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.
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At Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Volkswagen will present the electric ID. California Cruise and a modular solution for the California Beach, plus updated models.
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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.
Volkswagen has updated its flagship camper Grand California with LiFePO₄ batteries and solar panels. Two packages are now available in Germany: lithium batteries only from €833, and a full set with solar panels from €1,720 to €2,326 depending on vehicle length. Norwegian prices have not yet been announced.
Volkswagen has updated the Grand California with a new Atami Bamboo interior inspired by Mediterranean yachts. The cabin features light grey wood trim, beige walls, a black sink and PVC flooring. The model is offered in two lengths: 600 (5.9 m) and 680 (6.8 m), both with a high roof and a separate toilet with shower. Prices in Germany start at €81,943 for the 600 and €84,865 for the 680.
Volkswagen has upgraded its largest campers, the Grand California 600 and 680, offering optional LiFePO batteries and an off-grid package with integrated solar panels. Usable battery capacity rises by nearly 40% (from 46 Ah to 64 Ah), and lifespan is about five times that of a standard AGM battery. The off-grid package costs €1,720 for the 600 and €2,326 for the 680 in Germany, while the base price of the camper itself starts at over €100,000.
Volkswagen has introduced a new off-grid power system for its Grand California camper. The 600 and 680 models, based on the Crafter van, can now be equipped with two 40 Ah lithium iron phosphate batteries and roof-mounted solar panels (104 W for the 600, 174 W for the 680). According to the manufacturer, the usable capacity of the new battery is about 40% higher than the previous AGM, and its service life is roughly five times longer. The system is designed to extend the time spent without external power.
A 2023 Volkswagen Grand California 600 with 38,000 km is listed for €59,900 in Germany. The price is about €20,000 less than a new equivalent. The camper has a 177 hp diesel, 8-speed automatic, full driver assistance suite, and sleeping for four.
Volkswagen has introduced a new off-grid power system for the Grand California camper. The system includes two 40 Ah LiFePO4 auxiliary batteries and roof-mounted solar panels rated at 104 W (model 600) or 174 W (model 680). According to the manufacturer, the usable capacity of the new batteries is 40% higher than the previous AGM units, and their service life is about five times longer. The update also brings a Digital Cockpit Pro, a 10.4-inch infotainment display (12.9-inch optional), an electronic parking brake, and advanced driver-assistance features.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has introduced updates for its flagship Grand California camper van. The 600 and 680 models now feature photovoltaic solar panels (104W and 174W respectively) and a new optional Self-Sufficiency package with dual 40Ah batteries and a 92Ah AGM battery. Usable electrical charge has increased by nearly 40%. Pricing starts at €83,508 for the Grand California 600.
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Volkswagen updated the Grand California with LiFePO₄ batteries, an Off-grid package with solar panels, new safety systems, and refreshed interior.
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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has updated the Grand California motorhome with a photovoltaic system and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries. Instead of the standard 92 Ah AGM battery, buyers can choose two LiFePO₄ batteries, increasing usable capacity by nearly 40% from about 46 Ah to 64 Ah. The new batteries last about five times more charge-discharge cycles and have deep discharge protection. Depending on the version (Grand California 600 or 680), solar panel output is 104 W or 174 W. In Germany, replacing AGM with LiFePO₄ starts at €833, and the full package with panels starts at €1,719.55 for the 600 and €2,326.45 for the 680. The update also includes driver assistance systems (fatigue monitor, intersection assistant), a multimedia system with up to 12-inch display, and an 'Atami Bamboo' interior trim.
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Grand California 2027 gains solar panels and lithium batteries; California Ocean gets Generation edition from €91,309.
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