Volkswagen Expands 2025 Transporter Line-Up with Three New Models

Volkswagen’s Commercial Vehicles division has revealed three fresh additions to the Transporter range, broadening its versatility for 2025. Although already on sale in Germany, these new variants could make their way to South Africa before the end of the year pending official approval.

The new line-up includes:

• Dropside Double Cab
• Panel Van Plus
• L-Shaped Panel Van

Dropside Double Cab: Built for Heavy Loads

The dropside double cab is designed for serious work. It offers a 4.2 m³ loading area, a load bin measuring 2,169 mm in length, a payload capacity 1, 073 kg, and a towing capacity of up to 2, 500 kg. You can replace the aluminium dropside with a chassis cab configuration for a more flexible setup.

Powertrain options include Ford’s 2.0-litre Panther turbodiesel in two outputs 81 kW with a six-speed manual, or 110 kW paired with an eight-speed automatic (with optional 4Motion all-wheel drive). Electric versions are also available, offering 100 kW, 160 kW, or 210 kW outputs, with battery choices between 83 kWh and 64 kWh modules.

The Panel Van Plus adds more practicality with a three-seat bench in front and swaps the traditional steel partition for a plastic separator with an integrated window. Standard equipment includes a sliding door on the passenger side, with the option to add a driver-side sliding door.

L-Shaped Panel Van: Clever Space Utilisation

The L-shaped van, seating four, incorporates a steel partition with a cradle design behind the passenger seat (right-hand side in Germany). This design allows longer items to slide under the passenger seat via a special porthole, maximising space for awkward cargo. Unlike the Panel Van Plus, the L-shaped van comes with dual sliding doors as standard the passenger-side one fitted with a window.

Both panel vans can be ordered in PanAmericana trim, with the Panel Van Plus also available in the Edition grade. Powertrain options match the rest of the Transporter range, including TDI diesels, electric versions, and a 171 kW plug-in hybrid that pairs a 2.5-litre petrol engine with an 11.8 kWh battery.

Pricing and Local Availability

In Germany, pricing starts at:

Volkswagen South Africa has yet to confirm if these models will join the local line-up. Only four variants are currently approved for SA: the standard panel van, Crew Bus, Kombi, and Kombi Style (which replaces the Caravelle). Manufacturers will announce final pricing and availability soon.

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