VW California
Spanish company Panama has unveiled the P10H camper based on the Ford Tourneo Custom 2026 with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It combines a 2.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor for a total output of 232 hp and 525 Nm, with an 11.8 kWh battery providing 52 km of electric range, earning the DGT CERO environmental badge. Dimensions are 5.05 m long, 2.15 m wide and 2.06 m high, with a weight of 2,686 kg. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, lane-keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, collision warning, rear camera, 13-inch multimedia display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats and 17-inch alloy wheels. The camper section features a pop-up roof with a double bed, a 36-litre fridge, a two-burner gas hob, a sink, an outdoor shower, a boiler and insulation. Pricing starts at €73,990 without discounts, significantly undercutting a similarly equipped Volkswagen California eHybrid, which exceeds €95,000.
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.
United States
Volkswagen is offering the VW California Beach Camper on a private lease at 369 euros gross per month. The contract terms are fixed: 24 months, 10,000 km per year, with no down payment. A one-time delivery charge of 1,850 euros gross applies (1,100 euros for self-collection), raising the calculated monthly cost to around 446 euros (415 euros with self-collection). The vehicle is available from February 2027 and features a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 110 kW (150 hp), front-wheel drive and a 7-speed DSG.
United States
Tinkervan has introduced a camper based on the latest-generation Opel Zafira. The model comes with a 2.2-litre diesel producing 180 hp and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base version costs around €45,000, roughly €30,000 less than a Volkswagen California. The camper features a pop-up roof with a 1.30 by 2.0 m double bed; options include a diesel parking heater, a shower with an 11-litre tank, a 100 Ah auxiliary battery and a kitchen module. The environmental class is 'C'.
Volkswagen has unveiled the California Beach concept, designed to let one vehicle serve as both a family minivan and a camper. Developed with Stuff Bubble, the concept uses inflatable modular camping units that can be inflated or folded in minutes. The kitchen module weighs under 10 kg and includes a functional tap and sink, while the inflatable bed (about 12 kg) can be configured as a single or double. The concept debuts at Caravan Salon 2026, where Volkswagen will also show the ID. California Cruise electric camper, with a production version planned within two years.
Panama Vans, a brand of the Trigano group, has introduced the Panama River R10 camper van based on the Renault Master. The base version costs 54,990 euros, while the Limited Edition is 58,990 euros. The Limited Edition features a 170-hp diesel engine and automatic transmission, and includes the Living pack with auxiliary heating, inverter, and other amenities. For comparison, the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo starts at 94,918 euros, and the Volkswagen California ranges from 75,000 to 85,000 euros. The camper is certified as a living vehicle.
United States
The Czech market sees growing demand for micro-campers — compact vans with fold-out sleeping areas that replace full-size motorhomes. The new VW Caddy California starts at 881,235 CZK, while the classic VW California starts at 1.6 million CZK. The price difference ranges from 720,000 to 1.22 million crowns. Options include the factory-built Caddy California, the VANDERER Two module (from €28,999), and the removable Camperkit box (€2,590). These vehicles require a B driving license and lack fixed toilets or showers, increasing reliance on campsites.
At the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon, Volkswagen unveiled the electric ID. California Cruise based on the ID. Buzz Pro. It offers a WLTP range of 250–310 miles, up to 48 hours of onboard power, and 2,000W V2L output. Priced at €60,761, it undercuts the diesel version. Orders open in early 2027.
Vidal Golosinas is holding a giveaway for a zero-kilometer Volkswagen California Beach Tour camper. To enter, participants must register on the website and follow Vidal on Instagram. The contest runs from July 3 to October 22, 2026.
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Dealer Tölke & Fischer and Volkswagen offer leasing for the VW California Beach Camper: 269 euros with a 2500-euro down payment or 399 euros with no down payment.
Tinkervan offers a camper conversion based on the Opel Zafira Life, priced around €30,000 less than a Volkswagen California. The base version starts at €45,000, while the top version features a 180 hp diesel engine and automatic transmission. The camper includes a pop-up roof with a double bed, an additional bed, and options such as a heater, shower, fridge, and other accessories.
Germany is Europe's largest caravanning market, with around 15 billion euros in industry turnover and nearly 100,000 new registrations per year. German manufacturers focus on compact design and technical precision rather than sheer size. Well-known models like the VW California and Mercedes Marco Polo have been on the market since the 1980s, but less-known brands are driving innovation.
Sunlight has launched its UNLTD series of motorhomes in Spain, based on the Ford Transit. The range offers four layouts with full equipment, including automatic transmission, complete bathroom and garage. Prices start at €69,290, about €25,000 less than comparable VW California models.
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Volkswagen has announced the ID. California Cruise concept camper based on the ID. Buzz. It will debut at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf from August 28 to September 6. Production of electric campers will expand through 2028.
hvg.hu tested the Volkswagen California based on the Multivan T7, which offers 10 square meters of living space and costs 50 million forints in Hungary. The model features a pop-up roof, a mini kitchen, a 37-liter refrigerator, and sleeping accommodations for four. The test version had a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with 150 horsepower, averaging 8 liters per 100 kilometers. An updated version with a larger display is due in autumn.
At the Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf, manufacturers are showcasing mature models, focusing on weight reduction, electrification, and self-sufficient energy systems. Pure electric campers remain a niche, while hybrids and range extenders become the main choice for long-distance travel. Key highlights: Ford Transit Custom Nugget PHEV with an electric range of about 60 km, the updated VW ID Buzz LWB, and models like Hymer ML-T 580 Crossover 4×4 and VW California T7 Ocean Plug-in-Hybrid 4motion. Manufacturers such as Knaus Tabbert are implementing lightweight technologies to comply with weight limits, and the 48-volt architecture is becoming standard in mid-range and premium classes.
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Volkswagen unveiled a new version of the California camper with inflatable furniture. It increases living space and reduces weight; prices and availability are not yet disclosed.
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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will present two novelties at Caravan Salon 2026 in Düsseldorf: California Beach with Stuff Bubble accessory and ID.California Cruise concept based on ID.Buzz.
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A journalist drove 2000 miles across Europe in the VW California Ocean 2024. Prices start at £64,432, top spec £88,006. Noted lack of power, no wireless charging, and AC issues in camping mode.
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At Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Volkswagen showed the ID. California Cruise concept based on the ID. Buzz and inflatable furniture for the California Beach. The 250,000th California also rolled off the line.