NEW 2025 VW Californias | FIRST LOOK! | Plus We Ask, Available In The USA??

I fly out to Berlin to see the World Premiere of the brand new Volkswagen California based on the VW Multivan. This California has some real innovative features including, for the first time ever on a California, the option for plug in hybrid drivetrain. I take a good look around this all new T7 VW California in all three guises, Beach, Coast and Ocean. I also asked Albert Kirzinger a few questions that a lot of you have been asking for a long time.
Let us know what you think of the brand new Volkswagen California?
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[@gonti88]

Im watching it in my T6 ocean and I feel that I would never ever change mine for this one. It’s pretty car, I love how it looks like exterior but as a campervan previous edition did it better.

[@robbrigham5926]

Absolutely rubbish. Its 5.17m long, rather than 4.9m - so wont go in normal spaces. But despite that, there is no space between the bed and the front seats to put a toilet overnight (nowhere for one at all). The T6 downstairs bed was only just wide enough for two at a push and the upstairs bed was wider, but that narrower width is now the width of the upstairs bed and the downstairs one is several inches narrower again - in my opinion now too small for two people (unless you are really thin). There is almost no storage - you lose the big drawer under the bench and most of the cupboards. Only a single burner hob - so you can cook pasta or sauce, but not both... Smaller fridge which is poorly designed as you have to pull the whole thing out to get something and lose ALL of the cold air from the fridge when doing to. No worktop space. Really narrow rear seats - only wide enough for children. You have to go outside in the rain just to get a table. And its really faffy to covert to/from bed mode. If they dont do the new transporter as a California then they are going to lose LOADS of customers to the Marco Polo and Ford Nugget going forward. This is just 'perceived' lifestyle over practicality. I dont want to swear so cant say just how bad I really think this is! Oh and the beach only offers cooking outside - in the wind and rain...

[@yasi4877]

An opportunity lost. They really could have made a big leap forward from the T6.1. What were they thinking?

[@stevezodiac491]

couldn't agree more, it is a VW disaster. VW seem to be making lots of cheaply made and not well designed rubbish these days.

[@dannyheyrman4848]

Not to forget: rilling water from the inside. I’ve overfilled me T6.1 more than once so now the whole car World be wet. Like you Saïd: lifestyle over practicality. I’m keeping my T6 for a while.

[@Mikadiesel]

@@dannyheyrman4848 That was I thought firstly... Filling water in car... hope that they will have some adapter. ...

[@SolidsFelt]

I think it’s a big disappointment that they haven’t built it around the bigger T7 transporter. I want a proper van not a car.

[@Redf322]

Yes looks like a people carrier

[@SC-nv8ve]

Well the new upcoming T7 is a Ford Transit.

[@watcher24601]

Then get the grand Cali. The biggest problem I have seen with all other van conversions is they do nothing to improve the drive. I'd rather put a tent in the back of the car, then drive a clunky van that hasn't had the cockpit updated since the 1980's and is horrible to drive for more than 30mins! Other than the cheap VW plastic, this is at least an upgrade on the old T7 transporter design.

[@alperozaltin]

İt is actually the innovation which is building on car chassis rather than heavy vans

[@marks-0-0]

If i was tempted to buy the old Transporter Cali before it ended I'd now just buy a well speced base van and do a basic modular build inside. Alot cheaper and more versatile.

[@guydarcy-evans5541]

Great video. We have a T6 Kepler one. My wife and I are not big people and it suits us. Our grown up children would not be even able to sit up straight in this new VW Cali. It is like the latest chocolate bars. It's smaller, but more expensive. It is simply not big enough even for two. Good old uncle Albert is more deluded than our english one in Only fools and horses.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

I never find a chocolate bar is big enough for two 😂

[@watcher24601]

Other than the cheap plastics and VW premium, this is the first Cali I would actually consider. Shame there isn't a Skoda equivalent with a more realistic price tag and better quality materials. The new line up with the grand cali as a base for 4 people and this for a more active couple makes more sense than 3 big vans in the line up.

[@MrAirborne144]

We have had the T6 Cali from 2018 and have got it working to our needs. I don’t think I could fit everything I carry now as easily in the new Ocean. But as stated by VW, they are moving towards Car/Camper. Which is a different type of vehicle to the T6. as I have done 34k in nearly six years of use…. Ornament on my drive most of the year. Would I go with the new Cali? Probably not. Even though it is very nice and trying to tick more box’s for different people… I have a feeling they will move back to a T6 format with future Cali’s. A excellent 👌 film by Shaun yet again and very informative. PS seen you on the livestream in action what’s your new hand held camera your using? Looks like it had a gimbal built in?

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thank you very much for watching. Yes I was using a DJI Pocket 3. It’s nice and small and integrates very well with microphones which makes life much easier at events like this. 👍

[@Jay685]

Really good video, well done. Really interesting. I loved the Concept, this not so much but I think you're right about the Beach being a good choice. Just for space.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisyates399]

The lack of a comfortable 2 seat lounger bench is a deal breaker for me. Also I'd feel less secure in a 2 sliding door unit, plus the storage loss and smaller upstairs bed all confirm to me that the 2024 Nugget is the way to go. Add the fact that you can get V2L charging on the PHEV Nugget and 330w of solar as standard, and it becomes a no-brainer.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

It will be interesting to see if Ford use the van they’ve collaborated with VW in building but VW don’t use it as a camper.

[@Crepes1626]

Why do you feel less secure with 2 sliding doors?

[@seanfallon4580]

Smaller upstairs bed is around 60 mm , so it's not that much Smaller really

[@flakvr]

Agreed. Was waiting for this presentation, but the Nugget is top of my list now.

[@robinkellett-navellou2606]

Really interested in what VW's plans are for Grand California II - I don't suppose you had the chance to ask at all?

[@marks-0-0]

The VW chap mentioned they had to base the California on the Multivan because it has a newer chasis but they've also stated the Transporter is based on a much needed better performing chasis to bring it up to date. Which is it.

[@adventureswithgnomie6553]

Neat stuff - T7 chassis? They are really missing out by not selling it to the United States market. They could do special orders.

[@glynhodgson-fo4wl]

Got to be the Beach, for its total versitility

[@MGomezVel]

Espero que los consumos, la autonomía, el peso hayan sido mejorados, seria un gran punto a su favor. Hay muchos factores a valorar que todavía desconocemos para dar un veredicto definitivo.

[@VLesPaul]

Nice one, thanks Shauny! Think we’ll stick with our 6.1 Coast. The new one looks great, but I think storage would be a problem. So glad we bought ours when we did in 2021 (totally because of your vids 😁). Hope the Crafter is done by now!?! 😅

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Glad you’re enjoying the Coast. Great camper 👌

[@timeaves6164]

Well done, great film. You just covered the full Cali range there Shaun. I didnt realise they had made them yet. I don't think I'll be swapping my T6.1 Beach Camper for one of these though. Keep the films coming please

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thank you very much and thank you for watching

[@copa1856]

It looks really claustrophobic. They are definitely large cars and not buses. Did it feel cramped to you? Thanks for still bringing us all the new VW news. ❤

[@tupolev141]

Outside measurements compared between the two it's not such a big difference. But yes it is definately a bit of a step back, especially in height by the looks of it . Probaly on the inside the difference is bigger as car sides have been getting bulkier and bulkier over the years because of safety regulations, something commercial vans didn't suffer from as much. But to be honest, compared to original properly iconic campers this one is still plenty big.

[@BlueJC2001]

Great video thank you. Reading some of the comments I’m reminded of my gripes about my T5.1. This seems to fix the first and most irksome of issues. The drive experience. After a long time driving I get out of my van bent in half. I’ve often wish for a better driver comfort experience. This promises just that. Does the grey water flush tap still demand struggling on knees behind a cupboard? If these little comforts are fixed and the changes to space aren’t too onerous it’s a win for me. Thanks again.

[@bpn6c1]

This is definitely a grown-up version of the California caddy 😂 for personal weekend trip ect. Wondering what would be the price tag for it?

[@user-nw1lm3rm5q]

Great video as always, thank you :)

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@richardhurst1969]

It’s a no for me. Less storage, one burner instead of two. Feels small and claustrophobic. T6 and T6.1 prices will be increasing

[@balazspetho5636]

Nice, shiny new Sharans... 😬 All the sleeping areas have become narrower and less comfortable. The Beach especially useless with that you have to turn around that (heavy) middle seat, if you want to make the bed.

[@rickyard11]

We have a beach 6.1 with the pop out kitchenette is brilliant, this new beach with the rear kitchenette is a waste of space. I also prefer the table in the door versus the table in the boot. Again a huge amount of space stolen.

[@michaelhandforth]

Cramped, lower chassis, so much lost storage space for stuff that you don't need (2 doors, 2 seats in the back). Seems more car than van. Bit disappointed you didnt really point this all out. Fancy trim and tech but you get that in most new cars now. I'll need to find a new camper when it comes to replacing our T6 :(

[@ABusAndBeyond]

I think Albert made it very clear that they wanted it to be more car-like.

[@jeanettesmart9990]

Great review as always. It’s not for me as not enough storage which is a shame. I can’t say we will see many California Ocean owners changing to this T7

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thank you!

[@Mas-lx5nc]

Shame you have to exit the beach to use the hob at the back - much prefer the foldaway door hob on T6.1. Seems to take a lot of valuable boot space as well

[@ABusAndBeyond]

We did love the kitchen hidden in the door in the T6.1!

[@tupolev141]

Such a funny title. I'm imagining you slapping the VW representative with the back of your hand shouting VEE ASK ZE QUESTIONS!!

[@ABusAndBeyond]

😂😂😂

[@tupolev141]

@@ABusAndBeyond :sniff: you changed it now 😪

[@karlospappy8908]

Great video Shaun, but having owned a T6 Ocean I believe this is just too small. There are some good innovations but I can't imagine how fed up a family of 4 would be after a wet week away. Cheers K.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

You may well be right. Once they arrive in the U.K. we will certainly put one through some rigorous testing

[@glynhodgson-fo4wl]

Yeah the Beach for me as for the versatility and multi use, giving the extra width, without the side kitchen. Also I believe this will be a less cost. Waiting for the Hybrid Beach to come to New Zealand, we always a couple of years behind 😢🤪

[@johndgn]

Not as negative myself as we use power pack and cook pot / kettle a lot so one burner fine. Easy seat removal would work for storing posh bike inside. Easier to swivel front seats. Don't think this one will hold value same as old one so might be decent second hand buy down the line plus niggles will be ironed out, or em.. maybe not, what am I saying? 😂

[@SC-nv8ve]

Great video - keep the good work up.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thanks!

[@bmm0424]

Great informative video, think I’d like a beach camper on my Christmas list please Santa 😂

[@ABusAndBeyond]

😂 be nice wouldn’t it!!

[@yieldtothenight]

I wish it had a split rear door up and down so you could the bottom half to sit on. Also they should solar panels built in in this day and age. Does the bottom bed in the Ocean go into a reclining position? Does the hybrid have diesel heating? I liked the table in the door because you didn’t have to get wet to take it out of it was raining

[@jonmortermusic]

Those rear ‘kitchen units’ are a waste of time. This multivan version looks like a huge retrograde step back from the clever T6.1 layout. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it

[@hedleywrightphotography]

Looks ok when the top is up (apart from less headroom under the awning) but on those stormy nights when you have to drop the top the lack of headroom will be an issue for many.

[@highheels200]

That beach having to have a random seat at the end of the bed is a show stopper for us. (It wasn't left up by accident) it kills the usable space when in bed mode. I want the hybrid but in my T5.1 beach please 🙂 Great video 👍

[@seanfallon4580]

You don't have to have that chair to make up the bed you can remove it , but of course if you have 3 children you will have to use it ,

[@d1ppaz]

Like many have stated it’s a downgrade. Shane because I was considering one but wish I had bought the 6.1 now.

[@chrischalk-y7m]

Great reviews as usual, agree beach camper is the best, boss is a very convincing Guy. Cheers

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thank you for watching 😊

[@tracielawrence9310]

Hi. On this new Cali Ocean, is the still room for a porta potti at the foot of the bed?

[@TheLittleRedCali]

It works well in the current 6.1. In this model I’m not sure it’ll work. Looks very tight in there.

[@raeldor]

How is the fridge powered? From the camper battery? Can it be on permanently? Does it take much electricity? Can the camper battery be recharged from the hybrid battery? Thanks!

[@seanfallon4580]

Great informative video of the new california , shaun Looks a lovely vehicle and very practical as in being able to take the seats out easily , and i think it will be nicer to drive as its made on the MQB platform , , looks a very snazzy vehicle

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Thanks for watching. 😊👍

[@martinspurway2665]

New Beach Camper makes a lot of sense to me, do you know if the rear kitchen is removable? Great for camping trips if needed but can make the most of the space when you don't need the cooker etc. Would love a high spec Beach with the wheels and two tone 🤙🤙

[@seanfallon4580]

No the new kitchen is not removable, because of the gas connection , sadly

[@henkdekock6367]

I would like to see more reporting on the electrics. How does these two new aux batteries charge. What is the max power from them. Does the PHEV offer access to main battery for accessories. Can I use a solar panel to charge the aux batteries.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

The auxiliary/leisure batteries will charge via the engine running or plugging in to hook up. The max capacity is 80Ah (2x40Ah on the Coast and Ocean). That’ll run the fridge for a long time off grid. Well over a week I suspect. I doubt you’ll be able to do anything with the PHEV battery as it’ll be a completely different voltage. Yes you’ll be able to charge the leisure battery with a solar panel but it’ll require aftermarket wiring/panel unless VW launch one

[@MGomezVel]

Y se me olvidaba, también necesito que sea 4wd o 4x4 con bloqueante de diferencial, mas alta al suelo y gasolina. A ver que sale de forma definitiva que me gustaría comprármela.

[@karlmillward4936]

Great video. How does the lower bed system work in the beach, do the seats fold flat and the mattress unfolds over them?

[@seanfallon4580]

Yes that's the way it works , the seats fold flat

[@SirPablo2Pablo]

Based then on the Multivan. Excellent show

[@markb1971]

Is this the new transit transporter then or a vw multivan ? Confused

[@our_roadtrip]

It's just the Multivan. Unfortunately.

[@Chris391971]

Looks great but I suspect small and expensive. However I think it’s going to be better to drive and safer than a T7 / Transit Custom.

[@pluc99-pl99]

I'm wondering if the reversed third back seat in the Beach is required to support the bed or if you could leave it at home and still make up the bed.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

I believe you can leave it at home if you like

[@robertdon777]

What are the bed sizes on the Ocean? seen the pop top but not the lower bed, the twin rear seats look a very big compromise, I struggle to see any real benefit to them over the bench (when on campsite)

[@TheLittleRedCali]

This will sell in big numbers because VW Cali’s always do but come on, this is not an upgrade on the 6.1. This is a car first and camper second. The 6.1 is a proper camper that can be used as a car. It’ll be ok for a single traveller but useless for a family.

[@jamesholmes4256]

Great video It has become a day car not a holiday van now The brand has been ruined It has now pushed me towards the crafter

[@sirfozztv7568]

Interesting new vehicle. I like the double sliding doors, but overall looks a much smaller vehicle. Pros and cons I guess. Can the storage bags in the back windows be removed?

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Yes they can be removed 👍

[@ianburton9223]

Did you see if the kitchen array in the Beach can be removed to offer more luggage space?

[@ABusAndBeyond]

I don’t think it can as it has a permanent gas connection

[@ianburton9223]

@@ABusAndBeyond That makes sense. Really appreciate your reply. Thank you. So it looks like the Beach Tour rather than the beach camper will be the one for me.

[@jopiez1]

Saw another video, and i think you don’t loose the windows. The pockets can come off completely

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Yeah it’s just that you sacrifice being able to look through the windows in order to gain some storage

[@jopiez1]

@@ABusAndBeyond Looking at the late break show channel, it‘s calles a window blind doubling as a storage bag. Looks like you can remove the one on the right when driving.

[@antglu123]

They’ve caught up to the design of the Kepler Six in terms of bed and seat layout. Good video

[@Are_we_there_yet_]

Like the new T7 it’s shame they are sharing the Ford Transit platform and not designing their own vehicle. I understand its costs! But this is why it’s so narrow compared to T6 for example

[@ABusAndBeyond]

It’s the yet to be released Transporter that is designed in conjunction with Ford. This Multivan is separate and based on VW’s MQB platform.

[@dennisluyt6500]

What a downgrade compared to the current T6.1. Narrower beds (what were they thinking?), less storage (no more huge drawer under the bench!). I'll stick to my 6.1 I guess.

[@ftgoggi4715]

Oh dear.....what were VW thinking. T6 Cali owners are gonna see secondhand values climb for sure!! A core market with specific dreams eh....hmmmm.....a specific market with a weird claustrophobia fetish i guess. Good luck VW sales teams lol

[@CrazyCalifornia]

Great video but I personally think it’s a load of crap. I’d prefer a good car with a roof top tent ! I’ll be sticking with my Ocean 6.1 I was looking forward to seeing the next generation cali …. I suppose this will be my last camper van as I can’t see any good coming soon.

[@andybearyaki]

Great review and getting into the details, i'm not going to post all the negatvies and dissapointments on the new T7/multivan whatever it is called now but at the end the explaination of 4 kids in a beach with a 2 person bed didn't make any sense at all..... great video though thanks for taking us through everything and also the Q&A at the end.

[@JonTaylor-c6z]

Excellent video as always. Re. The subject matter. Volkswagen have clearly lost the plot. The reason why we all love campervans is because they're a van. The clue is in the name! These new California's are based on a VW Golf chassis and running gear. We don't want a 'VW Campercar,' we want and love VW Campervans! Suffice to say, as an owner of a T6.1 Surf and having previously owned a T6 Beach and a T6.1 Coast. VW won't be getting anymore business from me!

[@sierrabravo.]

😂HAHAHA. the marketing team clearly did their job. The head of design dude says that the new one has “dynamics”, and the new one is a ‘better car than the old one was” Well Albert, I hate to tell you that this type of vehicle is known as a camperVAN, not a camper car. Keep your campercar and shove your dynamics. I’m going to be hanging onto my t6.1 for a loooooong time. It’s a much larger and comfortable interior space, and has better ground clearance.

[@stevee6316]

Form over function

[@DanHeywood92]

It’s simply not as good as the t6.1 😵

[@ABusAndBeyond]

It’s always difficult to change from campers we know and love!

[@stephenrussell6074]

This is hugely expensive but useless lifestyle camping vehicle. There is no space for anything. Awnings are not high enough. No load capacity.

[@stevezodiac491]

You have to admit, it is a big dissapointment. It looks awful and no where near the appeal of a Transporter. I believe that not many will buy this effort ?

[@chrisyates399]

A classic case of style over substance IMO.

[@MGomezVel]

Hola, espero que mejoren un poco mas la BEACH, a mi me interesa llevar mi e-bici de 15000 € dentro y poder dormir una persona también abajo con ella, y otras dos arriba. La bicis baratas irían por fuera. También me interesa poder usar la mesa en el interior y llevar un wc portátil. La cocina, la nevera, la ducha, los armarios y el fregadero no los necesito. Gracias por el video.

[@dannyheyrman4848]

You can put you bike inside but you would need to sleep up top. You can’t make a one person bed.

[@MGomezVel]

@@dannyheyrman4848 Tendré que hacer bricolaje si no lo soluciona VW. Muchos ciclistas lo lamentaremos.

[@our_roadtrip]

VW did exactly the wrong thing. ID. Buzz? I'd be very interested! New Transporter? Super interested! But this??? A Sharan as a camper? Fuck no!

[@ericavis4220]

Looks like a copy of a T5/T6 California's copy.

[@martyngarner7961]

That seat wasn't left up in the beach. You have to disconnect it from the rails,turn it round and refit it to make the bed. Sh1te idea

[@andrewsprason1223]

It’s a Ford.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

It’s not

[@andrewsprason1223]

Made in Turkey under the Ford platform looks similar to a Ford. The real VW fans won’t touch it, read the forums. We expect that a Woke and beyond will have one…

[@ABusAndBeyond]

“A Woke And Beyond”??? What are you talking about? I think you’re confusing the MQB platform based Multivan with the new upcoming Transporter (which will be built alongside the new Transit)

[@PaulShadwell]

You say people are desperate to see an ID Buzz California, yet he says there's no market. Huh? I love the VW camper and would love to buy one but not in diesel, petrol or hybrid. I think there are probably a lot of people thinking the same. Yet VW are totally blind to this and it's a real pity. A sadly missed opportunity.

[@vanagon1966]

this will be a total disaster for vw its absolutely useless as a campervan..why didnt vw wait and turn the new transporter into the new california when it arrives next year

[@robertcook2572]

Excellent upgrade - they've clearly listened to real users, rather than fantasists.

[@ABusAndBeyond]

Will you be ordering one? 😊

[@robertcook2572]

@@ABusAndBeyond I certainly won't be buying one brand new!

[@dannyheyrman4848]

I’m a real user. 75.000 km on a 2.5 year old T6.1. This isn’t a camper but a downgrade and a distractie to be called a California

[@robertcook2572]

@@dannyheyrman4848 VW exist to make a profit - not just to please you. The majority gets what the majority wants

[@용범-m3g]

내 인생 마지막 차로 정한다고 하면 슬프긴하지만 그러고 싶어