Volkswagen The new VW California

The new VW California

Up to 4 berths
2 sliding doors
Hybrid petrol/electric drive

The new Volkswagen California is a global icon, with more than 200,000 units built by Volkswagen. The new Multivan California, arriving on the Belgian market in 2025, is more innovative than ever and once again redefines the standard for compact camper vans. This model features a hybrid petrol/electric powertrain, a flexible interior layout with individual seats, four sleeping berths, two sliding doors, three living areas, a completely redesigned kitchen, and online control of all camper functions.

Whether you use it for daily driving, weekend getaways, or long journeys, the new Volkswagen California is ready for every adventure.

The successor to the world’s most experienced camper van is here: the new Multivan California.

The new Volkswagen Multivan California is more innovative than ever. Its foundation is the long version of the Volkswagen Multivan (5.17 metres), making this camper van not only extremely comfortable but also exceptionally safe. With a height of under two metres, the California can also access most parking garages. Its elegant design echoes that of a luxury SUV, while it drives like a comfortable passenger car: compact, smooth, with a high seating position and plenty of extra space.

It is available in several versions: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, and the most luxurious model, Ocean.

The new Volkswagen Multivan California has it all!

Developed with more than 20 years of experience
Up to 4 sleeping berths and 6 seats
Very comfortable and compact driving experience
4MOTION standard on the plug‑in hybrid version
Plug‑in hybrid drive with long range and low consumption
Extra space on site thanks to the pop‑up roof
Extremely high active and passive safety levels
Based on the long version of the VW Multivan
Sliding doors on both the left and right sides
Three living areas
Exterior‑accessible kitchen
Online control and smart home functions for camper features
Outdoor table and two camping chairs included
New blackout concept
High residual value
Worldwide VW service network available

Three spacious living areas

The new Volkswagen Multivan California comes standard with two sliding doors. As an innovative camper van, it continues the legacy of its predecessors with a completely redesigned interior concept and features that make it versatile for all kinds of uses. Practical for everyday life and ideal for adventurous travel. On the right side, entry and exit are easy, while the left sliding door provides access to the redesigned kitchen with gas stove, sink and refrigerator (Coast, Ocean). Thanks to the outward‑folding table, cooking and dining outdoors is now possible. An optional awning on the left side protects the kitchen from sun and rain. The camper offers three living areas: a lounge and dining area on the right, an outdoor kitchen on the left, and an interior space for sitting and sleeping.

An intelligent pop‑up roof

The new Volkswagen Multivan California is equipped as standard with a pop‑up roof that significantly increases the living space when parked (standing height of 2.11 metres) and creates an upper bed for two people. Depending on the version, an electrically operated pop‑up roof is available. The upper bed offers additional comfort thanks to Froli spring elements beneath the mattress. The roof tent features improved insulation and can be ventilated on three sides, with integrated mosquito nets to keep insects out. Depending on the chosen version, several power outlets, lighting points and USB ports are available.

A completely new seating concept

Flexibility was a top priority in the development of the new California. The front seats swivel (from the Beach Tour version onwards), and the electronic parking brake creates a clear passage to the rear between the front seats. The rear bench has been replaced by lighter individual seats that can be moved or removed separately, are height‑adjustable and include a storage compartment. The number of seats depends on the chosen version. For example, the Beach Camper, with its rear slide‑out kitchen, can be equipped with five seats, while the Ocean, with its larger interior kitchen, offers four seats. Behind the driver’s seat, the space freed up by the shorter kitchen allows for the installation of a PortaPotti. Surfboard or bicycle? The individual seats can be easily repositioned or removed. They can also be converted into a lower double bed. This makes the new California suitable for every type of use.

Eco‑friendly hybrid drive

In addition to the efficient 110 kW/150 hp TDI engine and the economical 150 kW/204 hp petrol engine, the new California can, for the first time, be equipped with a petrol/electric hybrid drive delivering a total output of 180 kW/245 hp. This hybrid system combines fuel efficiency and power with an impressive range. With around 100 km of all‑electric range, shorter trips can be made without using fossil fuels. The plug‑in hybrid technology offers clear advantages for campers who want to meet emission standards and reduce fuel costs. The Hybrid California comes standard with 4Motion all‑wheel drive.

A new benchmark in safety

Safety begins with comfort. The new California, equipped with a standard DSG gearbox, drives smoothly and quietly, offering stable handling even under heavy loads. Numerous electronic driver assistance systems intervene—often imperceptibly—to prevent dangerous situations. The high level of equipment and build quality sets new standards in safety.

The chassis is reinforced to compensate for the rigidity lost when the roof is cut open. Volkswagen installs an internally developed frame with an aluminium front spoiler (not plastic) into the roof opening, ensuring a rigid body structure and safe, reliable handling. All interior units are anchored to this reinforced frame to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in the event of an accident. These invisible qualities are crucial when it comes to safety.

Smart camping

Digital features, high‑quality mobile online services and intelligent assistance systems all come as standard in the new California. Integrated into the central C‑pillar (Coast, Ocean) is an elegant 5‑inch touchscreen smart panel that allows you to control and monitor the main camper functions. This camper control unit manages features such as heating status and settings, ventilation, air conditioning, ambient lighting around the roof frame, camping mode and the refrigerator.

All camper functions can also be controlled via the California app on a smartphone and through the In‑Car app on the dashboard. All lights can be switched off by double‑tapping each lamp. Pressing longer activates the dimming function. Lighting can be controlled from both beds. Depending on the version, numerous power outlets, USB ports and switches are available throughout the new California.

The practical new California on Tour app

Inspiring destinations, route planning, relevant information and more: the free California on Tour app for iOS and Android offers practical features and smart solutions to make planning your camping trips easier. That means more time to discover, experience and meet new people.