A forthcoming generation of Volkswagen’s well-known California camper van, founded on the automaker’s T-series, is currently under development, and a recently unveiled concept gives an insightful look into what future holds.
The California concept was showcased for the first time this Thursday at a caravan expo in Düsseldorf, Germany. The model is a derivative of the stretched form of Volkswagen’s latest Multivan.
Volkswagen has made it known that a production version is set for release in 2024, in areas where the standard Multivan is available. The vehicle has been seen in prototype form during testing phases.
Although the U.S. market is not included in the list of targeted areas, it is conceivable that some features of the new California may find their way to the ID.California, which is currently being designed on the basis of the ID.Buzz electric van. This van is scheduled to begin sales in the U.S. in the coming year as a 2025 model.
The newly revealed California concept provides a preview of a fresh pop-up roof, a hallmark feature of Volkswagen’s California camper vans. This feature is manufactured using aluminum and includes large windows, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the outdoors.
Inside the cabin, the concept displays a novel feature with sliding doors on both flanks of the vehicle, marking a first for a California model. This unique design facilitates enhanced utilization of the surrounding space, further augmented by extendable shades on both sides. Additionally, a detachable tablet screen is available to remotely operate various features of the van.
The interior also accommodates a fully equipped kitchen, and the front seats have the capability to turn 180 degrees, forming a relaxed lounge setting. The rear seats can be folded flat to make room for a bed, and while there’s no shower, space has been allocated for a removable dry-composting toilet.
Historically, the California has been primarily constructed on Volkswagen’s mid-size T-series vans, which can be traced back to the initial Microbus. However, the company has introduced California variations of its smaller Caddy van and larger Crafter van in the past few years, naming the latter the Grand California. In a fitting continuation of this lineage, the ID.Buzz will soon join this series, symbolically acting as the spiritual successor to the first of the T-series vans, the original Microbus.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Volkswagen California concept
What is the Volkswagen California concept?
The Volkswagen California concept is a new generation camper van based on VW’s T-series, and it was recently unveiled to hint at the future design and features of the brand. It will be launched in 2024 in select markets, and the concept includes features such as a pop-up roof, sliding doors on both sides, extendable shades, a removable tablet screen for control, a fitted kitchen, rotatable front seats, and space for a bed and dry-composting toilet.
When will the Volkswagen California concept be available in the market?
The production version of the Volkswagen California concept is scheduled for launch in 2024, in markets where the standard Multivan is offered.
Will the new California’s features be available on any electric models?
Yes, some of the new California’s features may be integrated into the ID.California that is being developed on the basis of the ID.Buzz electric van, which will start sales in the U.S. as a 2025 model.
What are the new design features of the California concept?
The California concept showcases several new design features including a new aluminum pop-up roof with large windows, sliding doors on both sides of the vehicle, extendable shades, a removable tablet screen for remote control, a kitchen, rotatable front seats, and space for a removable dry-composting toilet.
The ID.Buzz is the spiritual successor to the original Microbus, i.e., the first of the T-series vans. The new California concept hints at the future features for ID.Buzz, symbolizing a continuation of the lineage that dates back to the original Microbus.
More about Volkswagen California concept
- Volkswagen Official Site
- VW California Camper Vans
- ID.Buzz Electric Van
- [Caravan Show in
5 comments
Must say, I miss the old microbus but the new design, its something else. the Grand California sounds awesome. But why no US launch. VW should consider.
These vans look comfortable, the kitchen and rotating seats, I’m sold. Only thing missing’s a shower, but i guess you cant have everything. Love VW!
finally an electric version. So happy about the ID.Buzz and hope it carries some of those california concept features. Go green, right.
Man, those VW camper vans are just amazing, the sliding doors is a great touch. Can’t wait to see one on the road. Is 2024 here yet??
removable tablet for remote control?? Wow, thats some cool tech there. Its like a smart home on wheels. But will it be affordable for regular folks.