VW was spotted testing what looks like a slightly different T6 Caravelle/Transporter, with the cars being free of the usual camouflage.

The big difference is up front, where these early test mules feature a wide Touareg-like front grille, indicating probably at new powertrains being developed.

The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle/Transporter is reportedly going to migrate on the widely used MQB platform, which will introduce notable weight savings and improved safety along with more efficient powertrains.

Speaking of which, it will be interesting to see where VW will focus with the T7, especially in its passenger Caravelle version, since diesel engines appear to be headed toward the exit. Diesel engines will be offered, at least for the commercial van version, since they remain the most popular option in Europe, but we also expect to see mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions backed up by a 48-volt electrical system.

Some reports suggest that the new generation might even gain a fully electric version for professional use in urban areas. VW has already announced a new electric Microbus based on the I.D. Buzz concept for 2022, so sharing parts would not be that difficult.

The development is still in its early stages, with the test mules wearing the current model’s bodywork, so we can’t really predict the design of the new T7. If we had to guess, we would say that the all-new T7 Caravelle/Transporter will borrow the latest design cues from other VW models and just call it a day.

VW will probably reveal the new T7 Caravelle/Transporter in late 2019, with sales to begin in 2020, so expect to hear more from it in the coming months.

VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-16 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-15 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-14 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-13 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-12 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-11 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-10 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-9 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-8 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-7 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-6 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-5 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-4 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-3 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-2 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-1 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-16 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-15 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-14 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-13 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-12 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-11 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-10 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-9 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-8 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-7 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-6 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-5 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-4 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-3 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-2 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?
VW-Caravelle-T6-Facelift-1 Is The 2020 VW T7 Caravelle Hiding Under These T6 Test Cars?

Image Credits: CarPix for CarScoops