Volkswagen might call this a concept, but make no mistake — this is our first look at the next-generation Volkswagen California.
This new model made its debut in Düsseldorf at the Caravan Salon trade fair and is moving away from the underpinnings of the current Volkswagen Transporter platform, favouring the new Multivan chassis. This change will mean the new model will have more advanced powertrains, safety assist systems and infotainment technology.
With a plug-in hybrid version on the cards, the next-gen California will be the first to introduce the fuel-saving technology to the camper market, allowing for emission-free urban driving and longer journeys supported by high-capacity lithium-ion batteries.
Larger than its predecessor, the new California will offer features that will enhance the camping experience. It retains the now iconic two-metre pop-up roof, but there are some significant changes in the vehicle’s interior.
A new sliding door on the kitchen side links the outdoors to the inside more effectively, making the experience a more connected one if you’re with family or friends. In previous models, additional equipment was often on the vehicle’s passenger side, but the remapped layout means both sides are more functional and usable in camp. The awnings and sun sails can be quickly opened out or packed away, so plenty of versatile shelter is available for changing weather conditions.
Like the existing California 6.1, the California Concept uses the passenger side as the main entry and exit point, but when camping, a sun sail converts the area into an open-air living space.
Once inside, there are height-adjustable, rotatable seats at the front, ahead of a flexible interior compartment. Lightweight, removable individual seats replace the previous fixed rear bench. This change gives more versatility to the interior, for both cargo and camping configurations. There is plenty of storage, too, with under-seat drawers and kitchen cupboards. There’s dimmable, colour-adjustable lighting as well, letting you customise the interior ambience to your mood, perhaps to give a funky vibe at a festival.
The pop-up roof is topped with a lightweight aluminium shell, making it easy to set up. Once extended, it has large windows and high-quality bedding, as well as USB-C and LED lighting, giving all the comforts of home.
The camper’s functions can be controlled via a multifunctional tablet, which also serves as an entertainment screen, via a smartphone app or the vehicle’s infotainment system.
The additional sliding door on the driver’s side, a feature not seen on previous models, opens up another usable outdoor area on the other side of the camper. As well as an alternative entrance into the inside space, it opens up a separate cooking and dining area during camping.
The kitchen becomes accessible from inside and outside, and features a 230-volt induction hob and a traditional gas cooker. A removable table light and awning LEDs make the area easily usable well into the evening.
The California Concept is expected to arrive in 2024. It will join the compact Caddy California and the forthcoming, much anticipated, all-electric ID Buzz camper. Currently, there is no information on pricing, but given that the current California model starts at more than £60,000
, and a top-of-the-range plug-in hybrid Multivan — before any camper conversion — will see you parting with around £63,000, we wouldn’t expect you to see any change from around £75,000, give or take.
- Havana Club Golden Mojito: Should you mess with a classic? - 10 August 2026
- No alcohol, no problem: Summer drinks to hydrate and refresh - 10 August 2026
- Bababing Imi Review: This cabin-compatible stroller is a brilliant buy - 4 August 2026