My first impression of the VW California camper van XXL

The VW California camper van XXL was exhibited at Caravan Salon, Dusseldorf August 2017 - these are my first impressions as I walk into it for the first time! What would you think? As it happened this prototype was never put into production, however instead it was succeeded by the VW Grand California.
More details here : • Stylish concept campin...
I live in a motorhome full time and travel around Europe in it. I spend most of my time in Poland, Germany and Italy. Vanlife is my life.
In my KZbin channel, I present reviews of recreational vehicles. Here you will find campervans and motorhomes from the cheapest camper vans to the most expensive luxury liners, from various companies including Hobby, Hymer, Carthago, Westfalia, Wingamm, Clever Vans, Pössl, Bürstner, Niesmann Bischoff, Action Mobil, Reisemobil Manufaktur, Robeta, Trigano, Challenger, EuraMobil, Laika, Forster, Mobilvetta Design, Affinity, Globe Traveller, Benimar, Roller Team, Adria, Tourne, Megamobil, VW, Mercedes, CS, Renault, Ford, Fiat, Carado, Sunlight, Baileys, Chausson, Balcamp, Knaus, Weinsberg and others.
I cover equipment, including 12v electrical equipment and talk a lot about lithium batteries.
I also show some of the places I have visited in Europe in my own motorhome, as well as the places you can stay at! I try to give as much coverage as I can to official campsites and free places which I use for overnighting. Therefore you can find here the aire or stellplatz that you are possibly looking for.
Please consider supporting me on Patreon : / alanheath

[@JenniferLeo]

It looks AMAZING! Thank you for sharing it!!!! I wonder when it’ll be for sale in the U.S.....(and if I could get different colored seats) ha!

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I have a lot more films with it in which show more of the inside, for example : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gITCeaJ5pJKYpcU

[@Potaterfilms]

it won't be for sale in the United States.

[@BigSonnyTV]

Holy crap it looks like a shuttle off the Enterprise ! This was certainly Star Trek inspired with those colours and designs. The angles and lines are very SciFi.

[@lewisjob2899]

I just love how Volkswagen kept the classic two tone color like the old vans

[@JD-kf2ki]

Design + Engineering

[@funny-video-YouTube-channel]

A bit like a spaceship on wheels. *Nice car :-)*

[@largol33t1]

This video is two years old and the RV still looks a HELL of a lot nicer and more practical than the regurgitated stuff coming out of Winnebago. The only US based brand that looked decent is Thor because at least their interiors don't look 25 years old and they seem to have put effort into a practical layout.

[@rsc98584]

i do like the extended skylight roof a lot! Got to make it feel very open/spacious. I would take the bathroom and put it in the very back and have a corner bed next to it. That would open up the middle of the van giving you more space.

[@sabina8618]

Alan, I love your videos and think you provide a really valuable community service - for free folks!! - to us in the vanning community. Thanks for continuing to share your trips and inspections to those, like me, who are unable to visit these trade fairs due to being on the other side of the planet :-)

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Thanks Sabina! I hope to be back in the US one day!

[@sabina8618]

I hope you make it to Australia too :-) (We drive on the left and it's sunny and safe so even better! :-)

[@irsanbauer582]

Amazing Caravan! VW is the best!!

[@robertdavenport1109]

Dream van

[@VanlifewithAlan]

The above video is my first impressions when the vehicle came out. For those wanting more information, you can read my article here : www.motorhomefulltime.com/vehicle/vw-california-xxl-camper-you-never-saw or see a more detailled film here : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gITCeaJ5pJKYpcU

[@kipwilliam5593]

Nice, but way to much glass, lack of privacy & with such openness I would be concerned about personal security. We do live in a world of crime, even in camping areas, I feel that privacy & security concerns have been ignored

[@ErronKebabb]

Hohoooo keep the standard transmission for us, please VW! I'm really excited to see an OEM camper like this! Electrochromic roof maybe?? Who knows.. Big ups +1

[@tomone2010]

That interior looks like a 3D rendering :O

[@tommavrakos]

Beautiful

[@rogerwaldram4295]

Love this Alan-just seen the latest in German you posted. Trust you now have a lock-picker!😉❤

[@JenniferLeo]

Wow - I just saw all of the negative complaints after I posted my positive one. I have a 26 foot old lindy by skyline - and I’m starting to look for something more appropriate for our lifestyle. I want to be able to go great distances in comfort but not have the bulk of a big motorhome. Also when I looked at sprinters they don’t seem to have enough amenities in them and I lose interest. We also live near the beach and I’d like an RV that I can use as a mobile office and not just for long trips. I don’t care about the color of all the whiteness - I’m sure they’ve thought about how to keep it clean. I got very excited about the upper bed because we need two bed stations - I just also hope they have a table like solution in the back. Anyway - this checked off a lot of my boxes and if that roof had a way to cover itself AND be an energy source - we’ll I’d be even more impressed.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Jennifer I just ignore the negative comments. It is rare to see a negative comment that is informed! Unfortunately at present this is just a prototype.

[@Pmz604]

Great looking future food truck

[@Fitforacting]

Great band and I wish they had them in the state. You know you could always record audio after the video is made and play alongside the video see you can avoid the noise of the cleaning people

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I tried that Reynaldo and it does not really work and it is a devil of a job trying to get the speech to fit what is being looked at. I am now trying something else where I talk in my own van using photos and video.

[@Fitforacting]

Alan Heath my friend is @mattmoranmotoring You can message him and he can tell you how he does it to help you. His name used to be subaruwrxfan on KZbin

[@JohnMFlores]

It looks like the future! What's that thinly padded space around the rear supposed to be for?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Bed!

[@stopsmokingshot1]

u are the boss

[@darianalavandera1586]

I love it i love it

[@lukasjakobs9519]

Nice

[@UCVibes]

There are solar glass collectors. Glass that can collect solar energy and you can see through it at the same time.

[@HappyAlexandros]

How many hours can you run the AC unit, on Lithium battery and solar panel, with the engine shut off?

[@HistoryonYouTube]

Depend on the size of the battery.

[@NIKKIWASH369]

I really wanted to see that bathroom. Next time make sure you have access to your point rooms.

[@MMirac-ij1ps]

nice caravan :D

[@nrs7_9_6]

this is 🙏

[@matriximaster]

Does VW not know that they can get bigger tires than what is used on a Jetta???

[@tonynes3577]

Beautiful Van! But I certainly hope the sunroof will be shaded. It will get awfully hot in there! I live in California USA and I much prefer to have the quality and design of European products.

[@jimbotheassclown]

One good hail storm and its a convertible.

[@GerardFreeman]

Why not just fill in the back bottom part for more room and better looks? :-)

[@Alan62651]

I don't remember where, but someone was developing transparent solar, which might work on the roof.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I have an address of one company that is working on this!

[@m80116]

I reckon about 3 * 15000 Btu AC units running full bast might make do in the Southern EU heat. I wonder what was the inspiration model for this van... a greenhouse ?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I don't think it heats up as it is a special roof plastic. At least that is what I think.

[@m80116]

Alan Heath perhaps special might refer to IR and UV filter coating or film. Being quite familiar to that kind of heat let me put a big no-no bet to any speciality it might have. Anyway... concept van concept roof. This can be fair.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I tried staying in a normal VW T4 in summer - it was like an oven. I had the doors open during the night!

[@m80116]

I can believe that. Ideally you'd also want a Reflectix kind of material in your insulation stack to counter the radiant heat transfer, something I never recall having seen on German manufactured motorhomes and campervans.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

We did some research into nanotechnology and paints using it for insulation. Not available in Europe but 3 US manufacturers have it.

[@MysticMaven]

Please take my money!! Amazing!! As with all cool concepts it will never see the light of day :(

[@Desperado3248]

Since it is not being sold in the US why not call it the Düsseldorf or the Berlin?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Good idea.

[@largol33t1]

My thoughts too. And it would never get past the retarded DOT... Did you know it's illegal (for NO apparent reason) to own a Land Rover? They actually confiscate and crush them. Meanwhile the lawn mower company employee can drive his 20 year truck with its broken suspension and worn out muffler anywhere without having to worry...

[@carlyndolphin]

Do you prefer this or the Sven Hedin?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

If I had to choose between the two, I would pick this!

[@windsurfer49]

Looks like a "Airfix Model kit", Or maybe "THUNDERBIRD 10" something for "Brains to holiday in"" where do you put your "muddy wellies"."

[@brunonTube]

where to put bicycle? rear is uncomfortable for carring stuff

[@annic7995]

It looks space age. I like.

[@105rob]

going by there prices for the smaller vw camper....that one be well north of a 100k

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I think you could put a different digit at the beginning!

[@toptobottom247]

It's very Volkswagen. Not appreciative of the clumpy exterior, especially in the rear. Just like you mentioned, no place for solar with all that glass. They will probably delete the glass over the bed.

[@buddywheels]

All rather academic Alan as VW’s own press release talks about the vehicle just being a test bed for a number of new ideas, some radical and some not so radical. It’s been produced solely to test public and trade reaction. The chances of a new vehicle emerging under the “XXL” banner (or similar) range from none to slim. Even if there was a new vehicle there is little likelihood of it having anything like the number of innovations “hinted” at on this prototype. They have to do this thing of course otherwise nothing would ever move forward but let’s keep our feet on the ground.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I was quoting from their press release at the beginning. I think it will be produced - maybe not quite like this but rather similar.

[@buddywheels]

Too much internal politics at VW for this to get anywhere near production in this form.

[@ianlyons5737]

did you notice the pull out bed above the cab?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I have other films with it in!

[@mylabelle6436]

I like what I see.

[@anar3602]

I'm wondering how loud this would be in a rain storm?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

It can be quite loud in normal circumstances in a van!

[@jaswarswarwars5866]

Maybe that is a solar roof?

[@robntl]

Should have used a LWB model

[@lucianbogdan3777]

You need to upgrade your camera to a wider lens.It will realy help you with the image senzation.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

What camera would you suggest?

[@lucianbogdan3777]

Alan , my experice is just with DSLR cameras, and I have a 16mm lens(FX-fisheye Nikkor) from Nikon. wich is great for narow spaces.I use it with Nikon D800.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Good idea - I shall look into it. It might be a bit difficult for me to carry though all the time because of the shape - not suitable for a pocket!

[@lucianbogdan3777]

yes,the size and weight of a DSLR is an inconvenience, but the quality you can’t beat it.Still.., the wide fisheye type lens you can find it all over the market of video gear .

[@huckmoses]

Mirrorless is an option too. There are some really good ones out there. I'll sum it up for you - Canon EOS M - Color and autofocus is great, film-like, video function a bit outdated, cameras have flip screens / Sony A - Great video functions, great low-light, doesn't have screens that flip towards you // Panasonic G - Rivals Sony in terms of video functions, great workhorse cameras best for TV and recording for a long time, small sensor so a bit harder to get wide angles, has those camcorder style flip screens // Fuji X - Beautiful color and video function is catching up with the rest.

[@NoteFromSELF]

It looks as if the wet room/shower pulls out, but he didn't even try it. Would have loved to see it.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I don't force things which are closed as I presume there is a good reason for it. You can see the wet room in this film : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gITCeaJ5pJKYpcU

[@eesaylak]

What if vw came up with transparent solar solutions, all that mysterious questions? Alan, your KZbin videos will only mean something if you actually share something informative or new that we don’t know of, unsubscribed not allowing you wasting my time!

[@VanlifewithAlan]

It never ceases to amaze me how arrogant some people can be. As for being informative, that is a matter of opinon, as for new - this is prototype - how much newer can it be? As for your arrogance, I am providing films at my expense, perhaps you expect compensation for wasting you time? As for unsubscribing, good riddance - go and bother someone else who can provide more information and newer material.

[@eesaylak]

Alan Heath, who is being arrogant now? VW California xxl is a prototype, and one of my favourite but I think VW should banned you recording their prototype as you suck at it, as stated on the comment, shower cabinet is the one of unique selling point of this prototype and you don’t bother opening it, instead talking shit about riddles! I was merely giving you feedback, oh by the way, you can’t afford compensating the time of your viewer you have wasted! I d say don’t go there!

[@DarrylBass]

Michael Self there's more than one version of this vehicle. Here's one with it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gITCeaJ5pJKYpcU

[@gerardrost4679]

Looks like the interior's inspired by the VW Ambulance. Too much brightness!

[@subhanmemmedov6171]

Price...???

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Prototype

[@subhanmemmedov6171]

Alan Heath Of Course... Thanks...

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I always either say the price or put it up in a link and if I don't it is because I don't know it!

[@tomtellem]

I know I'm late but I'm quite into VWs pricing and if this will come to the dealers it will at least be 110k €

[@matriximaster]

Same price as 5 summers of staying at a Four Seasons on vacation.

[@damtol1]

two much solar radiation light coming through is not a good idea regarding skin cancer and plastic degradation, loss of privacy etc..

[@SuperLEEEDWARDS]

Sorry to say but VW is NOT building it for sale anywhere I checked with my friend at local VW dealership and the answer was NEVER.

[@Sig721Tau]

No American model?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Prototype only

[@Sig721Tau]

Alan Heath Oh, okay.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I shall let you know if it ever goes into production and between you and I, it looks as though it might!

[@DarrylBass]

This is not for serious campers. This is made for people who want to look cute while pretending to be campers. It would get very tiring having to flip, pull, slide and push every time you want to do something.

[@citroeno]

theres alot like that that hire vans too

[@conceptcs]

who said camper is not tiring? it is tiring as fk and that is the fun.

[@jimbotheassclown]

Serious campers lol whats that? Please enlighten me Mrs. badass camper...

[@rayflower1915]

He said it in the wrong way but i get his point

[@AtzenMiro]

Camping in what ever camper is just "pretending to be campers"....

[@steve-from-toronto]

You forgot the bathroom, probably the most innovative aspect of the whole vehicle.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

Forgot? Perhaps you did not see the whole film?

[@steve-from-toronto]

Alan Heath ah, it was locked, I see.

[@user-pq4iw4hz2q]

حاجه.جميله.عرض.هذا.النوعيه.اما.بنسه.لى.عفوا..افضل.مشاهده..فولكس.واجن....سوا.البيتلز..او..كرافان..جميع..غلمودىلات..الحدىث..والجدىد..ةلكم..جزىل..الشكر..فعلا.شى.جميل..وىكفى.على.اقل.تقدىر.فكره..العرض

[@johngonzalez7717]

lifestyle motorhomes where fabulous in their build outs check them out hervey bay QLD

[@aurematic]

OMG! There are so many mistakes on that Van: 1. Transparent roof. Really? In Summer the van will became an Oven on wheels. 2. Lack of storage space. 3. The mattress on the roof bed is so thin that is absolutely uncomfortable 4. Electric plugs on the table, so if you spill some liquid on the table will go in the sockets. Very smart! 5. No solar panels at all of bikes on that van. Sorry guys! I don't even know the price but let's be honest. It's a VW... 6. Everything is white. It's now about racism but we all know how easy is the get white/clear surfaces dirty. By the second week it would look disgusting. It's just some sort of attraction about a futurist camper but unavailabe in our times,

[@bioberni2299]

Alan Health before you make a video of anything's , test it because is amazing campervan VW but your video is empty of info !!!

[@VanlifewithAlan]

It clearly says above FIRST IMPRESSIONS. It was not available for testing, as I also say clearly it is a PROTOYPE. Try reading and listening before you make silly comments. Furthermore I have published several films which give a great deal of info AND published a rather in depth article the links to which are embedded in the film.

[@jefffontenot1782]

Dude, I didn't have a problem with the background noise until you said something.

[@dmomcilovic9185]

Ice cream van?

[@VanlifewithAlan]

They could enlarge the fridge and with modern technology perhaps the generator would not have to keep running!

[@AnnLeiSoCal]

Nothing to see here folks. VW has nothing new on the market for consumers to purchase. Lots of concepts, ideas....smoke and mirrors. Are they going out of business anytime soon or are they still betting on the sleeping Jetta.

[@michaeltorres290]

Not ideal for camping..

[@trumpsahead]

Looks boring and costs a fortune of course.

[@worldofrandometry6912]

Only a prototype maybe but looks awful and impractical.

[@HKN-eu7vv]

Very bad presentation. Not explained about kitchen burner, pullout bed and toilet. Very bad.

[@VanlifewithAlan]

What does it CLEARLY say in the title? Is the word presentation mentioned? Is the word explanation written? Very bad - in fact, idiotic.

[@67amigo]

What an incredibly ugly thing. Size ratios are gone. A much too sterile interior.

[@ivabriggs4879]

I am not impressed. This is a far cry from what it needs to be to be call an RV.

[@boredGPT]

This video is poorly done

[@VanlifewithAlan]

I am sure you could do much better.

[@gerardrost4679]

Looks like the interior's inspired by the VW Ambulance. Too much brightness!