2025 MAN TGE: Everything You Need To Know
You’ve heard of ‘white van man’, now you can literally be ‘white van man in a MAN van’.
Full disclosure, there are other colours beyond just white but there is definitely some ‘punny’ kudos in being able to call yourself a ‘MAN van man’... well, we think it is good.
Anyway, while you may recognise MAN as a brand, particularly if you spend a lot of time on highways, you may not realise the German company has fairly-recently branched out into offering its first light commercial vehicle, the MAN TGE.
Indeed, if you happen to pay close attention to trucks out on their on the road, you’ll know MAN is one of the world’s most prolific HGV manufacturers, adorning hundreds of thousands of lorries, trucks and buses that criss-cross the UK, Europe and beyond.
The TGE, however, represents its first foray into the lighter commercial market and while it might look very similar to another popular large model on our roads, it’s worth noting that company’s expertise in haulage transport gives it an attractive set of attributes unique to MAN van ownership.
Do I Recognise The MAN TGE?
Yes, you should. The MAN TGE is based heavily on the well-established, popular and well-regarded Volkswagen Crafter.
This is made possible by MAN being owned by the Volkswagen Group under the Traton SE banner.
It means there is barely anything to choose between the TGE and Crafter when viewed from most angles, with the only cosmetic differences limited to a modified front-end – complete with MAN’s roaring lion motif – and labelling around the cab (like an HGV) and at the rear.
This is not necessarily a bad thing, however, the Crafter’s functional, utilitarian silhouette designed to maximise interior room without sacrificing the sophistication that chunky VW designs tend to exude.
2025 MAN TGE: Dimensions, Trims & Body Styles
Length: 5986mm (Standard), 6836mm (Long), 7391mm (Extra Long)
Height: 2355mm (Standard), 2590mm (High), 2798mm (Super High)
Width: 2427mm
Wheelbase: 3640mm (Standard), 4490mm (High & Super High)
Payload:
Standard – 1217-1226kg (FWD), 1058kg (AWD), 1145-2916kg (RWD)
Long – 1105-1117 (FWD), 960kg (AWD), 1032-2809 (RWD)
Extra Long – 1055-1065kg (FWD), 892kg (AWD), 2227-2727kg (RWD)
Cargo Capacity: 990 litres (Standard) to 18,400 litres (Extra Long, Super High)
Towing Capacity: 3000-3500kg
The MAN TGE is available in 13 different configurations ranging from the standard panel van all the way to a chassis crew cab.
As a base panel van, the TGE – that being standard length and normal height – measures a whopping 5986mm in length but this can be extended to 6836mm in Long trim or even 7391 in Extra Long body style.
Beyond this, all three lengths can be had with a high roof (2590mm) or a ‘super-high roof’ 2798mm with the Long and Extra Long versions.
Furthermore, the TGE can be specified as a cowl flatframe, a chassis cab – for tippers and dropside vans – and a chassis crew cab in different lengths.
Cargo capacities differ depending on which size MAN TGE you choose but in terms of load bay space, the standard panel van offers up to 9990 litres, rising to a cavernous 18,400 litres if you opt for the extra-long, super height model.
The same goes for payload, with variables being the size of the TGE, plus which engine and drivetrain (front, rear and all-wheel drive) you choose.
Regardless, as with the Crafter upon which it is based, the MAN TGE is competitive with other models in its class, such as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, Ford Transit and Vauxhall Movano.
2025 MAN TGE: Engine, Performance & Drivetrains
- 2.0-litre Diesel (138bhp, 161bhp, 174bhp)
The MAN TGE is available with just a single engine size – a well-proven VW-sourced 2.0-litre turbodiesel – but it can be selected in three different power options across multiple drivetrains and transmissions.
At its base, the TGE can be specified with a power output of 138bhp and is only available in front-wheel drive
The more powerful 161bhp TGE can be had in front, rear and all-wheel drive, as can the flagship 174bhp model.
Indeed, key to the TGE’s appeal is the option to specify it with a conventional front-wheel drivetrain, or – if you’re planning to carry particularly heavy payloads – it also comes in a rear-wheel drive format with large dimension models.
For those that have designs on venturing onto more rutted trails, the TGE is also available in a 4x4 set-up.
2025 MAN TGE: Specification & Features
The MAN TGE can be specified with a choice of three trim levels: Lion XS, Lion XC and Lion XP.
Standard kit across all three models is generous with a large 10.4-inch touchscreen with USB and Bluetooth connection (Lion XP gets navigation functionality), keyless go, electronic brake assist (EBA), electronic stability control (ESC), crosswind assist, hill start control, cruise control and active lane keeping system.
It also offers grab handles on rear entry pillars, lashing rings for load restraint system and two load-lashing rings on the B pillar.
The Lion XC adds climatic air-conditioning, cargo area anti-slip floor covering and electronic heated and adjustable mirrors.
The flagship Lion XP adds a MAN Media Van Navigation, rearview camera, blind-spot warning and lane change system.
While the TGE does share the majority of its physical attributes with the VW Crafter, where MAN does stand out is in aftersales care, with owners able to take advantage of the company’s nationwide HGV maintenance and technical assistance infrastructure.
It’s a network that is focused on ensuring quick turnaround times to ensure MAN’s trucks are off the road for as short a time as possible. The same applies to the TGE, which in turn benefits from 24-hour service centres in case you hit a problem out on the road.
