Skip advert
Advertisement

The Volkswagen Caravelle is back! Multivan name dropped as MPV range gets revamp

Dropped nameplate returns alongside updates to people carrier and campervan siblings

Volkswagen has resurrected the Caravelle nameplate it dropped in 2021 as part of a revamp of its large MPVs. 

Caravelle replaces Mutivan as the name for the big people carrier, with the California camper van also receiving the same updates to front-end styling, interior quality, equipment and infotainment. 

The most obvious change is the new, larger LED headlights, including a light bar stretching across the whole front on higher-spec models, and the redesigned front bumper. That’s joined by fresh two-tone paint finishes, combining a candy-white top half with one of grey, brown and sunset red, and a matt grey option, while five new alloy designs have been added, with the 16-inch entry wheels being dropped from the line-up. Base-spec models, now named Trend, get 17-inch steel rims.

Advertisement - Article continues below

VW claimed “major” interior changes, upping material quality alongside a new 12.9-inch infotainment screen that replaces the previous 10.0-inch version and now incorporates touch sliders for audio and air-con controls. The drive selector also moves to the steering column, as per the ID. Buzz, and smartphone fans will be excited to hear the wireless charging pad gets a power boost from five to 25 watts, while the USB ports jump from 46 to 60 watts. The cup-holders are also illuminated, while memory and massage seats are available for the first time, along with traffic-light recognition being added to the suite of safety kit. 

The Caravelle is also more flexible than ever, with a new eight-seat vis-a-vis option of two three-seat benches facing each other. 

Revised versions of both Caravelle and California will hit the UK early in 2027. 

Did you know you can sell your car through Auto Express? We’ll help you get a great price and find a great deal on a new car, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Paul Barker - editor, Auto Express
Former editor

As the former editor, Paul’s job was to steer the talented group of people that work across Auto Express and Driving Electric, as well as guiding the titles to even bigger and better things by bringing the latest important stories to our readers. Paul has been writing about cars and the car industry since 2000, working for consumer and business magazines as well as freelancing for national newspapers, industry titles and a host of major publications.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

VW to sell its high-tech Chinese models in Europe, maybe build them here too
Volkswagen ID.Era - front static

VW to sell its high-tech Chinese models in Europe, maybe build them here too

Chinese brands see Europe as a prime export market, but VW thinks its own Chinese operation can get in on the action too
News
24 Jul 2026
Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG list with our best (and worst) picks
Electric car charging mega test - Renault 5 front angled

Which cars qualify for the electric car grant? Full ECG list with our best (and worst) picks

In excess of 60 electric cars are now eligible for a Government-funded discount. Which should you go for from the ever-growing list?
News
23 Jul 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Polo will start from under £24,000
Volkswagen ID Polo - front static

New Volkswagen ID. Polo will start from under £24,000

Volkswagen’s electric supermini is arriving with a 280-mile range, classy looks and a pinch of nostalgic charm
News
21 Jul 2026
New Volkswagen ID. Cross: 278-mile electric SUV is gunning for Renault 4
Phil McNamara with the Volkswagen ID. Cross

New Volkswagen ID. Cross: 278-mile electric SUV is gunning for Renault 4

The new all-electric Volkswagen ID. Cross is here to take on the small SUV elite, and it's set to cost from £28k
News
16 Jul 2026

Most Popular

New Ford Kuga flagship family crossover coming 2029
Ford Kuga - main image

New Ford Kuga flagship family crossover coming 2029

The new electric and hybrid powered family crossover will be built in Valencia, Spain
News
23 Jul 2026
Electricity VAT axe to make EV charging cheaper, just not if you can’t charge at home
Vauxhall Astra GSE connected to a home wallbox charger

Electricity VAT axe to make EV charging cheaper, just not if you can’t charge at home

VAT on domestic electricity will be scrapped from October, thus widening the gap between home and public charging
News
23 Jul 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Form an orderly queue – Audi Q7 for under £550 a month
Audi Q7 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Form an orderly queue – Audi Q7 for under £550 a month

With big SUV set for imminent replacement, now’s a good time to secure Audi’s outgoing Q7 – our Deal of the Day for 24 July.
News
24 Jul 2026

Find a car with the experts