Bigger, techier, camper: Volkswagen unveils all new California

Start packing for your holidays, kids, Volkswagen has just revealed an all new version of the California camper van. The German carmaker reckons it has completely overhauled the expensive hotel room on wheels, and it’s packed with fun new features inside and a range of upgraded powertrain options under the bonnet. 

There are five specs to choose from, following the similarly jaunty outdoors-themed names of the California 6.1. You can pick between Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean versions of the stalwart roamer. All of them get a pop-up roof and for the first time they have sliding doors on both sides as standard. No more having to walk round the other side for exhausted holidaymakers. This also means the awning can be ordered on either side of the van.

All versions of the California also get a new 5in touch display on the C-pillar by the passenger seat that controls the camping functions of the van. It’ll tell you about power and water levels and control things like the heating and lighting, but there’s also a California app that will tell you these things too. Something to do on holiday, isn’t it.

Based on the long wheelbase version of the latest Multivan (which we ran as a long-termer in 2023), the new California is 270mm longer and 40mm wider than before, but stands at the same height. Also from the Multivan, you can choose from 2.0-litre 4cyl petrol or diesel engines with 201bhp and 148bhp respectively, and there’s a new PHEV option with a 1.5-litre petrol unit and e-motor that offers four-wheel drive for those sticky campsite getaways. Excitingly, the PHEV is also rated for towing 2,000kg. 

There are seven different wheels available, ranging from 16in to 19in alloys – we dread to think what the ride might be like on the largest ones, but at least they shouldn’t affect your sleep. Other exciting new features include two-tone paint to reenact your greatest Sixties Bulli fantasies. 

What are the different versions of the new California like, did you say? Well, the entry level Beach model is the spartan option, though it does come with six seats, so it makes sense as a day to day family car and two people can sleep in the pop-up roof. 

The Beach Tour adds some nifty folding chairs squirrelled away in the tailgate and a table, as well as a heftier camping battery and some useful LED lighting about the interior. Additionally, the rear bench has three individual removable seats, rather than a single unit, for added practicality. Though given that they weigh 24kg each you might be content with merely sliding them backwards and forwards. 

Beach Camper builds on the other two models with a slide-out cooker and drawers in the load compartment that you can access with the back door open – the tailgate also offers a bit of shelter if it’s raining. 

The four-seater Coast model has a kitchenette on the driver’s side and a second camping battery – VW says that thanks to the extra length, it means that the side door by the kitchen is usable and the driver’s seat now rotates by 180 degrees. The fridge has been upgraded, inspired by the Grand California, and now opens like a drawer rather than having top access.

The flagship Ocean model gets fancier interior fabrics, heated front seats, roof storage over the load compartment and an auxiliary air heater. Both the Coast and Ocean versions come with a 28-litre fresh water tank, exterior folding table (that can be used inside too) and a 230V exterior socket. 

There are no prices available for UK models yet while Volkswagen decides what the final spec for British-bound Californias will look like. Orders will start in June 2024 with deliveries starting at some point later in the year.