commerce Plus ‘trim from £32,195 and you’ll unlock body-colored bumpers, mirrors, and door handles, additional sensors and cameras, as well as some utilitarian mudflaps and a spare wheel. Opt for the same trim with an electric powertrain from £41,965, and VW will throw in some heated seats, upgraded air-con, and swap the spare wheel for a tyre mobility kit, comprising a 12-volt compressor and tyre sealant.

Tick all the boxes, and the premium ‘Commerce Pro’ trim will set you back at least £34,395, while stepping directly into ‘car-like’ territory. This includes silver alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, three extra USB-C ports, an upgraded cruise control system, various additional driver assists, a heated laminated windshield, load compartment lighting, and a 12-volt outlet. Finally, available from £44,165, the electric equivalent again subs in the tyre mobility kit, adds a leatherette-wrapped steering wheel, and provides the assurance of a heat pump and electric auxiliary heater.

So, as details trickle through, we’ll keep you updated as the new Transporter’s 2025 release date approaches. 

Hero image credit: VW