By James Stinson
Volkswagen has opened the UK order books for its updated California campervan, bringing sharper styling, more technology and a choice of diesel or plug-in hybrid power to one of the most versatile campers on the market.
First deliveries are due in early 2027 and, although the California is certainly not cheap, it remains an intriguing alternative to a conventional motorhome.
That is largely because of its size. At a little over five metres long and less than two metres high, the California is one of the most compact proper campervans around. It is small enough to fit into many conventional parking spaces and, crucially, under many height restrictions.
That means plenty of owners can and do use a California as a second car, or even their main vehicle, rather than leaving it parked on the driveway or garaged for large parts of the year as can happen with bigger campervans and motorhomes.
Familiar formula, smarter technology
The latest changes do not reinvent the California, but instead build on a well-established formula.
Volkswagen has redesigned the front end below the bonnet and fitted larger LED headlights, while there are new 17, 18 and 19-inch alloy-wheel designs. Power-latching sliding doors and a powered tailgate are also among the updates.
Inside, there is a redesigned cockpit with a 12.9-inch central infotainment screen alongside a 10-inch Digital Cockpit. The larger display handles navigation, media and smartphone connectivity as well as camping-related functions.
Device charging has been improved too, with up to 25W wireless charging and 60W USB-C connections, while new materials, ambient lighting and additional colour combinations freshen up the cabin.
Diesel or plug-in hybrid
Buyers can choose between two distinctly different powertrains.
The conventional option is a 2.0-litre TDI diesel developing around 148bhp, paired with a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox. For buyers intending to cover plenty of motorway miles or take lengthy touring holidays, it arguably remains the straightforward choice.
The alternative is the 1.5-litre eHybrid plug-in hybrid. It produces 242bhp, uses a six-speed DSG and comes with 4MOTION four-wheel drive.
The hybrid can travel around 52 miles on electric power under WLTP testing, making quiet, engine-off commuting realistic for owners who charge regularly. Its battery can also accept DC charging at up to around 40kW, with 11kW AC charging available.
A particularly useful addition for campers is electric stationary air conditioning. The eHybrid can heat, cool or ventilate its interior electrically for up to eight hours while charging, parked or camping, potentially making overnight stays considerably more comfortable.
The catch is cost. The eHybrid commands a sizeable premium over the diesel, meaning buyers who rarely plug in may struggle to justify the extra expense.
Three ways to camp
The range is divided into Beach, Coast and Ocean specifications.
Even the entry-level Beach is a proper camper rather than simply a people carrier with a pop-up roof. Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, heated and swivelling front seats, a manually operated pop-up roof, awning, 230V leisure battery and a compact kitchen with a single-ring gas hob. An outdoor table and chairs are also included, while the California provides sleeping accommodation for up to four.
Coast builds on that with a larger kitchen, additional storage cabinets, two-tone upholstery and extra leisure batteries to help power equipment such as the fridge and lighting when parked.
Ocean sits at the top of the range, adding equipment including 18-inch alloys, Matrix LED headlights, an electrically operated pop-up roof, three-zone climate control and enhanced ambient lighting.
Safety technology has also been upgraded. The latest Travel Assist can support motorway lane changes and adds traffic-light recognition, while Emergency Assist is designed to guide the California towards the hard shoulder or outermost lane if the driver suffers a medical emergency.
Premium price for versatility
That combination of car-like dimensions and genuine camping facilities is the California’s big attraction, although buyers pay handsomely for the versatility.
The California Beach diesel costs £66,334 including VAT and on-the-road costs, with Coast starting at £71,464 and Ocean at £79,762.
Choosing the eHybrid 4MOTION raises those figures to £74,637 for Beach, £79,672 for Coast and £87,970 for Ocean.
Volkswagen is also offering finance deals to mark the opening of the order books. Personal buyers can get a California from £549 a month on a Solutions PCP, while business customers are being offered Business Contract Hire from £469 a month.
The £549 deal is based on an Ocean 148bhp 2.0 TDI over four years and requires a sizeable £16,511.82 customer deposit, although Volkswagen adds a £5,000 deposit contribution. The £469 Business Contract Hire offer is based on a Beach 148bhp diesel over three years, with an initial rental of £2,814. Both offers are based on 10,000 miles a year and are available on vehicles ordered by 5 January 2027.
Those are substantial sums, particularly when larger campervans can offer more living space for similar money. But few combine everyday usability, compact dimensions and proper four-berth camping equipment quite as neatly as the California.