First produced in 1949, the VW Transporter is the best-selling van in history with over 12 million units sold worldwide. The VW T6.1 and T7 are the most recent generations of the VW Transporter van platform, with the T6 and T5 proceeding these generations.

The current generation of the Transporter is the VW T7, which was launched in 2025. This was preceded by the VW T6.1, which was a facelifted version of the T6, and launched in 2019. Production for this ceased in 2024, when the VW Transporter moved over to the Ford Pro platform. Prior to the facelifted T6.1 launching, the VW T6 was in production between 2016 and 2019. The T5 came before that and was produced from 2003 to 2016, with a facelifted model launched in 2009.

Whilst the VW Transporter is an iconic vehicle and is instantly recognisable to many, we appreciate it can be difficult to decipher the differences between each of the generations. 

At Redline Campers, we predominantly offer VW campervans built on the T6 and T6.1 platforms but we will occasionally have T5 vans for sale. With the VW T7 having launched in 2025, we are now starting to build on this platform too.

VW Transporter T5 

Produced from 2003 to 2016 (facelifted from 2009 onwards)

• Replaced the T4 (produced between 1990 to 2004)
• The first Transporter available with the option of VW’s 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
• Available with 2.0, 2.0 TSI, and 3.2 petrol engines, and 1.9 TDI PD, 2.0 TDI CR, 2.0 TDI CRBlueMotion, 2.0 BitTDI CR and 2.5 TDI PD diesel engines
• Available as a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic, and 7-speed automatic (DSG)
• Available in SWB (3000mm) and LWB (3400mm)
• Winner of the What Van? Van of the Year award in its first year of launch

VW Transporter T6

Produced from 2016 to 2019

• Replaced the T5
• Based on the same 7H / 7J platform as the T6 but with a significant number of revisions and updates
• These revisions and updates include a new dashboard layout, a new front end, and cosmetic revisions to the tailgate/rear doors and rear lights
• Available with LED headlights and LED rear lights for the first time
• Available with 2.0L petrol, and 2.0L TDI turbo and 2.0 L BiTDi twin-turbo engines
• Winner of International Van of the Year and Auto Express Van of the Year award in its first year of launch

Learn more about the VW T6 and see our VW T6 campervans for sale

VW Transporter T6.1 

Produced from 2019 onwards

• Facelifted version of the VW Transporter T6
• Styling upgrades include a deeper front grille
• Interior upgrades include a new dashboard, VW’s updated infotainment system, and the option of VW’s ‘Virtual Cockpit’
• Features high-intensity H7 headlights and daytime running lights and LED rear lights
• Includes intelligent driver assistance systems including Park Assistant, Cross Wind Assist and Lane Assist
• Available with 2.0-litre TDI engine
• Available in 90bhp, 110bhp, 150bhp, 199bhp and 204bhp variants
• Available with a five-speed manual gearbox and front-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox and front wheel drive, a seven-speed DSG automatic, and in 4Motion four-wheel drive (4WD)

Learn more about the VW T6.1 and see our VW T6.1 campervans for sale

To make identifying each of these models easier for you, we have produced the following video…

VW Transporter T7

Produced from 2025 onwards

• Fully redesigned vehicle, the T7 is a departure from the Volkswagen Group’s T6 platform
• Built on the Ford Pro Platform
• Manufactured in-conjunction with Ford at the Ford Otosan factory in Gölcük, Türkiye
• Shares a platform with the latest generation Ford Transit Custom and Ford Tourneo
• Available in three trim levels – Commerce, Commerce Plus, and Commerce Pro
• Available with either a 2.0L diesel (TDI) or plug-in hybrid engine
• Available in both short wheelbase (5.05m) and long wheelbase (5.45m)
• Available in 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic/DSG transmission, and in 4Motion four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Initially available in 110bhp and 150bhp variants
• Features LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and super-bright LED rear lights, as standard
• Features a 12-inch digital cockpit instrument display,and a 13-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as standard
• Includes intelligent driver assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Park Assistant, Cross Wind Assist and Lane Assist
• Supplied with USB-A, USB-C and 12V power sockets, as standard

Learn more about the VW T7 and see our VW T7 campervans for sale

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