Volkswagen has revealed design details of the new Transporter, which arrives next year to succeed the T6.1.

Based on the same platform as the Ford Transit Custom, the completely new seventh generation will stand out from the Ford using a design that reinterprets its predecessors and also ties it in with the Multivan and ID. Buzz as part of the Bulli family.

Larger than before, it will measure between 5,050mm and 5,450mm long. Maximum stowage volume with the standard wheelbase and standard roof is now up to 5.8m3 while maximum width between the wheel housings delivers an extra 148mm and now stands at 1,392mm.

The tailgate and wing doors are designed to extend into the bumper, resulting in a low load sill height of only 575mm to 638mm, depending on version.

The new Transporter also delivers extra load capacity, payload and maximum trailer weight.

Payload with standard wheelbase and TDI drive has risen from 1.2 to 1.3 tonnes. Volkswagen has also increased the maximum trailer weight (braked with 12% gradient) of this version from 2.5 to 2.8 tonnes for the diesel panel van in 150hp and 170hp guise. Meanwhile, maximum dynamic roof load has grown from 150kg to 170kg.

From the front, the Transporter draws on its heritage with design cues taken from the T5 for the radiator grille, the T6.1 in the headlights and the T1 in the “iconic clarity” – but all significantly evolved for a new generation.

Albert Kirzinger, chief designer for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “We are transferring the DNA of our icon into modern times with the completely new Transporter. The details of the seventh Bulli generation pick up the characteristic design features of its six predecessors and give them a new interpretation. This has a tradition – every new Volkswagen Transporter has always represented a new visual beginning, a stylistic bridge between a long history, the present and the future. This is precisely what has kept this product line updated for over eight decades, making it the most successful van series in its class in the world.”

The side view uses a ‘Bulli line’ to separate the upper and lower areas of the body and is a tribute to the T1. The range of 16-, 17- and 19-inch Transporter wheel rims has also been redesigned and include a 19-inch Indianapolis diamond-cut alloy wheel with black spokes. The fuel filler flap is integrated in the B-pillar of the diesel and plug-in hybrid versions, as on the T6.1 and large Crafter, while the charging socket cover for PHEV and fully electric versions sits under the right-hand headlight.

The rear gets redesigned C-shaped LED taillights that reference the T5.

Volkswagen has already confirmed that the Transporter will be available in diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions, as with its Ford twin.

Four fully electric versions will be on offer, delivering 116hp, 136hp, 218hp and 286hp. The base version comes with a 54kWh battery, rising to 83kWh for the other models. All are rear-wheel drive; an all-wheel drive version is planned for a later date.

Diesel versions will launch first. The new TDI engines will be available in three output variants: 110hp, 150hp and 170hp. The latter two will also be available with 4Motion all-wheel drive as an option.

Vehicle line-up will include a panel van, panel van Plus with a second row of seats, panel van with L-partition, a Kombi and a long dropside vehicle with double cab.

Pre-sales of the new Transporter have already started in Europe at prices from €36,780 (around £31,300) and market launch is set to take place in the first quarter of 2025.