Volkswagen's New 6.8-Metre Camper Van Is Road Trip Gold

Volkswagen is well-known for its Transporter-based mid-size camper vans, but now there’s something bigger

Updated: 28 Dec 2018

Volkswagen's New 6.8-Metre Camper Van Is Road Trip Gold

This is the huge (for Europe) Volkswagen Grand California camper van, which has finally been confirmed for the UK. Designed as a larger brother to the well-known California, which is based on the Transporter van, this one is based on a high-roof, long-wheelbase Crafter.

It’s big, then. Volkswagen doesn’t list specific dimensions for the Grand California yet but the equivalent Crafter measures 6836mm long, 2040mm wide (2427mm including mirrors) and 2590mm high.

It’s what VW has done with the space that we like best, though. First of all there’s a retractable, electrically-powered step up through a standard two-part mosquito net into the living space where you’ll find a toilet, shower and basin in a bathroom that also has shelves, cupboards and a skylight window for the all-important ventilation.

Two versions will be built: a 680 with an emphasis on comfort and space for two, and a 600 with a bunk bed for the kids as well as a big bed at the back for mum and dad. Either should be more comfy than a tent, you’ll be pleased to hear, which counteracts the dubious two-tone paintwork ordered straight from the 1980s.

Among the myriad options are a separate air conditioning unit mounted at the back, an awning on the side, a bike rack and a clever camping table and chairs that can fold flat and be stored in compartments within the sliding doors themselves. A gas-based heating system can be upgraded to an electric one whose power can come from a gas or diesel generator.

On the roof you can add solar panels and/or a satellite dish, because your Sky Sports subscription still has nine months to run, obviously. Internet connection duties can be taken care of by an LTE/WiFi hotspot. The interior has a butt-tonne of options for colours, details and upgrades.

There’s plenty of safety and convenience tech courtesy of the latest Crafter van. Front Assist with emergency autonomous braking, Lane Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Traffic Alert (you’ll need that) and Park Assist (that too) are all available. Adaptive cruise control is a must, as is a rear-view reversing camera.

The Grand California will make its UK debut at the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show starting on 19 February.

Comments

Any thing that limits the amount of caravans on the road i support

I want you as prime minister

Counterpoint: having a caravan means that you get space and amenities similar to a van but you can use basically any car to tow it.

Why are caravans bad though? It’s just like towing anything else.

You can tow a caravan with any car you want tho.. (along as the car suppirts the noseweight of the caravan)

this seems like a good mid-step between a converted van and an alcove motorhome

Yeah…… How much?

Last I checked, they’re in the 6 figures. Which is ridiculous. You could take a chevy van with a v8 and build something exactly how you want it for like $25k tops

I wanted some interior pictures ;(

Finally a California camper van with a bathroom! Imo the most important thing in a camper van… not kitchen (you can stock up on food that doesnt need cooking or cook outside) or 15 beds (1 is enough), but a place to shower and poo (although latter can be done outside too)