The New VW California Is All Camper, No Van

Many years ago, Volkswagen hit on a tasty money-making formula: take one of its range of vans, add some windows, and fill the inside with posh fixtures and fittings to make an upmarket campervan, just as third-party companies had been doing with the Transporter for decades.

The result was the California, and it’s been at the forefront of the ever-growing OEM camper market ever since. Now, there’s a new one, and the big news is that it’s no longer based on a van. Well, not technically.

Volkswagen California Ocean – interior

The new California uses Volkswagen’s Multivan people carrier as its base. Yes, it does have ‘van’ in its name, and sliding doors, but it’s not related to any of VW’s proper commercial vehicles. It sits on the company’s MQB Evo platform that underpins everything from the Passat to the Cupra Formentor. As a result, it should offer a more car-like driving experience than any California that’s gone before.

All versions of the new California get a pop-top roof and sliding doors on both sides for the first time. All but the basic Beach version also get a control screen in the rear which can operate all the camping-related functions.

Volkswagen California Ocean – rear

As well as coming with 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engines, the T7 is the first California available as a plug-in hybrid. This version uses a 150bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol four and an electric motor for a total output of 242bhp and drives all four wheels. Given that we’re still likely a while away from an ID. Buzz camper, this is the closest we’re going to get to an electric camper from VW at the moment.

For the full glamping experience, you’ll need to plump for the Coast or range-topping Ocean versions. These get the full integrated kitchenette, while it’s a fold-out arrangement on the mid-ranking Beach Camper. If you’re going away in the Beach or Beach Tour versions, meanwhile, you’ll have to make repeat trips to your nearest pub or fast food outlet of choice for hot meals, as they don’t get any sort of kitchen.

Volkswagen California Beach – sleeping area

The new California goes on sale in June this year. Pricing’s yet to be revealed, but given that the top versions have usually been about the same size – and far nicer inside – as an average London studio apartment, they’ve never been cheap. Expect more of the same here.