It can reach speeds of triple-digits.
There are many options for cargo vans in America, with the Old Continent having many different models and makes that can carry your cargo. The VW Crafter is one such option. This big van is the subject of a new German Autobahn top speed clip from Meilensammler. It travels at 164 km/h (102 miles/h) and can be seen zooming along the Meilensammler YouTube channel.
In the grand scheme of things, this speed isn’t very impressive. Even with aerodynamic improvements, the VW Crafter still feels like trying to move a brick wall in the air. The Crafter’s performance is even more impressive when this is considered. The Crafter is quite fast for a cargo van and can easily reach speeds that would be illegal in the US. This video captures not only the van’s acceleration, but also the wind noise at higher speeds.
German Autobahn has become the most popular road for YouTube top-speed runs. The highway’s wide open areas allow for any speed that a car can go. The Crafter’s triple-digit speed is possible thanks to Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter twin turbocharged TDI diesel engine. It produces 177 horsepower (137 kilowatts), and 309 poundfeet (342 Newton-meters). The engine can deliver power to either the front or all four wheels.
Although it may not be as appealing to see cargo vans rocket down the Autobahn, it is no less impressive. This video shows the van passing large semi-trucks and SUVs. The Crafter, the second generation model, was launched in 2017. It is the largest Volkswagen van, but it still follows the design principles of smaller models like the Caddy or T6 Transporter. The second-generation update to Volkswagen included a lot of safety tech and creature comforts.