Volkswagen Multivan Alltrack is still a concept vehicle at this stage.

The all-wheel drive option has always been a popular choice with Volkswagen commercial vehicle buyers, and the German firm says that 20% of the commercial vehicles it sells in Europe are ordered with all-wheel drive.

Obviously this slice of the market includes the Amarok pick-up, but the firm’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system has always been a popular option on its vans and cars, and does add unique versatility to these models.

I’ve always been a fan of VW’s all-wheel drive van offerings, but the firm’s latest concept model, the Multivan Alltrack, takes the concept further than ever before, blurring the boundaries between SUV, van, people carrier and campervan in a direct nod to the popularity of vehicles such as the BMW X5, Volkswagen Touareg and Range Rover Sport.

Volkswagen says that the Multivan Alltrack ‘combines stylish nautical design with rugged off-road features’. I’m not sure which elements are nautical — other than the vehicle’s suitability for towing a boat, something VW is keen to emphasise — but the rugged off-road features are there for all to see in the form of 19-inch wheels, black plastic wheel arch extensions and rubbing strips, underbody protection and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

Inside the Multivan Alltrack are independently movable leather seats, along with a removable kitchen module that includes cooking facilities, a fridge and a water tank and tap.

Under the bonnet, the high-spec theme continues: the Multivan is powered by VW’s range-topping 2.0 TDI (132 kW/180 PS) engine, the power from which is transferred to a Haldex multi-plate coupling mounted to the rear axle. It has an approach angle of 21° and a departure angle of 15°.

Inside, it’s more of the same — Volkswagen’s floor track system allows the individual leather seats to be moved independently, while a removable kitchen module means that you won’t have any problem brewing up (or keeping the champagne cold).

I doubt the Multivan Alltrack will make it into production in its current format, but it showcases the potential of the Transporter/Caravelle model, at a time when competition from the new Ford Transit Custom and Vito in the mainstream van/minibus market is intensifying.