MAN TGE review (2024)

• Car-like driving experience with supreme comfort
• 2.0-litre engines seem up to the job
• RWD models less refined but better for heavy duty operations

Unsurprisingly, the MAN TGE drives like a VW Crafter. But since the Crafter is one of the friendliest large vans on sale from behind the wheel, you can chalk that up as a significant win.

MAN TGE engine options, power and torque

The TGE comes with the following engine options, all based on a 2.0-litre TDI turbodiesel from Volkswagen:

• 102hp / 300Nm single-turbo
• 122hp / 300Nm single-turbo (only available on RWD models)
• 140hp / 340Nm single-turbo
• 177hp / 410Nm twin-turbo

Having sampled all but the 122hp version, it's clear that this 2.0-litre engine is more than up to the job of getting this large van moving.

The 102hp TGEs are acceptably brisk, while the 177hp model feels decidely rapid – up to and beyond UK motorway speeds. This leaves the 140hp engine as a sensible middle ground, and the option most operators are likely to choose.

As of late 2023, MAN offered another upgrade over and above the 177hp power option. By tweaking the ECU and some other software, MAN has managed to get an extra 25hp out of the engine, providing 202hp in total. Although it doesn't have final information on exactly what other figures this impacts, it does make for a faster van with most of this extra pace coming when overtaking on the motorway.

What’s the MAN TGE like to drive?

As well as travelling thousands of miles on the road at the wheel of the essentially identical VW Crafter (read our long-term test here), we've also driven the TGE on racing circuits and test tracks, allowing us to stretch its limits in ways that wouldn't be possible on the public highway.

For example, we've circled a high speed bowl at 100mph while carrying a 750kg payload, and tried an unladen front-wheel drive TGE on a skidpan during a simulated rainstorm.

In both instances the MAN van proved unflappably stable and secure from behind the wheel. Combine this with light yet accurate electric power steering that makes it as easy to handle as a car in all but the tightest situations, and you've got a van that's a genuine joy to drive in almost any circumstances.

The manual gearchange is light and slick to use, while the eight-speed automatic is responsive and loses nothing in terms of flexibility of use compared with the manual. The auto should theoretically reduce your clutch replacement costs, too.

The power upgrade that comes as a result of the MY2025 update makes for a faster van, but only at higher speeds. When pulling off the line there is no notable difference to the 177hp version, but as you get to around 30mph the power upgrade starts to make its presence known and it starts to pull away. It does so without a surge of extra power - as it would do if it was being powered by an extra turbocharger - but rather keeps building speed. It's more marginal gains rather than a massive upgrade though, and it is arguable that panel van buyers won't see the benefit - the 177hp version is not exactly lacking after all...

MAN TGE ride comfort

The TGE's suspension set up is the same as the Crafter's, and so it shares its sister van's exceptional ride comfort and compliance. As a result it's comfier over long distances than many cars.

Especially since the MAN gets an upgraded 'comfort' driver's seat as standard.

A selection of suspension upgrades are available on the options list, meaning the TGE can be further tailored for heavy duty work.

MAN TGE: FWD vs RWD vs AWD

Front-wheel drive (FWD) TGEs are the most refined, have the lowest loading height and higher payload ratings spec-for-spec.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) variants suffer from a slight increase in vibration and noise, which can be felt in the cab. They should be better for particularly heavy payloads and towing, however, which is worth keeping in mind.

All-wheel drive (AWD) TGEs don't look much different from the outside, but with the ability to send power to the axle with the most grip on demand – in other words, without any need to mess about with switches – they calmly negotiate slippery surfaces with very little fuss.

The limited ground clearance means they aren’t suitable for very heavy off-road work, and there is no low-range gear setting like you’d find in many pickups. But a locking rear differential is an option, and if you need a van that will make light work of unpaved tracks when required the TGE is certainly capable.

As of 2023, the AWD version can come with air suspension. We've only tried this on a relatively inoffensive off-road course (being led around by a standard all-wheel-drive Audi Q7 gave an early indication that it wasn't going to be too taxing...) and there was little major discernible difference. It seemed to make things slightly smoother when moving over rutted ground at a speed faster than a crawl, but it doesn't make a drastic difference.

• Quality and comfort are top of the class
• Lots of storage, though not much is covered
• Simple to use controls

The MAN TGE has a brilliant driver’s cab. It’s well-made, practical, and a nice, comfortable place to spend time.

Yet another asset the TGE borrows from the Crafter, placing it above all other large vans – with the possible exception of the 2018-on Mercedes Sprinter, and even that struggles to match its German rivals for quality and functionality.

Major plus points are its big, clear instruments, solid and chunky stalk controls and infotainment set-up, and the copious amounts of storage space in the cab.

We’ll give it a thumbs up, too, for its large dash-top cubbies (although shame they aren’t covered), quartet of generously-sized cupholders, and sensibly-designed overhead bins.

Want to work in your cab? Then the folding centre seat (to form a desktop) and plentiful power sources are all very useful. The availability of heated windscreen, seats and steering wheel all make life easier, too.

The VW-derived touchscreen infotainment system has historically been optional, but as of the MY25 updates this will become standard. The less-good news is that the system is the somewhat-maligned VW infotainment system.

• Single standard specification - but lots of options
• Official fuel economy is not great
• Long service intervals, out-of-hours servicing

MAN does not sell the TGE in different trim levels – there is just a single specification, and a lengthy options list.

We’ve detailed the standard equipment below, but spec-for-spec, the MAN is typically priced very competitively versus its VW Crafter cousin, especially when you consider the extensive service and maintenance backup available through the MAN truck dealer network.

This means it’s also on the costlier side compared with almost every rival bar the Mercedes Sprinter. This is not the same as saying it’s poor value, however – the phrase ‘you get what you pay for’ applies as well here as it does anywhere else.

However…

MAN TGE fuel economy

Fuel economy isn’t the TGE’s strongest area. Almost every rival in the large van class (bar the Crafter) offers better on-paper efficiency than the 38.2mpg best MAN offers.

Opt for the more powerful 177hp engine, or one of the bigger body sizes, and won’t even get that.

And that's a pre-WLTP. This new testing procedure was introduced in September 2019, and is tougher than the old NEDC standard, making the figures all worse on paper.

Regardless, real-world economy is likely to be around 30mpg in all versions. A stop-start system is fitted as standard.

The TGE uses AdBlue to meet Euro 6 emissions regulations; each tankful should last around 5,000 miles, depending on how and where you drive.

MAN TGE servicing

Service intervals fall every 30,000 miles, though the trip computer will monitor this and alert you whenever a service is required.

MAN offers a choice of service contracts (or maintenance plans), and every TGE comes with a MAN Mobile24 24 hour roadside assistance package should the worst happen.

MAN TGE standard equipment

These are the MAN TGE’s standard equipment highlights (June 2018):

• Comfort driver’s seat with two-way lumbar support
• Dual passenger seat with fold down table and storage box
• Multi-function steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment
• Bluetooth and USB connection
• 12v socket
• Cruise control with adjustable speed limiter
• Full-height steel bulkhead
• Bodybuilder module with telematics preparation
• 16-inch steel wheels

As of 2024, this will change to include the following:

• Smartphone integration
• A digital instrument panel
• Electronic parking brake
• Keyless start
• Passenger airbag
• USB-C sockets
• Crash data recorder

Note that safety equipment – of which there is a lot – is detailed separately in the Safety and Security section of this review, below.

The real highlights here are comfort driver’s seat and the cruise control, which will improve longer journeys especially. The bodybuilder module makes every TGE sold in the UK suitable for conversion for specialist use, which may be a particular benefit when buying or selling used.

However, we’re surprised that air-conditioning isn’t considered an essential these days (though it does impact fuel economy and payload, so perhaps there's a reason for that).

You’ll also need to pay extra for fitted sat-nav – this is a VW-based system, and among the more user-friendly offerings on the market.

Beyond all of this lies a vast options list, so MAN has sensibly collated some popular selections into various equipment packages, adding both convenience and value.

MAN TGE equipment packages

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s included in some of the more interesting equipment packages.

The MAN TGE light and sight package includes:

• High beam assist
• Automatic lights
• Automatic wipers
• Front foglights which function as cornering lights at low speed

The MAN TGE comfort package includes:

• Four 12v sockets in the cab (three in the dashboard, one in the driver’s seat frame)
• Two DIN slots and a reading light mounted in the roof
• ‘Comfort Plus’ driver’s seat
• 'Premium' interior noise dampening

The MAN TGE comfort package plus includes:

• Four 12v sockets in the cab (three in the dashboard, one in the driver’s seat frame)
• Two DIN slots and a reading light mounted in the roof
• Chrome package
• Heated leather steering wheel with multi-function controls
• ‘ErgoActive’ suspension seat for driver
• 'Premium' interior noise dampening
• Adaptive cruise control
• Step lighting at the front

The MAN TGE winter package includes:

• Heated, insulated laminated-glass windscreen
• Additional 1,400W electric heating system
• 7.0-litre windscreen washer bottle/reservoir with level indicator
• Headlight cleaning system
• Heated windscreen washer nozzles

In addition to these, MAN also offers a pair of safety packages (detailed in the safety section below) and a trio of industry-specific packages. Two of these are aimed at tipper and dropside conversions.

The third is the ‘driver assist distributor package’, which is intended to make life easier for parcel couriers and the like who have regular stops, particularly in tight streets. It includes:

• Reversing camera
• Heated, foldable, electric door mirrors
• Blindspot monitors and cross-traffic alert (labelled ‘lane change assist)
• Side marker lights
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Side sensors (labelled ‘lateral protect assist’)

The MAN TGE should offer the same reliability as the equivalent VW Crafter – and we've seen no major reports of problems with either.

VW generally performs well in the FN50 van reliability survey, and we have no reason to think the Crafter – or TGE – will be any different.

We'll update this if we hear anything to the contrary, and if you have any personal experience in this area please drop us a line via the Parkers feedback email address.

Should the worst happen, all MAN TGEs come with a 24-hour roadside assistance package, and the MAN dealer network is very much geared towards minimising downtime, as it is used to doing the same for trucks, where downtime is even more critical.

• Lots of active safety kit
• Clever optional extras
• No alarm fitted as standard

As any modern van should, the MAN TGE places a strong emphasis on safety, offering not only autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as standard equipment, but also a number of high-tech optional systems as well, many of which are made possible by the electromechanical power-steering system.

MAN TGE safety

Here’s a quick rundown of the MAN TGE’s standard safety equipment highlights:

• Autonomous emergency braking (labelled ‘emergency brake assist’ or EBA)
• Electronic stability control (ESC)
• Cross-wind assist
• Driver’s airbag
• Hill-start assist

Not bad. You do still have to pay extra for additional airbags, but this may only be worthwhile to your business if the TGE is regularly carrying more people than just the driver.

Optional MAN TGE safety equipment highlights include:

• Active lane assist
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blindspot monitors
• Cross-traffic alert
• Side sensors to help avoid collisions with objects beside the van

Other potentially damage-preventing technologies include a self-parking system (yes, the TGE will parallel park itself with this fitted), and a trailer assist system that makes reverse parking with a trailer exceptionally simple.

Honestly, this last is almost mind-blowingly clever, and involves steering the van with the electric mirror adjuster. Bonkers, but brilliant.

MY2021 update adds emergency call buttons

Further to the above, the 2021 Model Year update has added a roof-mounted three-button module to TGEs fitted with a touchscreen infotainment system. The three buttons give you instant access to the emergency services, MAN's Mobile24 breakdown service and a call centre that can answer questions about the van.

The emergency call system does not require a phone to work, so you can call and ask for help after an accident even if you've left your mobile at home. What's more, if an airbag is deployed, the system will call for help automatically, transmitting the location of the van so you can easily be found as well.

MY25 update brings huge upgrades

As of 2024, MAN TGEs will get a notable upgrade to its standard safety offering, and will come with the following:

• Traffic sign information
• Emergency brake assist
• Parking assist active
• Lane guard system
• Fatigue detection
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

The lane keep assist and the fatigue monitoring will also be upgraded, with the latter now adding a physical reminder in the form of a tug on the seatbelt.

MAN TGE security

The only security equipment you get as standard on the MAN TGE is an engine immobiliser. Oh, and remote locking, which hardly counts. A factory-fitted alarm is an optional extra.

As ever, van security is a sensitive subject. We’d expect the TGE to withstand a casual, opportunistic attack, since it’s one of the newest vans on the market. But nothing can stop power cutting tools. So if you can’t afford to lose something, don’t leave it in the van.