VW's Electric Van Push and Amarok Updates: What WA Buyers Need to Know

Volkswagen is lining up a serious run of new and updated commercial vehicles for Australia, with several models arriving later this year and into early 2027. For WA buyers — whether you're running a tradie ute, a family hauler, or looking at an EV for Perth city driving — there's a fair bit to pay attention to here.

The ID.Buzz Gets More Capable

The headline act is a significant expansion of the ID.Buzz electric van range. Up until now, the ID.Buzz Pro has only been available with a single rear-mounted motor. That changes with the MY27 update, which adds an all-wheel drive version of the Pro trim — sitting below the existing GTX flagship AWD variant and giving buyers a mid-tier AWD option.

The ID.Buzz Cargo — the commercial van variant — also gets an AWD option plus a long-wheelbase body style for MY27. That long-wheelbase version will appeal to small business operators who need more load space without stepping up to a full truck. VW hasn't revealed full details of what else is changing with the MY27 refresh just yet, so expect more information closer to launch.

For Perth buyers weighing up an EV van, the added AWD choice is useful — not necessarily for off-road use, but for the extra traction and performance confidence that some buyers prioritise.

PHEVs for the Multivan and Caddy

If full electric isn't on your radar, VW is also bringing plug-in hybrid options to two popular vans. A PHEV version of the Multivan people-mover is confirmed for Q1 2027, expected to come with all-wheel drive. This will be joined by an Australian launch of the Caddy PHEV.

For WA families doing school runs and weekend trips in Perth, a PHEV Multivan makes practical sense — you get electric running around the suburbs where fuel costs add up, without stressing about range on longer drives to Mandurah or the South West.

Amarok Updates Worth Watching

On the ute front, the MY26 Amarok update is rolling out with some meaningful mechanical changes. The entry-level Amarok Core drops its 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel in favour of an updated 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel — the same direction Ford took with the Ranger MY26 update, given the two share underpinnings. Critically, this new engine swaps the wet belt for a timing chain, which is a more durable setup and a legitimate long-term reliability improvement for buyers racking up serious kilometres on WA roads.

The Core also picks up a 10-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old six-speed auto. More ratios means better fuel efficiency on the highway — handy when you're doing long hauls between Perth and regional WA where fuel prices bite harder.

The MY26 update also axes the 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel across the range, adds a new Amarok Style variant with a 2.3-litre turbo-petrol engine, and introduces a special edition Amarok Dark Label. There's also the Amarok W600 — a version developed with Walkinshaw, the Australian engineering firm — heading to market.

Pricing for the MY26 Amarok hasn't been published yet, so hold off before committing to a deal on the current model if you're in the market for a new Amarok soon.