2025 Volkswagen Caravelle: a transporter for the people

The new Volkswagen Caravelle is on its way, and it’s gone back to its Transporter roots. So, what’s inside this premium people shuttle?

Months of teasers and drip-fed details finally came to an end this month as Volkswagen treated us to the big reveal of the new 2025 Transporter — but that wasn’t the only new van on show. Catching a little of the limelight next to its shining green accomplice, the blue-hued Volkswagen Caravelle also made its debut.

This may come as a surprise considering VW’s relatively recent announcement that ‘the Multivan now replaces the Caravelle model’. Whether this marks a strategic U-turn, or was always part of the plan, we’re not sure — but either way, the Caravelle name is back. Just to add a little more confusion to the mix: the Multivan is often referred to as the ‘T7’, whereas the latest Transporter is yet to claim this moniker. Model naming consistency? Never heard of her. We’ll just call it the ‘new Caravelle’ for now.

Now re-integrated into the Transporter range, the new Caravelle uses the seventh generation as a foundation, which is technically (and slightly controversially) a Ford Transit Custom base. This means that it has inherited the same classic Bulli design elements, the same range of turbodiesel, plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and all-electric power options, and even showcases the same Continental rubber. As with the Transporter, we reckon VW will choose the reliable Van Contact 200 to fit the bill as a reliable all-rounder.

The main difference of course, is that rather than packing the 5.8m³ standard capacity to haul packages, pallets, or tools, the Caravelle is positioned as ‘an ideal shuttle and large-capacity taxi’ — using the people carrying capabilities its lineage has been honing since the iconic T2 back in the 1950s.

By fitting a third removable bench into the new Transporter base, the Caravelle boasts a total of nine seats, one-upping its luxury taxi rival, the eight-seater Mercedes V-Class. However, comfort and opulence boosts are also required for the Transporter base to truly go toe-to-toe with its compatriot competitor, and it seems like VW knows it.

The entry level Caravelle trim features premium seat materials, a ten-speaker sound system (four more than the Transporter), as well as side and curtain airbags. Tick a couple more boxes, and the Life trim adds superior air-con, armrests and lumbar support for the driver’s and front passengers’ seats, and three extra USB ports. Externally, body-coloured mirrors, door handles, and bumper provide a less industrial look, partnered up with some restrained 16-inch alloys.

Splash out on the ‘top of the range’ Style trim and you’ll unlock a dark contrasting chrome strip which flows across the front and into the LED headlights. These are then matched on the rear by LED taillight clusters, all resting on larger 17-inch alloy wheels.

Under the Style trim, you’ll also find two-tone leatherette seats (a nod to the dual-coloured paint designs of years gone by?) complemented by a leather steering wheel. In the rear section there is privacy glass and a control panel, and the whole interior is covered by automatic zonal air-con. Edging into limousine territory, there are even the options to add a panoramic roof and another four speakers, including a subwoofer.

Have Volkswagen done enough to be your people shuttle of choice, or should the Caravelle have remained a Multivan shaped memory?

Hero image credit: VW