There are three trim levels for the VW Transporter T7; the Commerce, Commerce Pro and Commerce Plus. Most campervan conversion companies use the Commerce base vehicle as this is thought to be the most cost effective, but we take a different approach.
At Platinum Wave Automotive, we use the Commerce Pro as standard, as this trim level offers a level of comfort and convenience that is essential for long drives, all-seasons touring and everyday use.
If you’re shopping around for the right van for your campervan conversion, read on to learn more about trim levels and how this impacts the finished vehicle.
What are the VW Trim Levels?
VW trim levels refer to the specifications for each class of vehicle, ranging from basic entry level up to their flagship performance-styled vehicles. Each class level includes everything from the class before, plus some additional features and enhancements.
Trim not only covers external features, but also the internal configuration, cargo area, infotainment systems and driver safety features. The warranties remain the same across all trim levels, so you can feel confident you’ll be covered and protected in all instances.
What Trim Levels are Available for the VW Transporter?
The VW Transporter T7 is the latest model and offers three main trim levels.
- Commerce is the entry level vehicle offering the reliable quality that is synonymous with the VW brand.
- Commerce Plus is ideal for everyday use with added features like parking sensors and a rear parking camera.
- Commerce Pro is the premium package with popular features like automatic AC, and upgraded 360 degree cameras and heated seats.
For campervan conversions, you’re most likely to be comparing the Commerce trim with the Commerce Pro trim, so we’ll limit our focus to these two vehicles in this guide.
What Specifications do the Different Trims Include?
The majority of our competitors use the entry level Commerce base for their conversions, as this offers marginal cost reductions, but it also results in a significant loss of features. Let’s look at these specifications in more detail, followed by a comparison.
The Specifications of Commerce Trim Package
As the entry level model in the series, these are some of the standard features available with all trim packages:
- 16″ steel wheels 6.5J and Goodyear summer tyres
- Heat-reflecting side window glass
- 6-way adjustable driver seat
- Manually adjustable 2-way lumbar support for drivers seat
- Multi-function steering wheel
- Single-zone air conditioning system with manual control in cab
- Overhead storage compartment
- 12-inch digital drivers display
- 13-inch touchscreen infotainment display with Wireless App Connect and DAB radio
- 5G modem
- Cruise control system with predictive speed limiter
- Keyless Start without SAFELOCK
- Lane Assist
- Rear parking sensors
- 5-year manufacturer’s warranty on brand new vans
- 5-year roadside assistance covered by The AA
Explore the full specification.
The Specifications of Commerce Plus Trim Levels
In addition to everything in the Commerce package, this trim level also includes additional upgrades, including:
- Steel spare wheel 215 / 65 R16 C maximum speed 120 km / h, without tire pressure sensor, with jack; for 4Motion engines
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel
- Selector lever for automatic transmission on steering wheel
- Illuminated and lockable glove compartment
- Anti-theft alarm system, interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection
- Front and rear parking sensors
- Rear view camera
The Specifications of Commerce Pro Trims
Upgrading to the Commerce Pro trim will also secure the following comfort and safety features:
- 16″ silver alloy wheels “Montreal”
- Anti-theft wheel bolts
- Heated and laminated windshield made of heat-reflecting glass
- Heated seats, individually controllable
- Single-zone air conditioning system with automatic control in cab
- Wireless mobile phone charging
- Adaptive Cruise control system with predictive speed limiter (includes Traffic Jam Assist on automatic gearboxes)
- Front collision warning with braking, including Cross Traffic Assist, oncoming vehicle braking and swerve support
- Lane Assist with Blind Spot Assist and exit warning system
- Parking sensors front and rear, with manoeuvre braking
- Dynamic Road Sign Display and wrong-way driver warning
What are the Key Differences Between the Commerce, Commerce Pro and Commerce Plus Trim Levels?
| Specification | Commerce | Commerce Plus | Commerce Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior and wheels | |||
| 16″ steel wheels |
✓ |
✓ |
– |
| 16″ Montreal silver alloy wheels |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Anti-theft wheel bolts |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Heat-reflecting side window glass |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Heated, laminated windshield |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Comfort and interior | |||
| 6-way adjustable driver’s seat |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| 2-way manual lumbar support |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Multi-function steering wheel |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Manual air conditioning |
✓ |
– |
– |
| Automatic air conditioning |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Individually controlled heated seats |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Overhead storage compartment |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Illuminated, lockable glove compartment |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Technology and connectivity | |||
| 12″ digital driver display |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| 13″ touchscreen infotainment system |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Wireless App Connect and DAB radio |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| 5G modem |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Wireless phone charging |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Driving assistance and safety | |||
| Cruise control with predictive speed limiter |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Adaptive cruise control |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Lane Assist | |||
| Blind Spot Assist and exit warning |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Front collision warning with braking |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Cross Traffic Assist and oncoming vehicle braking |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Swerve support |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Dynamic Road Sign Display |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Wrong-way driver warning |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Parking and security | |||
| Rear parking sensors |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Front parking sensors |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Rear-view camera |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Manoeuvre braking |
– |
– |
✓ |
| Anti-theft alarm and interior monitoring |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Backup horn and towing protection |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| Other features | |||
| Keyless Start |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| Steering-wheel selector for automatic transmission |
– |
✓ |
✓ |
| 5-year manufacturer warranty |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| 5-year AA roadside assistance |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
The Commerce trim level certainly offers a level of comfort and convenience that most van drivers would be content with, but upgrading to the Pro trim levels will further elevate this experience.
Some of our favourite upgrade features include the front and rear parking sensors, and rear view parking cameras. This makes light work of navigating tight spots while camping and can help drivers to avoid hidden obstacles. This will ultimately protect the resale value by preventing scrapes and bumps.
Driver comfort is also prioritised in the Pro trim levels. Early mornings in a chilly van are made more comfortable with the addition of heated seats, while the heat-reflecting windshield on the Commerce Pro vehicle makes long summer drives more comfortable.
How Additional Trim Specs Make a Difference
Most people invest in a campervan to get away from home, not for everyday commuting. So along with the creature comforts in the back of the van, you also want to feel confident that long drives will feel comfortable and supported.
Safety is another key consideration for long driving trips. With the Commerce Pro trim level, you’ll enjoy intuitive driving assistance from features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist.
And in terms of security, upgrading to the Commerce Pro will introduce features like an anti-theft alarm system, interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection. It also features a lockable glove box, perfect for keeping smaller items safe and out of view.
Which Trim Level Makes a Better Base for a Campervan Conversion?
While the entry level Commerce certainly offers a level of comfort and refinement, it’s difficult to settle for less once you know what is available with the Commerce Pro.
If you’re looking for a highly equipped van with a beautiful finish, the Commerce Plus is ideal. It offers all of the essential comforts and practical features you need.
The Commerce Pro is perfect if you’re looking to take that specification even further, with a comprehensive package that offers luxury and refinement, making it the ideal all-season touring van.
What Really Goes into a Premium Campervan?
If you’re looking for a campervan on the cheap, these are certainly widely available. But those looking for a premium experience will benefit from a bespoke conversion using a top of the line van as the base.
The VW Transporter Commerce makes an excellent starting point for a campervan conversion, offering reliability and a practical foundation for life on the road. However, upgrading to a higher-specification model can take the experience to another level.
After all, your campervan isn’t just your home away from home; it’s also the vehicle you’ll rely on to get you there. You need a van that’s up to the task of navigating winding country lanes, tackling long motorway journeys or squeezing into a tight campsite pitch.
That’s why a premium campervan is about much more than beautiful interiors, residential-grade carpentry and carefully chosen fixtures. The driving experience and passenger experience is just as important. Features like adaptive cruise control, heating seats, parking sensors and a reversing camera might seem like minor details, but they’re the things that will make a noticeable difference every time you get behind the wheel.
While a more premium base might come with a higher upfront cost, these features will pay dividends in the long term. This is evident not only in the driving experience, but also in the resale value.
What you get with Platinum Wave Automotive Campervans
When buying your premium campervan, it’s essential to look past aesthetics and demand more. While flashy photography can do a lot to promote the image of campervan life, it won’t tell you much about the actual driving experience.
The right van will not only look great on your driveway, but it will also offer premium features that enhance the comfort and safety of the vehicle. With all campervan conversions, we look to further add to the quality of the base vehicle, not provide a substitute for missing essentials.
With Platinum Wave Automotive campervans, we consider a premium base vehicle to be non-negotiable. We hold Whole Vehicle Type Approval for van conversion, which means the conversion retains the original safety considerations of the base van, so we’re not substituting quality, we’re enhancing it.
Curious to see what this looks like in practice? See the T7 Transporter Commerce Pro Campervan.
Approved by: William Boyle
Managing Director, Platinum Wave Automotive
Published: 3rd November 2026