- Insider sources suggest VW has revisited earlier electric minivan concepts for development.
- The automaker believes a new electric Touran-style minivan could still make sense today.
- If approved, the compact electric MPV could reach production before the end of the decade.
Volkswagen’s van lineup is already one of the most expansive in Europe, covering everything from compact urban haulers to full-size electric people movers. And now, there’s a strong chance the family might be getting a new member, this time, a smaller electric MPV aimed at reviving a body style that’s mostly disappeared from the mainstream.
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The German carmaker currently fields the compact Caddy, the Ford-based Transporter, the in-house developed Multivan, and the all-electric ID. Buzz. But those might soon be joined by a more compact, electric alternative that could quietly take over for the aging Touran.
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Over the last decade, SUVs have more or less steamrolled minivans off the European market. Buyers swapped sliding doors for high ground clearance, leaving few traditional MPVs standing. Despite the trend, VW seems to think there’s still a case to be made for family-friendly vans, especially considering the format’s continued popularity in markets like China.
According to a report from Autocar, insider sources say VW recently dusted off some old minivan concepts as part of early-stage planning for a new model. Among them is the Budd-e, a study first shown back in 2016 at CES. Built on the MEB electric platform, the Budd-e was VW’s early attempt at blending heritage cues with forward-looking tech.
The Budd-e measures 4,597 mm (181 inches) long, which makes it slightly more compact than the standard-wheelbase ID. Buzz by 115 mm (4.5 inches), yet longer than the second-gen Touran by 70 mm (2.8 inches). It’s sized just right for the compact MPV segment, with dimensions that promise decent cabin space without overwhelming urban streets.
Thanks to a flat EV floor and short overhangs, the Budd-e’s interior packaging could be far more efficient than the Touran’s. Its microbus-inspired silhouette doesn’t just serve as a nostalgic throwback, it also helps maximize usable space. VW designers would also have more freedom to experiment with the seating layout, while sliding rear doors would add a dose of everyday practicality.
A More Affordable Alternative to the ID. Buzz?
More importantly, the new compact van would be more affordable than the ID. Buzz that starts from around $60,000 in America, targeting family buyers and taxi fleets. The UK publication describes it as a “no-nonsense, high-utility electric vehicle with sliding rear doors and strong day-to-day usability”.
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More: VW’s Future EVs Might Run On A Platform It Didn’t Even Build
The minivan project has yet to receive the green light from VW’s top brass, and remains in early development stage. Still, if it does get the green light, production could start closer to 2028. The choice of underpinnings will largely depend on the launch date, as the EV could either ride either on an evolved version of the current MEB architecture or the upcoming SSP.
Volkswagen also plans to phase out the ID naming strategy in favor of more familiar nameplates. So if this model does come to life, don’t be surprised if it wears the Touran badge once again, this time powered by electrons rather than diesel.
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