New 2024 Volkswagen California: bringing Zones of Living to the camper world

VW is no longer California dreamin’. Making its concept a reality, Volkswagen has given the T7 Multivan a makeover worthy of its golden state namesake. 

Volkswagen released the first California in 2003, and have been on a roll (pun intended) ever since, producing upwards of 280,000 units of their iconically named campervans. After teasing the new camper’s features mid-last year in the form of a concept, the latest iteration of the VW California has now materialised just in time for summer on the golden coast.

Stepping towards the future

Based on the solid foundations of the long-wheelbased T7 Multivan, the new California will carry over its hard-working MPV cousin’s versatility. A smorgasbord of variants have been designed to offer an “ideal version for everyone”, useful day-to-day as well as on recreational trips. Between the passenger-based Beach or Beach Tour editions, to the inexpensive kitchen-toting Beach Camper, and the premium feature-rich Coast and Ocean editions, VW might have a good case.

This flexibility also extends to the powertrains, with petrol and diesel offerings present, but most eye-catchingly, an all-wheel drive plug-in hybrid available for the first time.

At the time of the concept version’s announcement, this was a unique offering, but Ford have swiftly followed suit with a hybrid Transit Custom Nugget now on the way. With campers already accustomed to plugging in at campsites, perhaps the improved range and efficiency with every charge just makes too much sense to ignore?

Camping and the environment inevitably go hand-in-hand, and though a hybrid model may be seen as an eco-baby step, this could be a sensible move from VW. It’ll allay campers' fears of range anxiety en-route to remote spots and bridge the gap for those not ready to fully commit to the EV world (like when the ID. Buzz is inevitably “California’d” into a campervan). 

Spotted on both hard-wearing Bridgestone and Hankook tyres during its announcement, we’d expect range to be even less of a concern with this combination. We imagine it’ll be paired with Turanza ER300 or Hankook RA28E, designed for optimal performance throughout long journeys in any conditions.

Three Zone Concept

So, it has the legs to get you to your favourite camping spot, but then what? VW have aimed for the sweet-spot of indoor comfort, without shutting out all of nature’s external goodies.

Dubbed the “Three Zone Concept”, Volkswagen have created a cohesive link between the campervan’s exterior (zones two and three — the “terraces” either side) and the inside area (zone one). How have they created this link? Well, by adding sliding doors on both sides. This may not sound revolutionary, but this makes the new California the first VW camper to leave the factory with more than one sliding side door, and provides more than just safe entry and exit from the pavement for all passengers. 

Exit to the right from the inner lounge, and you can access the outdoor living space with a sun sail (or full-on awning at your request) to shelter you from the elements — perfect for putting the camper’s fold-out table and comfy camping chairs to use. 

However, the new left-hand door incorporates the area which sets the California Coast and Ocean editions apart from their 6.1 predecessors. Although the induction hob and double-sided drawers from the California Concept didn’t make the final cut, a side-kitchenette with gas burner, sink, and parallel running pull-out fridge accessible from both inside and out can be found here. Between this functionality, and the large awning overhead, even the most temperamental barbeque season should pose no issues.

With the Beach Camper edition, you’ll have to settle for rear kitchenette with single-ring gas cooker and more basic cutlery drawer which can only be accessed from the shelter of the boot lid, whilst the Beach and Beach Tour have prioritised passenger seating, opting for no kitchen at all.

The interconnected zones contain ambient lighting, allowing for moods to be set in each from the 5-inch built-in tablet and partnering smart-phone app — meaning you can switch the vibe without leaving your camping chair. This same system also can tweak the heating levels, and monitor power levels, the fridge, and the freshwater tank which extends to an impressive 28-litres on the premium camper options.

A flexible space

Longer and wider than the previous California, VW have put the T7 MPV skeleton to good use, creating an adaptable interior (or zone one if you’ve been paying attention) for when you need a break from the great outdoors. 

The two front seats rotate 180-degrees (except on the Beach edition — eyes forward only on the base model) to create an indoor hangout area perfect for lounging and mealtimes, and the bench-style rear seats from the California 6.1 have been replaced with individual units. This allows for the rear seats — up to four in the Beach —  to be removed entirely, making space for bikes, surfboards, or your weekly shop. 

Technology has not yet reached the Tardis levels required to squeeze a California king-size in, but aside from the Beach which is limited to upstairs sleeping only, the variants all feature double beds (either fold-out or using fold-flat seats), accompanying the bed found in the 2.05m tall pop-up roof (a staple across the California range).

Several clever new storage nooks can be found throughout the range. From zippy “blackout” pockets which hang from for the rear side windows (again on everything but the poor ol’ Beach) to store utensils and keep you in the dark at bedtime, to various storage cupboards surrounding the fancy kitchen setup in the Coast and Ocean we mentioned earlier.

So, VW’s self-proclaimed “most innovative California of all time” looks like a forward-thinking option, which hasn’t got too far ahead of itself to forget about practicality. But has VW designed the Hotel California to meet every campers' needs?

Hero image credit: Volkswagen