2024 Volkswagen California emerges bigger and better

The new 2024 Volkswagen California campervan has been revealed and confirmed for the Australian market, but local release timing, specification and pricing details are all yet to be announced.

Based on Volkswagen’s upcoming seventh-generation T7 Transporter and Multivan and redesigned from the ground up, the new 2024 VW California now features sliding doors on both sides of its body for maximum practicality and air-flow, a pop-up roof tent and individual, removable rear seats instead of a bench, allowing for greater interior configurability.

These new innovations pair with a longer and wider body (5173mm long versus 4904mm and 1941mm wide versus 1904mm), as well as a longer wheelbase to maximise interior space.

However, the real progress has been made under the bonnet, where certain markets will have access to an all-wheel drive, plug-in hybrid powertrain in the new California eHybrid 4MOTION.

Positioned above the familiar 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (110kW) and turbo-petrol (150kW) powered grades – which use dual-clutch automatic transmissions to drive the front wheels – the new PHEV variant incorporates VW’s latest 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine (1.5 TSI evo2) and outputs a combined power output of 180kW.

That makes it the most powerful powertrain in the new California range, as well as the most versatile since it’s paired with AWD – a first for VW’s ubiquitous MQB platform.

Volkswagen says the PHEV powertrain allows occupants to potter about their campsites and surrounding areas quietly and emissions-free, while offering more fuel range than the pure petrol models thanks to its more efficient (smaller) combustion engine and battery pack.

It can also tow up to 2000kg (braked).

Five trims are being offered globally – Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast, Ocean – each with their own unique living quarters combinations and appointments.

All versions of the California besides the base Beach come with a new-age campervan control unit mounted on the C-pillar, where all camper van functions can be controlled if you don’t fancy delving into the infotainment system or relevant smartphone app.

Other enhancements include a redesigned kitchenette, new mattresses, a number of USB-C power outlets, more interior lighting functions and an expanded paint colour palette.

Volkswagen says European deliveries will start in the second half of this year, following the start of pre-sales in June, suggesting we won’t see the new California in local showrooms or campsites until sometime next year.

The German car-maker is also developing a California version of the all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which will arrive in short- and long-wheelbase people-mover and Cargo van configurations priced from under $90,000 from late this year, followed by the hot GTX version in 2025.

It’s unclear whether the PHEV version of the new California camper makes the trip Down Under but, for reference, three versions of the existing T6.1 California Beach are currently available with prices ranging from $93,790 to $103,790 plus on-road costs.

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