It’s difficult to navigate the jungle of converted vans, as the range on offer has expanded in recent years: converted MPVs, compact vans, and even large motorhomes overflowing with features. However, one name keeps coming to the forefront: the Volkswagen California. In 2025, “Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles” unveils a whole new generation of this legendary model, already produced in more than 280,000 units. Designed from the long version of the ultra-modern Multivan, this California promises more space, more modularity and the upcoming arrival of a 245 hp 4MOTION plug-in hybrid engine, which will be offered in addition to the 2.0 TDI 150 hp DSG7 already available. In the following lines, we decipher this new California: its dimensions, its innovations, its different finishes (Beach Camper, Coast, Ocean) and the prices announced for France. The objective? Help you understand why, even today, the California stands out as the benchmark on the camper van market.
A more spacious van, based on the long wheelbase Multivan
The nouveau California is based on the MQB platform, already used by the Multivan long wheelbase. This technical choice allows it to gain in dimensions compared to the previous model:
- Length: 5,173 mm (compared to 4,904 mm previously)
- Width (excluding mirrors): 1,941 mm
- Height (roof closed): 1,990 mm
The wheelbase increases to 3,124 mm, offering a significantly more spacious interior. Despite these generous dimensions, the height remains below 2 m, preserving access to numerous overhead car parks. Inside, headroom reaches 1,297 mm (roof closed) and rises to 2,108 mm (lifting roof open).
The exterior design has been redesigned to integrate two sliding doorsstandard on each finish. This dual configuration opens up new possibilities for loading/unloading and frees up two “terraces» lateral to the bivouac. Volkswagen also offers optional awnings (right side or left side) to protect against the sun or rain, in order to take full advantage of these outdoor spaces.
Engines: 150 hp diesel available, 245 hp hybrid to come
For the launch in France, a single engine is proposed:
The big news — but not yet available for order in France at the time of release — consists of a plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) developing 245 ch and associated with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive. According to Volkswagen, this configuration will make it possible to temporarily drive in electric mode, while offering traction capacity (2,000 kg announced) and the versatility dear to travelers (ideal if you are towing an additional boat or van).
For lovers of pure gasoline, a variant TSI de 204 ch is announced in the international press release, but its availability and prices in France remain to be specified. In any case, Volkswagen is banking on a diversified technical palette, while ruling out the purely gasoline option for France, at least initially.
Three finishes for France: Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean
In France, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles chose to launch its new California in three finishes main. Each targets a specific use, even if all share the DNA of the converted van (lifting roof, adapted storage, double side door, etc.).
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Beach Camper (from €68,400)
- Rear mini-kitchenette : a fixed module in the trunk, with gas hob, cutlery drawer and integrated storage. Simply pull this module into the exterior position to prepare your meals in the shelter of the tailgate.
- Converted van approval (and not a simple minibus), which can accommodate five passengers.
- Standard equipment: lifting roof, blackout blinds, double sliding door, swiveling front seats, 10-inch infotainment screen, Digital Cockpit Pro, Lane Assist, front/rear parking assist, sign recognition, rear tinted windows, LED, extended warranty 3 years…
The Beach Camper is aimed at those looking for a compromise between daily use (for driving the family) and camping functionality, without necessarily needing a full side kitchen.
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Coast (from €76,850)
- Side kitchen behind the driver’s seat: refrigerator drawer, hob, sink and dedicated cupboards.
- Four passengers (two individual seats in the rear, each removable and folding to form a berth).
- Camper stationary heater: an asset for stays out of season or at altitude.
- Improved lighting (lifting roof, kitchen, tailgate).
The Coast takes up the familiar architecture of the California range, with a full kitchen in the left side, while remaining under the 80,000 euro mark. A formula already appreciated on the old model for going on a long weekend or a longer vacation.
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Ocean (from €84,000)
- High-end finish: includes all the features of the Coast, plus comfort and safety equipment (Park Assist, reversing camera, Stop & Go distance control, Side Assist, Discover Pro navigation system, induction charging for smartphone, 3-zone air conditioning , Matrix LED IQ.LIGHT projectors, Dynamic Light Assist…).
- Exclusive upholstery (Raven Black) with recycled materials, heated seats at the front, larger water tank (33 L instead of 28).
- Outdoor folding table that can also be used as an indoor extension, additional 230 V socket, enhanced ambient lighting, etc.
The Ocean remains the technological showcase of new California. Despite a premium positioning, this version even sees its price drop by around €4,100 compared to the old generation.
On board: lifting roof, individual seats and optimized storage
All the California 2025 adopt series one lifting roof (manual on certain versions, motorized or semi-motorized as an option). The canvas gusset incorporates side windows and a large front opening to take advantage of the view and the air. THE high bed (2054 x 1137 mm) rests on a comfortable mattress, supported by leaf springs.
Notable novelty: the use of individual seats in place of the traditional bench seat for the rear part (except specific configurations). Each weighs only 24 kg, facilitating modularity: you can remove them if you need a loading volume (bikes, boards, etc.) or fold them up to form a bed (depending on the finish).
Storage, lighting and connectivity have also been reconfigured:
- Multiplication of ports USB-C 45 W to quickly charge multiple devices.
- Thermal blinds or blackout panels depending on the level of range, guaranteeing privacy and better insulation against daylight.
- Digital control of camping functions via a control module (5-inch screen in the rear pillar, on-board application or smartphone app).
A “three-in-one”: minibus, utility vehicle and converted van
Thanks to his extended wheelbasethe new California can easily be used on a daily basis as a family minibus. Both sliding doors (right and left) facilitate the movement of passengers, loading shopping or access to the kitchen. This double opening can also be transformed into a “double terrace” at the campsite, leaving one for preparing meals (kitchenette side) and the other for relaxing.
Despite its generous interior volume, the height of 1.99 m makes most parking spaces still accessible. The MQB architecture also allows the integration of numerous driving aids (Travel Assist, automatic braking, etc.) and supports future engines. eHybrid 245 ch 4MOTIONideal for those looking for efficiency on the road and the possibility of towing a trailer or a boat.
Conclusion:
VW California: still the benchmark in 2025
When we talk about the converted van emblematic, the name “ California » happens almost immediately. This new generation — designed from the long version of the Multivan — continues the tradition, while meeting current demands: more space, a double sliding door as standard, a modern infotainment offer, advanced driving aids, and a 150 hp Diesel version for the launch, while the solution eHybrid 245 ch 4MOTIONwill complete the range to satisfy the plug-in hybrid trend.
The announced prices (from €68,400 for the Beach Camper€76,850 for the Coast and €84,000 for theOcean) remain in line with the previous generation, even more attractive on theOcean. Certainly, this range may seem high, but the California enjoys an image and reliability that often translates into solid resale value. Versatile, comfortable and resolutely geared towards roaming, it confirms its status as “Reference Van 2025”.
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