Gallery | Volkswagen Multivan: why it’s the ultimate family seven-seater

The Volkswagen Multivan might just be the new answer to an age-old question: “What is the ultimate family car?” After all, big families with big lives need a highly capable and versatile vehicle that is perfect for both everyday journeys and big escapes.

That means seating for up to seven (whether its kids, extended family or friends) as well as vast amounts of luggage space, while also offering a cosseting ride, top-notch build quality, a wealth of technology and low running costs.

Until now, you’d opt for a large SUV, but the multi-talented Multivan lets you think differently. Its brilliance lies in its huge interior space with an industry-first modular seating system that allows the rear five seats to slide, fold, recline, turn and even be removed altogether – making it the most versatile Volkswagen passenger carrier ever.

The Multivan is so good, in fact, that our discerning What Car? road test team gave it a four-star rating. We wanted to go the extra mile to find out just how capable it is, so we took the Multivan to four family-friendly locations to see just how adaptable it is. Click the right arrow to explore the all-new Multivan.

Read more: VW Multivan review

The Volkswagen Multivan is simply vast inside, offering space that would make even the biggest SUVs shake in their boots.

Standard-wheelbase Volkswagen Multivan models offer up to 469 litres of luggage space with all seven seats in, up to 1844 litres with the third-row removed, and a truly van-like 3672 litres with all seats removed (up to 3710 litres with the optional panoramic sunroof).

Opt for a long-wheelbase Volkswagen Multivan and you get an extra 20 cm of load length. That increases its standard carrying capacity to 763 litres with all seven seats in, up to 2138 litres without the third-row, and a whopping 4005 litres with all the passenger seats removed (4053 litres with the optional panoramic sunroof).

Equally, with an interior load height of 1312mm and load width of 1207mm, the Multivan can swallow literally anything you throw at it.

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To test the Volkswagen Multivan’s spacious interior, we took it to a local hardware store for a spot of DIY and furniture shopping. While many rival SUVs and passenger carriers would require you to take everything home in boxes, or even make two trips, the Volkswagen Multivan is so spacious that we decided to build our lounge in the back – plant and all.

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Picnics are the quintessential British family activity and the perfect way to spend a balmy summer afternoon. But what if the weather isn’t playing ball, or you’ve forgotten the tartan rug? Well, the Volkswagen Multivan has you covered (literally).

It has an ingenious centre console that can slide from between the front seats all the way to the back of the vehicle. Housing cupholders, cubby holes and even a fold-out table, it lets you create a communal area with plenty of space to carry food and drink.

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If you fancy an in-car feast, simply turn two of the rear seats to create a conference-style lounge area, and slide the pop-up table into the middle for a luxury dining experience.[1] Inside, the enormous optional panoramic sunroof and large windows give an airy, spacious and outdoors-like feel, while in-car USB-C ports keep your devices charged, and onboard Wi-Fi hotspot lets you surf the web[2].

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[1] Conference seating package optional

[2] Wi-Fi hotspot accessed via Volkswagen We Connect subscription

The Volkswagen Multivan is perfect for active adventures and weekend hobbies. But, if you’ve ever had to fit a bike in the back of a car, you’ll know how much of a pain it can be. Removing the front wheel, twisting the handlebars to unnatural angles and damaging the headlining of your car are all familiar pitfalls. But, when it comes to the Volkswagen Multivan, going out for your weekly bike ride just became a whole lot easier.

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Simply remove three of the Volkswagen Multivan’s rear seats, and it offers enough space to house a fully assembled bicycle that can sit alongside two rear passengers. The wide-opening rear tailgate makes getting the bike in and out a total breeze, while the high roofline means you won’t have to worry about damaging the headlining.

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The Volkswagen Multivan is the ultimate team player. According to the Football Association, roughly 3.35 million children aged 5-15 play grassroots football across the UK – with five-a-side one of the most popular formats for youngsters getting into the game. But while the kids are having fun, millions of parents every weekend have to ferry bucket loads of kids (both yours and your friends) and all of their kit. The Volkswagen Multivan makes it easy.

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*With thanks to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC

While many five-seat or even seven-seat cars may struggle to accommodate two parents, five kids and all the football clobber, the Volkswagen Multivan can haul everything with ease, with plenty of interior space and cubby holes to store boots, shin pads, water bottles and after-match snacks.

Learn more about the Volkswagen Multivan

*With thanks to Hampton & Richmond Borough FC