New Volkswagen Grand California: a yacht on wheels

The Volkswagen Grand California has been unveiled, surprising everyone with equipment worthy of any luxury yacht.

The Volkswagen California is one of those models that needs no introduction, as it is practically a brand in its own right, always associated with freedom, travel and outdoor adventures.

After turning 30 last year, the new Volkswagen Grand California now arrives, built on the Volkswagen Crafter commercial van. This means it is longer, wider and taller than its smaller sibling.

Two versions: Volkswagen Grand California 600 and 680

The brand’s commercial vehicle range has launched two variants: the first is called the Volkswagen Grand California 600, measuring a full six metres in length, and the second is the 680 which, as its name suggests, is 80 centimetres longer. The latter is longer because it has a larger bed at the rear and more room for storing gear.

Both versions come with a very complete range of equipment: a full independent bathroom with toilet, shower tray with two drains, washbasin, shelves and an illuminated cupboard. Thanks to the large 110-litre water tank and its 90-litre waste water tank, it can operate for 4 days without the need to fill or empty either of these.

To move this home on wheels, the Volkswagen Grand California relies on the 2.0 TDI engine producing 177 hp, which delivers 410 Nm of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and can be chosen with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with a differential lock, which will be launched shortly. In addition, the brand has fitted an SCR catalyst, a particulate filter and an oxidation catalyst so that this engine complies with the Euro 6b emissions standard.

An interior of great luxury

Its interior is a combination of modern elements designed to achieve maximum brightness. Volkswagen has set out to optimise the space as much as possible and to make the layout comfortable for guests. It is designed as if it were a luxury yacht, and this is demonstrated in elements such as the floor, which imitates a wooden boat deck.

This land yacht features the Air Care Climatronic air-conditioning system and, as an option, an air conditioning system can be installed on the roof along with solar panels so that it can store energy autonomously.

Once we step into the Volkswagen Grand California, the front seats swivel, so by placing the dining table in the centre, a perfect dining area is created for four people. It also has a 70-litre fridge to keep food in optimal condition. It also has six USB ports and four 230V sockets, so plugging in any device will be no problem.

The new Volkswagen Grand California is right up to date

Thanks to an operating panel, you can check drinking water and waste water levels, the battery charge level, the WiFi connection, the climate control or the interior lighting. As accessories for enjoying the outdoors, the Volkswagen Grand California comes with a side awning, two folding chairs and a camping table.

The luxury camper from Volkswagen offers great safety and comfort equipment. Standard features include cross-wind assist, hill start assist and Front Assist. In addition, some systems such as rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control or trailer assist can be integrated as options.

The new Volkswagen Grand California costs 72,520 euros in the smaller (600) version and 74,950 euros in the larger (680). It will reach dealerships at the end of the year, so the Mercedes Marco Polo will have a tough rival from 2020 onwards.