Volkswagen Multivan and California get all-wheel drive PHEVs
The Volkswagen Multivan and its camper counterpart California have been given all-wheel drive thanks to the introduction of a new 245 hp (180 kW) plug-in hybrid powertrain. The electric range reaches 59 miles (95 kilometres) according to the manufacturer.
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In the UK, prices for the new VW Multivan PHEV start from £54,525 (€63,517). The California is asking from £71,295 (€83,053).
The powertrain includes a 1.5 TSI evo2 petrol engine, a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox and two electric motors (one at the front and one at the rear). Together, they allow the van to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.0 seconds. The California is less energy efficient due to its extra weight.
Schematic diagram of the hybrid all-wheel drive system for the VW Multivan PHEV. Illustration: Volkswagen
The 19.7 kWh battery can be charged with up to 50 kW of power when connected to a DC fast station or up to 11 kW when connected to an AC source.
Volkswagen says the PHEV system runs on electricity as often as possible. The front engine takes priority over the rear or petrol engine. The latter is mainly used to generate electricity, only driving the wheels when the battery is low or when downshifting is activated.
The rear engine is also disconnected from the transmission at speeds above 81 miles per hour (130 km/h) to improve energy efficiency.
The new all-wheel drive system replaces the previous PHEV option in the Multivan based on the 1.4-litre petrol engine.
Source: Volkswagen