Check out the new Transporter Sportline from VW

Volkswagen even goes so far as to suggest that this new van is ‘the most distinctive and emotionally charged expression of the Transporter range, continuing a legacy that has made the Sportline an icon among performance vans.’ It is certainly a popular variant; even use the PH ads as a very unscientific metric, enter ‘sportline’ as a keyword search in the Transporter category and there are over 120 vans to choose from. Some very smart ones too: Starlight Blue works fantastic.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new Sportline largely follows the template of previous versions: it sits 29mm lower thanks to Eibach lowering springs, with a new set of 19-inch wheels that appear to have just enough sidewall protection to crash into a curb. It also gets model-specific side skirts, mirror caps, a rear bumper/spoiler combination and an “aggressive dogbone-style front bumper design.” It’s safe to say that everyone knows this is a Sportline, even if you don’t go for red. As has become the trademark of the models, there are red accents on a black grille, as if it were a GTI van. You won’t forget the special status inside either, with more red (and ‘Sportline’ embossing) on ​​the seats, plus illuminated metal scuff plates and Sportline mats. It’s not just the cosmetic stuff either; As a top of the range £60,000 van, features include Matrix LED lighting, a heated leather steering wheel and Keyless Access.

Because this is a van, choosing the Sportline specification is just one of many choices when purchasing a Transporter. VW has confirmed that Sportline will be offered in hybrid, diesel and electric powertrains, with prices starting from £62,752 for the short-wheelbase panel van – including VAT, before you spew any more tea. To make that panel van a long wheelbase, the price rises to £63,796. The five-seat SWB and LWB Kombi Sportlines cost £65,128 and £66,172 respectively.

But hold on, because there’s even more Sportline to consider. To celebrate 75 years since the VW Bus went into production in 2026, there will be something called a Transporter Sportline 75 Special Edition. We don’t need to tell you how many will be available, but they are distinguished by moss green paint (like a Golf Edition 50), green contrast stitching and Sportline 75 badging. We’d be joking here about being jealous of Screwfix’s car park, but probably those who get a Sportline 75 will be found elsewhere… spark plug. Not least because it costs £65,000 just for the panel van, or £67,000 for the Kombi. But if regular Transporter scraps are worth anything, it should be a safe investment…

And even that isn’t the end of the Transporter news for 2026, as a new Commerce Pro S model is joining the range. It will be less overt than the Sportline, on smaller 17-inch wheels and with extra black detailing, but it promises to be a lot better than the average VW van – the new splitters and spoilers will see to that. The goal is to “provide an edgier, design-focused option for customers looking for a professional presence with added visual distinction.” Orders for Transport open later this month, with deliveries on a 26-plate basis in April. The Commerce Pro S costs from £53,086 for a SWB panel van, rising to £55,786 for a LWB Combi. But we’re all Team Sportline here, right? These vans can be ordered in April, with deliveries the following month. Shortly afterwards, expect to see a swarm of (that’s the collective name) Sportlines on the nearest dual carriageway.