VW Grand California

Volkswagen has revealed the 2027 Grand California in the UK. Based on the Crafter, it comes in 600 (5.98 m) and 680 (6.80 m) versions with kitchen, fixed bed and bathroom with shower and toilet. A new off-grid package adds a solar panel and two 40Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries, increasing usable capacity by 40%. The package costs £1,450 excluding VAT. A Dune special edition with black bumpers and 17-inch black wheels is also available. Prices excluding VAT start at £68,960 for the 600 and £69,960 for the Dune.

Volkswagen has launched the updated Grand California campervan in the UK, based on the Crafter commercial vehicle. The model gains bamboo trim, wood-effect flooring, extra storage and a flexible folding table, plus a toilet and shower. It comes with a 177 hp 2.0-litre turbodiesel and 8-speed automatic, with all-wheel drive optional. Pricing starts at £84,208.

Volkswagen has updated the Grand California campervan for the 2027 model year. Changes include an optional Off-Grid Package with two 40Ah lithium polymer batteries (a 40% capacity increase) and solar panels. A new Dune special edition adds 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and climate control. Prices start at £84,208 for the 600 with a 2.0-litre TDI diesel and eight-speed automatic; the 680 starts at £86,986, and with 4Motion all-wheel drive it costs £95,050. The Dune trim is priced from £85,408 and £88,186 respectively. All prices are around £1,000 lower than before. The updated range is on sale now.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has updated the Grand California camper and launched the Dune Special Edition. UK orders are open. The Dune 600 starts at £85,408 including VAT.

In 2026, the France Passion network, which hosts motorhomes on farms, comprises around 2,200 farmers, winemakers, livestock breeders, brewers and artisans. The number of ambassadors has fallen from about 60 two years ago to 15; they advise hosts, report abuses such as requests for payment, and recommend new stops. Lara, 34, the youngest ambassador, travels with her family in a Volkswagen Grand California and prioritises France Passion stops, then natural spots, and campsites only as a last resort.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles presented its updated California range, including the fully electric ID. Buzz with a Good Night package, at a pre-IAA event in Berlin. The company claims to be the only European manufacturer that builds its entire motorhome family in-house. The Caddy California is available with 122 hp TDI or 116 hp TSI engines and a seven-speed DSG, featuring a 1.98×1.07 m bed. The ID. Buzz with the Good Night package includes a 2.03×1.2 m bed, Vehicle-to-Load function up to 2,000 W, and an Overnight mode that maintains climate control for up to 48 hours. The California model received a plug-in hybrid eHybrid 4MOTION with 180 kW (245 hp) and a 19.7 kWh battery, plus an inflatable kitchen and inflatable bed. The Grand California based on the Crafter is offered in 600 and 680 versions with a 163 hp TDI engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

IMTEST tested five compact camper vans measuring between 5.40 and 6 metres at a campsite in northern Germany. The models included the Forster Livin' Up V 599 VBL, Hymer Free 600, Sunlight Cliff 540 RT Adventure Edition, Volkswagen Grand California 600 and Weinsberg CaraTour 600 ME. The test assessed equipment and connectivity, driving and safety, as well as living and sleeping areas. Prices for new camper vans start at around 45,000 euros, while models such as the Volkswagen California 6.1 can reach 100,000 euros.

Volkswagen has revised its Grand California camper based on the Crafter for the 2026 model year. Changes include a single-leg table that can also be used outdoors, wood-effect tabletop, revised handles, and an onboard computer showing fresh water, grey water and second battery status. The toilet now has standard extraction ventilation. Dimensions (5.99 x 2.04 x 2.97 m) and shape are unchanged. Base price is 83,508 euros; test vehicle price is 90,228 euros.

At Caravan Salon 2026, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will showcase the ID. Buzz with the new Boa-Noite package, which converts the all-electric model into a camper for two. The Grand California 600 and 680 will also be on display, with optional LiFePO4 batteries and solar packages. The company has produced its 250,000th California in Hanover.

At CARAVAN SALON 2026, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles showcased new camping solutions. The highlight is the Boa-Noite package for the ID. Buzz, which includes a fold-out bed (2.0 m long, 1.2 m wide), blackout curtains, a table, two chairs, and ventilation grilles. The Boa-Noite mode maintains cabin climate for up to 48 hours or until the battery reaches 20% charge, and V2L function allows powering external devices via a 230-volt outlet with up to 2000 watts. Also presented were the Grand California 600 and 680, with 2027 model year improvements including optional lithium iron phosphate batteries and a solar package. The stand also features Caddy California Maxi, ID. California Cruise, California Beach, and other models.

Journalist Martin Vaculík tested the Volkswagen Grand California 600 based on the Crafter and noted that operating its functions requires technical knowledge. He praised the 2024 update (gearshift under the steering wheel, electronic parking brake) but criticized the inconvenient access to gas cylinders and the inaccurate gas level indicator. He also mentioned that engine issues concern models built before 2021, and for full comfort recommends installing a LiFePO auxiliary battery and an inverter.

At Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Volkswagen will present the electric ID. California Cruise and a modular solution for the California Beach, plus updated models.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will have a major presence at Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from August 28 to September 6. The highlight is the ID. Buzz with the new Boa Noite pack, which turns the all-electric van into a compact camper for two. The pack includes a bed frame, foldable mattress (2.0 m × 1.2 m), blackout curtains, table, two chairs, and ventilation grilles. The 'Boa Noite' mode maintains climate control for up to 48 hours or until the battery reaches 20%, and V2L provides 230 V and up to 2,000 W for appliances. VW notes it is the only automaker to develop and produce a full camper van family in-house, including the Grand California based on the Crafter. For 2027, updates include lithium iron phosphate batteries, optional solar panels, and digital features. California production has reached 250,000 units.

The publication tested the Volkswagen Grand California 600 camper van based on the Crafter. The 5.98-meter model offers four sleeping places, including a transverse bed and a pop-top, as well as a bathroom with shower. The vehicle is equipped with a 2.0-liter diesel engine producing 163 hp and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Prices start at 90,000 euros.

IMTEST tested the Volkswagen Grand California 600 based on the Crafter. The test vehicle, priced at 100,721 euros, features a 177-hp engine, automatic transmission, and numerous assistance systems. Inside, there is a two-level layout: a double bed in the rear and a fold-out bunk above the living area. Drawbacks include limited storage space and awkward access to the gas cylinder.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has updated the Grand California, enhancing its energy autonomy. Customers can now replace the AGM battery with two LiFePO batteries or opt for a full self-sufficiency package with permanent solar panels (104 Wp on the 600 and 174 Wp on the 680). VW claims a fivefold increase in battery lifespan, nearly 40% more usable capacity, and charging currents up to 200 amps. Prices are €191.01 for the LiFePO upgrade and €1,650.54 for the solar + lithium package. The motorhome also gains driver fatigue monitoring, an optional intersection assistant, new infotainment systems with screens up to 12 inches, and Atami Bamboo interior trim.

Volkswagen has updated its Grand California camper van. Changes include a 104–174 W solar panel, two 40 Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries (40% more capacity), and driver assistance features: intersection assist and driver monitoring. A new pillar trim theme has been added to the interior.

Barry Langley from Dorchester won a Volkswagen Grand California 600 in an online prize draw. The prize was delivered by presenter Christian Williams. Langley, an Army Reservist and supermarket engineer, had signed up to BOTB Pass a few weeks earlier. He opted for the cash alternative to clear debts and fund home improvements.

The Volkswagen California T7, based on the Multivan, is priced from £64,432 in the UK. The tested Ocean trim with a plug-in hybrid (245 hp, 52.2-mile electric range) costs £91,102. It features a pop-up roof, sleeping for four, and a kitchen unit. Compared to the Grand California, it has a lower roofline and dual sliding doors for easier daily use.

Top Gear tested the facelifted Volkswagen Grand California in Spain's Tabernas Desert, location of classic Spaghetti Westerns. The Crafter-based camper achieved 28mpg on the motorway and features an improved infotainment system, but power dropped to 161bhp due to emissions regulations. Optional rearview camera costs £306, loft bed £2,754.