Volkswagen California 2024– car dimensions: 5173 mm long, 1941 mm wide and 1972 mm high. Unladen weight is 2,279 kg. Braked towing is 2,000 kg.
The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard across the range, plus a digital cockpit. Adaptive cruise control, Front Assist automatic emergency braking, Lane Assist, Side Assist blind-spot warning and front/rear parking sensors come fitted on all models. Climate control starts as manual air-con on Beach versions and upgrades to three-zone Climatronic on Coast and Ocean. A rear-view camera is standard on Coast and Ocean but optional on Beach Camper. Higher trims add Park Assist and Travel Assist for easier parking and semi-automated motorway driving.
Boot space is highly variable because the individual rear seats slide, fold or lift out completely. With seats removed the load volume reaches 4005 litres and the area can take loads up to 2625 mm long. Coast and Ocean models lose some width to the side kitchen unit and have a removable bed platform that leaves about 350 mm clearance underneath.
Braked towing capacity is 2000 kg on TDI and TSI models and 1570 kg on the eHybrid 4MOTION. Unbraked towing is 750 kg across the range. Gross vehicle weight sits between 2850 kg and 2950 kg depending on engine, so payload typically falls in the 300-600 kg band once options and camping gear are fitted.
The modular single seats and dual sliding doors make the van practical for everyday load-carrying as well as camping. Trailer Assist is available as an option to help with manoeuvring.
Front seats swivel and offer height adjustment plus power lumbar with armrests on both sides. Higher trims add heated front seats and a heated leather multifunction steering wheel. The pop-up roof gives standing room and a sprung upper bed. Dual sliding doors and modular light rear seats create flexible living space. Cabin feels car-like and refined with good blackout shades and ambient lighting on top models.
TDI diesel WLTP combined around 6.5-6.9 l/100 km. TSI higher. eHybrid lower with electric range.
UK models include 5 Plus Promise covering five services, three MOTs, five-year warranty and roadside assistance.
Based on Multivan platform which scored five Euro NCAP stars. California itself untested separately.
Standard kit includes Travel Assist, Front Assist AEB, lane assist, parking sensors, adaptive cruise and multiple airbags.
Diesel versions return official combined figures near 6.5-6.9 litres per 100 km with a 58-litre tank. Petrol is thirstier. The plug-in hybrid adds electric-only running and lower blended use when charged.
Servicing follows Volkswagen schedules with the UK 5 Plus package bundling five services and three MOTs into the purchase. Warranty runs five years or high mileage limit. Camper systems are checked with regular vehicle services.
Safety draws from the Multivan base with a full suite of assist systems as standard across the range. Expect automatic emergency braking, lane keeping, adaptive cruise and Travel Assist for semi-automated driving. Twin sliding doors and parking aids help daily use.
Keep the vehicle by using authorised centres for oil services and inspections. The modular seats and kitchen modules are easy to clean. Additional camper batteries and heaters need occasional checks but share the main service network.
Length 5173 mm, Width 1941 mm, Height 1972 mm, Wheelbase 3124 mm (California 2024-)
Sources: manufacturer data, VW Nutzfahrzeuge technical data page and all-new California brochure, ADAC manufacturer data table, UltimateSpecs and Multivan T7 cross-refs.