2027 Volkswagen Multivan, California, plug-in hybrid confirmed for Australia

The upgraded 2027 Volkswagen Multivan has been locked in for Australia, where the facelifted people mover is set to arrive next year with refreshed exterior styling, a new interior design, and, for the first time, electrified variants with all-wheel drive.

The Volkswagen California is also said to be making its return, once again offering Australians a factory-built campervan based on the Multivan.

In addition, joining the current 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine – standard across the Multivan lineup – will be a plug-in hybrid option, expected to be based on the powertrain found in the Multivan eHybrid already sold in Europe.

With Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia confirming the power output as being 180kW, it’s likely the new plug-in hybrid Multivan eHybrid 4Motion will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine making 130kW, mated with an 85kW front-mounted electric motor and a 100kW rear electric motor. Models sold overseas are listed as producing a total of 180kW and 350Nm.

Electric driving range has yet to be announced, though pre-facelift models offered up to 94km of emissions-free driving based on WLTP testing, thanks to a 19.7kWh battery.

While full local specifications of the 2027 Multivan, California, and plug-in hybrid powertrains haven’t been detailed, Volkswagen says there will be new trim lines and seat packages, new colours and wheels, and changes to both the interior and exterior.

The news comes as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Australia releases the Multivan Edition locally, based on the outgoing iteration of the people mover.

Limited to just 300 vehicles, the Multivan Edition is priced from $82,990 drive-away, and is based on the short-wheelbase seven-seater body, but adds black 18-inch alloy wheels, black exterior highlights, and the choice of white or dark flat grey paint coupled with a black roof.

The Edition also gets IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with dynamic cornering, smoked LED tail-lights, and logo-projecting puddle lights.

Inside, there's Sandwick and Raven ArtVelours upholstery, heated front seats, Digital Cockpit Pro, satellite navigation, 360-degree cameras, and a multi-function table.

Further details of the new Volkswagen Multivan and California will be announced closer to their local releses in 2027.

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