Make / Model Search
Future models - Volkswagen - Multivan - hybridPHEV goes AWD for VW Multivan and CaliforniaVolkswagen reveals new AWD PHEV system destined for Multivan, California models3 Jul 2025 VOLKSWAGEN has revealed details of a new plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system, dubbed eHybrid 4Motion, which has been developed for its Multivan people mover and California motorhome models.
While already available in front-wheel drive PHEV format, both will soon feature the manufacturer's new all-wheel drive hybrid system boasting more power and range.
Volkswagen Australia has not yet confirmed the eHybrid 4motion powertrain for local showrooms but did earlier this year confirm that a plug-in hybrid version of the Multivan would make its way Down Under in early 2026.
The new AWD system uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 130kW/250Nm, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, as well as two electric motors producing 85kW (front) and 100kW (rear), for total usable power of 180kW.
As a result, the new eHybrid system is significantly more powerful than the front-wheel drive version, which produces combined outputs of 160kW.
The new system also features a larger 19.7kWh battery pack, compared with the front-wheel drive system’s 10.4kWh unit, and it is able to be charged at a DC rate of up to 50kW – up from the 2WD’s 3.6kW AC-only rate.
It delivers a claimed electric-only range of up to 95km, while charging from 10 to 80 per cent is said to take less than 30 minutes when using a 50kW DC charger.
With a choice of Eco, Comfort, Sport and Individual driving modes, the system offers various states of front- and all-wheel drive depending on the chosen setting and detected traction requirements.
Volkswagen explains that in Eco and Comfort modes, the rear motor remains uncoupled until required at speeds of above 65km/h, while it remains coupled up to 130km/h in Sport mode
Above 130km/h the rear motor decouples regardless of drive mode.
The system partitions power using the electronic stability control, based on traction at each axle, with Volkswagen confirming that 100 per cent of the drive power can be sent to either the front or rear axle.
Interestingly, the rear motor can be used even when the onboard battery is empty, with the petrol engine and front motor acting as a generator to power the rear unit.
The hi-tech system is said to return combined fuel consumption of 0.8-1.0L/100km when charged and 7.6-8.1L/100km when the battery is depleted  Read more1st of July 2025  10 Deserts Edition leads updated Amarok rangeVolkswagen updates Amarok utility range, 10 Deserts Edition available from $68,490All future models Alfa Romeo Abarth Audi Aston Martin BMW Bentley Chrysler Chevrolet Dodge Citroen Ferrari DS Ford Fiat FPV Foton Haval Great Wall Honda Holden Hyundai HSV Isuzu Infiniti Jeep Jaguar Lamborghini Kia Lexus Land Rover Mazda Maserati Mercedes-Benz McLaren Mini MG Nissan Mitsubishi Peugeot Opel Proton Porsche Renault Ram Saab Rolls-Royce Smart Skoda Subaru SsangYong Tesla Suzuki Volkswagen Toyota VolvoMultivan pricing
Motor industry news GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
Click to shareVolkswagen modelsResearch Volkswagen All future modelsAlfa RomeoAbarthAudiAston MartinBMWBentleyChryslerChevroletDodgeCitroenFerrariDSFordFiatFPVFotonHavalGreat WallHondaHoldenHyundaiHSVIsuzuInfinitiJeepJaguarLamborghiniKiaLexusLand RoverMazdaMaseratiMercedes-BenzMcLarenMiniMGNissanMitsubishiPeugeotOpelProtonPorscheRenaultRamSaabRolls-RoyceSmartSkodaSubaruSsangYongTeslaSuzukiVolkswagenToyotaVolvoMultivan pricing
Motor industry newsGoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events. |
Connect with us
Facebook Twitter Instagram