
Volkswagen's 7-seater models include: Touran, Sharan, Multivan, Volkswagen Caravelle, Touran, etc. Taking the 2021 Touran as an example, it belongs to the MPV category with body dimensions of: length 4527mm, width 1829mm, height 1659mm, wheelbase 2791mm, fuel tank capacity 60l, luggage compartment capacity 137l, and curb weight 1515kg. The 2021 Touran is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 150PS, maximum power of 110kW, maximum torque of 250Nm, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Actually, there are quite a few 7-seater options from Volkswagen now. When our family changed cars the year before last, we were drawn to the Teramont—its rear seats can comfortably accommodate three adults. It's especially practical for picking up the kids from school during weekdays and taking parents grocery shopping on weekends. The Tiguan L also has a 7-seater version; although the third row is a bit cramped, it's nearly 50,000 yuan cheaper. If it's mainly for business use, consider the Viloran, with its second-row independent seats featuring massage functions—clients who've ridden in it once said it feels like a mobile meeting room. Recently, we also test-drove the ID.6 Crozz; a single charge can cover over 500 kilometers, and the completely flat floor means kids won't trip when moving around inside. However, the Sharan has indeed been discontinued, but you can still find well-maintained used ones in the second-hand car market.

Volkswagen's 7-seater models mainly fall into three categories: The first type is large SUVs like the Touareg, which can accommodate seven passengers and still have space for two suitcases in the trunk. The second type is MPVs like the Viloran, featuring aviation-style middle-row seats that can recline flat, making long 4-hour journeys comfortable. The Tiguan L belongs to the compact 7-seater category, with its third row suitable for temporary use. The electric model ID.6 is currently quite popular, equipped with tri-zone climate control allowing rear passengers to adjust temperature independently. In terms of cargo capacity, the Touareg with seats folded down can even fit 2-meter-long skirting boards from my home renovation project.

I just compared these models a couple of days ago when selecting reception vehicles for our company. The Touareg X's sports kit is considered stylish by young people, but the standard version is more practical for family use. The Viloran's second-row seats with leg rests make it more suitable for business receptions, and its sound insulation is significantly better than SUVs. Currently, purchasing the ID.6 exempts you from purchase tax, and they offer free charging station installation. Last week, I took the Touareg for a family camping trip—the rear two rows fold flat to create a double bed. The roof rack with an additional bike mount was something I hadn't expected from a seven-seater.

The seven-seat layout of Volkswagen is quite interesting. The Touareg features a traditional 2+3+2 arrangement, requiring the second-row seats to be folded for access to the third row. The Viloran adopts a 2+2+3 design, with a central aisle allowing direct walk-through to the rear seats. The Viloran offers the most generous legroom in the third row, but the Touareg provides 10 cm more headroom. For the Tiguan L, it's recommended to opt for the panoramic sunroof to avoid a cramped feeling in the third row. It's important to note that seven-seater vehicles require two additional annual inspections compared to five-seaters.


