This trip was really the first time we'd properly put our VW Multivan Long Wheelbase through its paces as a family - a full week away, four kids, and a boot packed to the brim. So I thought it was about time for a proper review.
The technical bit
For anyone considering one, here's what you're actually working with. The long wheelbase Multivan measures 5,173mm in length, with a wheelbase of 3,124mm - that extra length compared to the short wheelbase version is exactly what gives you the boot space I'll come onto below. It seats up to seven, with all individual rear seats mounted on rails so the whole interior can be reconfigured depending on what you need that day.
Endless seat versatility
This is genuinely the standout feature for us. Because every seat is on rails and has its own integrated seatbelt, I can move them around, spin them to face whichever direction I like, take them out completely, or leave them in - whatever the day calls for. You can even remove the central console, which has little meeting-room-style tables built in. It feels completely modular, which honestly speaks to the part of me that used to rearrange my bedroom furniture every few weeks as a kid!
One configuration we found genuinely useful: with the middle row of seats facing backwards, you get a surprisingly large storage space between the front seats and that middle row. Combined with taking seats out entirely when we didn't need them, we found extra storage in places we didn't expect - it's amazing how much space you free up just by rethinking the layout.
Proper seats, proper space
Unlike a lot of seven-seaters, there are no tiny, cramped middle seats here - every single seat is a full-size seat. And up front, the space for us as parents is immense. After a long day of driving, that matters more than you'd think.
The boot
We deliberately chose the long wheelbase version, and it was the right call. In the showroom, the extra length didn't look like it would make much difference but in reality, it meant we could properly pack the boot out and still see clearly through the rear-view mirror. For a family who never packs light, that extra bit of length earns its keep.
Electric doors
A small thing, but a genuinely brilliant one - the electric sliding doors and boot, all operable from the key, feel like a little bit of magic every time. Handy at the best of times, but an absolute lifesaver when your hands are full of children, snacks, and bags.
The cons
Nothing's perfect, so in the interest of an honest review:
- My husband wanted a panoramic roof, something about it letting in more light so will feel brighter and bigger. I'm less bothered - all a panoramic roof means to me now is more visibility of exactly how much the birds have used the roof as a toilet!
- It's a big van, which means a big tank, which means a genuinely big fill-up cost - and with diesel prices continuing to creep up, that's something to factor into your running costs.
Overall
This van is SO good for our family of six. We don't pack light wherever we go, and this van pulls its weight (quite literally) getting all our stuff to wherever we're headed. We made a very conscious list of what we needed from a family van before buying, and the VW Multivan Long Wheelbase has absolutely delivered on every point.
