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

Confirmed: VW Group plans to cut half its model range and 100,000 jobs
VW being built

Confirmed: VW Group plans to cut half its model range and 100,000 jobs

The cuts keep coming as German giant desperately tries to remain competitive in a rapidly changing automotive landscape
News
4 Sep 2026
Rivian help to bring big change for future VW, Audi and Porsche EVs
Porsche Taycan - front cornering

Rivian help to bring big change for future VW, Audi and Porsche EVs

The boss of US firm Rivian tells us how his company is working with the VW Group to deliver a new generation of advanced electric cars
News
21 Aug 2026
New Volkswagen California Beach and ID. California Cruise are headed to this year's Caravan Salon
VW California Beach - front 3/4

New Volkswagen California Beach and ID. California Cruise are headed to this year's Caravan Salon

Caravan Salon 2026 will play host to long-awaited electric VW camper
News
11 Aug 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
5 Aug 2026

Most Popular

New Audi A2 e-tron: urban efficiency icon is reborn for the EV age
Audi A2 e-tron - Phil McNamara front

New Audi A2 e-tron: urban efficiency icon is reborn for the EV age

Audi has revealed the new A2 e-tron EV, which is set to offer incredible efficiency and a tempting £32k price tag
News
7 Sep 2026
New Dacia Spring revealed: small EV gets 50% price hike, but a big jump in quality
Dacia Spring 2026 - Jordan Katsianis

New Dacia Spring revealed: small EV gets 50% price hike, but a big jump in quality

The new Spring will be based on the adorable Renault Twingo and built here in Europe
News
8 Sep 2026
New Kia EV4 GT review: true hot hatch happens to be an EV
Kia EV4 GT - front

New Kia EV4 GT review: true hot hatch happens to be an EV

The new Kia EV4 GT plugs the performance EV gap between the smaller Alpine A290 and the hardcore Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Road tests
7 Sep 2026

Find a car with the experts