As the trend of transforming people movers into versatile caravans gains momentum, manufacturers are increasingly offering factory modifications that blend practicality with adventure. Take the 2025 Volkswagen Multivan Life, for example.
Tested here in its short-wheel base (SWB) form, the nameplate is renowned for its adaptability and family-friendly features. The 2025 model introduces a visual facelift and updated technology.
From an exterior perspective, it presents a sleek, futuristic design. Its striking LED headlights are connected by a distinctive light bar, creating a modern look. The honeycomb grille on the lower bumper adds a touch of sophistication.
The vehicle rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, enhanced by gloss black trim around the windows that provides a sharp contrast. Notably, the rear passenger doors feature retro-style Macca’s drive-thru inspired windows.
Some may find the wheels a bit small relative to the van’s size, resulting in a slightly unconventional proportion, but overall, the design strikes a good balance. The rear showcases LED tail lights, and a subtle spoiler.
A wide-opening powered tailgate facilitates easy loading and unloading. It’s inside where the Multivan excels, with 469-litres of cargo capacity with all three rows in place. Take the back pews out of the equation and you increase it to 1,844-litres.
Folding down both the second and third rows expands the load area to more than 3,600-litres, making the Multivan Life highly adaptable. Options include the “Goodnight Package” fitted to our tester.
Priced at just over $4,000, it adds a bed setup, table, chairs, interior shades, and ventilation accessories, making it an instant camper. That’s not bad for the dollars, although it is building on a base price of $75,990 before on-road costs.
The rest of the Multivan’s cabin marks a significant departure from traditional commercial vans, offering a more refined, inviting, and car-like experience. The interior is bright and airy, enhanced by a large panoramic sunroof that floods the space with natural light.
The materials used are robust yet premium, featuring a combination of Alcantara and leather trim on the seats, which include comfortable captain’s chairs, equipped with electronic adjustment and massage functions for added luxury.
A 10.25-inch digital driver’s display is crisp, customisable, and provides all essential information at a glance. A 10.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
One particularly frustrating feature is the haptic feedback buttons used for climate control and volume adjustments. What makes this even more inconvenient is that these buttons aren’t illuminated at night, making it difficult to operate in the dark, on the go.
Fortunately, there’s a shortcut button on the screen that quickly takes you to the climate control functions. Although the leather steering wheel shares a familiar design reminiscent of a Golf, it thankfully doesn’t incorporate the problematic buttons.
Instead, it features physical buttons, which is a step in the right direction. The cabin offers abundant storage options too, including large door bins, a sizeable sliding centre console and cup holders.
You’ll also find a wireless charging pad, multiple USB-C ports (two in the front and four at the rear), 12V outlets front and rear, and several glove compartments. The layout is user-friendly, with the aforementioned centre console a standout.
With a simple press of a button, it rises to serve as a convenient pop-up work table, easily shifting from the front to the second and even third rows, as required. It features built-in work benches for outboard passengers, complete with storage underneath.
Passengers in the rear enjoy ample knee and headroom, with second and third row seats equipped with ISOFIX and top tether points. These also benefit from a modular design that allows for easy removal or reconfiguration.
Pulling a lever or strap enables seats to be taken out or repositioned, making the interior incredibly adaptable. The vehicle’s standard 2+2+3 seating setup can be changed freely thanks to a rail system, allowing more than seven different configurations.
The Volkswagen Multivan is equipped with a range of safety features including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active lane assist, rear cross-traffic alert, autonomous emergency braking, park assist, high beam assist and a reversing camera.
You’ll find parking sensors at the front and rear, driver fatigue monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, and a safe exit warning system too. Under the bonnet, it features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing 110kW and 360Nm.
Power is delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, with front-wheel drive as standard. Its braked towing capacity is 2,000kg, with payload sitting at 700kg. Fuel economy is a claimed 6.5-litres/100km, and we saw 7.5-litres in real world testing.
If it has any limitations, it’s that it doesn’t come in all-wheel drive, limiting its off road potential. That can be partly attributed to the fact it now sits on a Golf chassis, replacing the previous generation’s commercial platform.
This shift results in a less heavy-duty build but significantly improves the driving experience and daily comfort. Handling is agile and responsive, with its car-lie ride both stable and smooth.
Visibility is excellent, and features like heated seats for both front and second row passengers, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a quality 8-speaker sound system enhance the overall experience.
The 2025 Volkswagen Multivan Life is an impressive multi-purpose vehicle that ticks many boxes. While its starting price may seem high, it offers a compelling blend of practicality, comfort, and style.
Unlike say the Kia Carnival, the Multivan can serve as both a comfortable family vehicle and a weekend camper with the right optional equipment. Its car-like chassis makes it easier to live with on a daily basis, and its flexibility makes it perfect for multiple lifestyles.
If you’re after a stylish, adaptable, and comfortable vehicle that can handle everything from school runs to outdoor adventures, the Volkswagen Multivan is definitely worth considering. You can find out more by visiting the Volkswagen Australia website.
Alternatively, you can talk to your local dealership. To get a low rate finance quote, talk to Australia’s best reviewed car finance broker; Credit One. To see a great range of vehicles for sale, check out OnlyCars.com.au.
Our test vehicle was provided by Volkswagen Australia for independent review purposes.
