The most desired camper van is here: the new Volkswagen California

One of the stars of the Düsseldorf Caravan Show, which has been packed with novelties, is the announced Volkswagen California Concept, of which some sketches were previewed and which is now revealed in detail. For the moment it is a prototype, but fans of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles “camper van” can be delighted. Because everything we see in the concept will carry over to the production model, which will go on sale in 2024.

The main novelties beyond its design are that the new Volkswagen California, now based on the MQB platform used by the Volkswagen Multivan presented in 2021, grows in size to provide more interior space, greater comfort and superior versatility of use. In addition, this platform will also allow versions of the California with eHybrid plug-in hybrid technology. Likewise, a new tablet-style unit is added for controlling all onboard systems, from which one can, for example, deploy the roof, check fresh and grey water levels, the status of the electrical supply, the fridge, the auxiliary heater or the lighting. But there is more.

A camper van ready for life outdoors

To begin with, the hallmark of every generation of the Volkswagen California since its launch in 1988 could not be missing. We refer to the pop-up roof, which on this occasion features a body made of aluminium and a three-layer canvas, with a panoramic opening at the front and side windows, and a high-quality bed. The opening and closing mechanism, besides being operated from the new tablet-style control unit, can also be controlled from the vehicle’s infotainment system or even from a smartphone.

But the most novel feature is the complete redesign of the living and kitchen areas, as well as the introduction, for the first time, of an additional sliding door on the driver’s side, which makes it possible to comfortably set up folding camping chairs, the table and the additional folding-arm awning, to “live” outdoors on the kitchen side. The brand also presents a new concept it calls “three zones”. The first would be, as in the current California, the area on the right side of the vehicle, with a solar awning that turns it into an open tent.

The second zone is the one configured behind the front seats when they are turned 180 degrees. The rear fixed bench now gives way to three individual rear seats that convert into beds and are also removable, allowing this area to become a flat surface or a dining area with facing seats. Finally, the third zone is created thanks to the additional sliding door on the left side, which provides direct access to the kitchen from outside. The kitchen includes a sink, a sliding induction hob, a fridge and an integrated gas cooker, as well as a compact pull-out grill.

Other details the new generation of the California will bring are an electric parking brake instead of a manual one, storage drawers under the swivelling front seats and the individual rear seats, ambient interior contour lighting in the roof frame or LED lights on the awning arms for the “terrace” area, as well as an integrated, removable table light in the kitchen unit.

Volkswagen California Concept – Image gallery