DUSSELDORF: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented the world premiere of a near-production concept vehicle, the California, at the Caravan Salon trade fair in Düsseldorf.
The California concept is based on the long version of the Multivan launched in 2021, which makes it larger than its predecessor, the California 6.1.
The extra length and width offer more living space, more comfort, safety and flexibility.
The basic vehicle with two sliding doors creates a new three-zone concept with a kitchen that can be used from outside the vehicle, giving users the feeling of more living space.
A new MQB technical platform enables use of eHybrid drive, improves ride comfort and offers more assist systems.
Camper van functions can be controlled via a new tablet-style control unit, the “Cali on Tour” app on a smartphone or the infotainment system.
The California concept will also be equipped with a pop-up roof at a height of almost two metres.
This element is shared by all generations – from the first California launched in 1988 to the California 6.1 of today.
The California the world’s most successful camper van in its class, and has sold 260,000 units.
The pop-up roof comprises a lightweight aluminium roof shell and a triple- layered bellows with a large panorama opening at the front.
Like in all California model, the highest position for the pop-up roof is at the front.
USB-C sockets and LED lights provide power and light in the pop-up roof. A high-quality roof bed with spring plates also guarantees a good night’s sleep beneath the stars.
The roof’s pop-up mechanism is controlled using a vertical, multifunctional tablet on the cupboard at the C-pillar.
All of the features relevant for camping can be controlled on the touch display. In addition to the pop-up roof, this includes information on the fresh and waste water levels, the interior lighting functions
including background lighting, power supply status, refrigerator and auxiliary heater.
All of these functions can also be controlled on a smartphone using the “Cali on Tour” app or in the infotainment system.
The infotainment system can also be used to access an inclination display that enables the camper van to be levelled.
The tablet can be swivelled out on an articulated arm and positioned so that it is easily visible from every position in the passenger compartment. It can also be rotated by 90 degrees.
The concept vehicle has a hybrid drive on board.
Lithium-ion batteries on board the vehicle provide an almost completely autonomous 12 V power supply.
For the first time, this California is equipped with a sliding door on the kitchen side as well.
In the past, all California models based on the Transporter series had a kitchen area stretching down to the B-pillar on the left-hand side and a sliding door on the right-hand side; this door was the main entrance – both in everyday use and when camping.
The folding camping chairs, folding table and awning were therefore always also installed on the right-hand side of the vehicle.
From now on, the addition of the extra sliding door on the driver side of the California concept and the kitchen area that now is now located further back in the vehicle – just like in the larger Grand California – mean that the left-hand side of the vehicle can now be opened up when camping.
As the concept vehicle is fitted with a folding-arm awning on the left and a sun sail on the right, both sides of the vehicle can be protected from either sun or rain.
The sun sail can be set up for use in a matter of moments. The awning also comes with an integrated crank, which is stowed safely in the awning housing.
