Volkswagen Crafter prototype spotted with digital displays, larger center screen

In the world of Volkswagen, the Crafter is the largest van they offer, and a revised version is under construction. Spotted for the first time by spy photographers, this early glimpse of the updated Crafter isn't your typical sneak peek.

Normally, spy shots focus mainly on a vehicle's exterior, but in this case, the spotlight is on the interior. The test model certainly indicates that revisions are on the way for Volkswagen's spacious van. The dashboard was heavily camouflaged, but the vehicle was stationary and its brand-new digital dashboard was left exposed. It takes the place of the traditional analog gauges and is situated behind a redesigned steering wheel, adjacent to an upsized central screen with a floating design.

This introduction of new screens calls for a considerable redesign of the dashboard. An electronic handbrake is now noticeable to the left of the central display, replacing a previous air vent. Some shuffling of knobs and buttons below the screen also seems to be underway. However, the basic arrangement, including the gear selector's low dashboard position, is likely to remain the same. And since this is a prototype, alterations could still happen before the vehicle hits the production line.

Regarding the exterior, there should be at least some minor changes to the existing design. This prototype essentially mirrors the current Crafter model. However, spy sources suggest minor tweaks are coming to both front and rear ends. Using a current-gen body to conceal interior and technology improvements is a smart tactic. Any shifts are expected to be subtle, especially since a completely new Crafter iteration could be released within the next few years, potentially as soon as 2026.

Given that context, this could very well be an initial look at an early next-generation model. The existing Crafter debuted for the 2017 model year, and vans like this often enjoy longer production cycles compared to more common vehicles. The release timeline will be the key; if the next-gen version lands in 2026, there's little scope for introducing a mid-cycle refresh. However, if the new version debuts later in the decade, a refreshed model appearing in 2024 would be entirely plausible.

Source: Motor1