The new Volkswagen California camper is experiencing its world premiere – now also available as a plug-in hybrid

Built on the Multivan platform, the new California camper van is superior to its predecessors, offering more space, the most modern and innovative technology, while retaining iconic design elements such as the pop-up roof.

An important addition is the plug-in hybrid drive with all-wheel drive system, which transforms the bus into an electric car with a long mileage. Pre-sale of the new California in Latvia will start this fall, and the first deliveries are planned for the end of this year.

A retractable roof and two sliding doors

The new California has a versatile retractable roof equipped with multiple windows and mosquito nets. For the first time, the bus also has sliding doors on both sides, ensuring even more comfortable movement both in everyday life and on trips. Also, additional canopies on both sides have been introduced in the car. It should be especially noted that in the cabin, the rear seat has been replaced with separate seats, which provide space for transporting larger items. In addition, cars starting with the Beach Tour version will be equipped with an innovative camper control unit located in the rear of the car. It can be controlled via the display or remotely via a smartphone app, making it easy to manage the camper’s functions.

The first California with a plug-in hybrid engine and all-wheel drive

The Volkswagen commercial vehicle uses a four-cylinder turbo diesel engine with 110 kW (150 hp). Meanwhile, the new California turbo gasoline engine develops 150 kW (204 hp).

A special novelty for the California is the new plug-in hybrid drive (eHybrid), with a system output of 180 kW (245 hp). The new California is the first Volkswagen Group MQB model to combine a plug-in hybrid engine with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The plug-in hybrid drive will allow the new California to be temporarily converted into an electric car for everyday use. The high efficiency of the combined electric motor and high-tech TSI (1.5 TSI evo2) will also ensure a long total mileage and a maximum towing weight of up to 2,000 kilograms.

All new California cars are based on the innovative Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform – the current extended-wheelbase version of the Multivan. The camper is 5,173 mm long (previous model: 4,904 mm); width without exterior mirrors is 1,941 mm (previous model 1,904 mm). Standing at 1,990mm including the sunroof down, it’s identical to the previous model, meaning it’s suitable for multi-storey car parks. The extended wheelbase of 3,124 mm ensures that the car has even more space than its predecessor. Thanks to the MQB platform, the new California will have access to a wide range of driver assistance systems that provide additional safety and comfort.

Beach, Coast and Ocean – the perfect camper for any situation

The new California will be available in Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper (with kitchenette in the rear), as well as Coast and Ocean versions (each with a fully equipped kitchenette on the driver’s side). Five versions of the new California are designed to meet as many lifestyle and travel scenarios as possible. Compared to the predecessor, the new models are equipped with removable individual seats in the rear (weighing 24 kg each) instead of a common rear seat. Practical drawers are placed under all individual seats, as well as in the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. The large number of 45W USB-C charging sockets also ensures that mobile devices will always be charged.

Control with camper control unit, smartphone or infotainment system

All functions necessary for camping can be controlled using a 5-inch touch-sensitive display in the new camper control panel, which is located in the rear part of the vehicle, on the right side. In addition, the new California can be switched to Camping mode on the display to automatically deactivate the Coming Home and Leaving Home functions, for example, when the car is unlocked and locked while camping. At the same time, most of these functions can also be controlled from a smartphone using the California app, as well as from an app in the car’s infotainment system. The infotainment system can also be used to access the tilt adjustment display, which allows you to level the camper.