The new generation Volkswagen California The camper van has been unveiled as the most car-like version of the nameplate – and its launch in Australia has been confirmed.
Based on the long-wheelbase T7 Multivan, the latest Volkswagen California benefits from the MQB passenger car platform shared by models such as the Golf, moving away from its traditional commercial vehicle underpinnings.
It is also the first generation of the California to offer plug-in hybrid power (PHEV).
Volkswagen Australia has secured the new California for a local launch, but has not yet announced what range it will have or when we can expect to see it in local showrooms.
Abroad, the California is offered in five variants: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean.
Australia has traditionally only received the California Beach, but there is no guarantee that the previous model structure will be carried over to the new generation.
With a length of 5173 mm, a width of 1941 mm (excluding mirrors) and a height of 1990 mm with a wheelbase of 3124 mm, the new California is 269 mm longer, 37 mm wider and has 121 mm more wheelbase than its predecessor.
Standard across all trim levels are sliding doors on both sides of the motorhome – a first in the model’s history, allowing owners to set up their awning wherever they wish – as well as a pop-up roof, which provides extra space for taller passengers to walk through its rear compartment .
Removable rear seats replace the previous model’s bench seat, while there are drawers under all seats for additional storage space.
The California Beach serves as an entry-level model and is equipped with a manual pop-up roof, six seats and a spring mattress measuring 2.05 x 1.14 m – wider than a King Single and longer than a Super King.
The Beach Tour variants feature swivel and height-adjustable front seats, only one additional row of seats (consisting of three seats), ergonomic folding chairs (stored in the tailgate), pop-up roof lighting and USB ports, sliding windows in the sliding doors, etc. 40Ah motorhome battery.
It also features a C-pillar-mounted 5.0-inch screen that displays the California’s fresh and waste water levels, interior lighting functions, battery status, refrigerator temperature and auxiliary heater settings. These functions can also be controlled via a smartphone app or the central infotainment screen.
A folding table and an additional 6′ x 4′ folding mattress are included in the California Beach Tour.
While the two California models mentioned above are considered passenger cars, the Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean are motorhomes.
In the case of the Beach Camper, this means that the five-seater is equipped with a pull-out mini kitchen – complete with a single-burner gas stove, cutlery drawer and additional storage space – as well as a 230-volt power connection.
Examples on the California coast have only two rear seats, providing more space for a kitchenette – with cupboards, sink and single-burner gas stove -, a 28 liter fresh water tank, a second 40 Ah motorhome battery, an additional 230 Volt socket and a 1.98 x 1.06 m folding bed.
Volkswagen’s flagship, the California Ocean, adopts all the features of the coast and also has seat fabric made from Mélange Raven recycled material with embroidered California lettering, heated front seats, auxiliary air heating and automatic air conditioning.
A choice of three engines will be offered in Europe: the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 110kW and 360Nm, which will power the Multivan delivered in Australia, will be replaced by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with 150kW/ 320 Nm and a plug-in motor added. in hybrid.
The plug-in hybrid combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total output of 180kW, with drive sent to all four wheels – a first not just for the California but for any Volkswagen model on the MQB platform.
According to Volkswagen, all engines are paired with dual-clutch automatic transmissions and drive the front wheels, except for the plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive.
Australian pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but the outgoing T6.1 range is priced between $93,790 and $103,730 before on-road costs.
The more traditional Volkswagen T7 Multivan People Mover is scheduled to launch here in the fourth quarter of 2024 (October to December).
MORE: VW secures the previously car-like Multivan for Australia, details of the offer