VW’s Suite on wheels goes into the second round
The song “Hotel California” makes you want to go on holiday – just like the Volkswagen model series of the same name. The latter is becoming ever closer to being a hotel, as the new Grand California models 600 and 680 now prove.
Thanks to a revised cockpit, new automatic gear selector and an electronic parking brake, the VW Motorhomes in the current model year, there is significantly more comfort. Another new feature is a control panel in the living area, which can be used to control the heating, optional satellite system and other devices. The fill levels of the water tanks and the on-board batteries can also be monitored via this panel.
VW Grand California: Smart and connected
The VW As a Crafter offshoot, Grand California has been the largest member of the California family since 2019. The 600 and 680 models are equipped with a 120 kW (163 hp) TDI engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available as an option.
Volkswagen has made improvements to the cockpit to improve comfort
Image: Manufacturer
Since its market launch, the largest offspring of the California family has impressed with its six (GC 600) or 6.80 meters (GC 680) length, space for comfortable beds, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with shower and toilet (with suction ventilation as standard).
New products in model year 2025
With the new model year, the factory vehicle gets a fresh dashboard with the latest infotainment systems up to 12.9 inches and the “Digital Cockpit”. The gear lever gives way to a selector switch that creates more knee room.
The controls are easily accessible from any position
Image: Manufacturer
The handbrake is replaced by an electric parking brake. This makes it easier to get from the front seats to the living area. Also new is IDA, the digital voice assistant with ChatGPT integration.
Prices and models
- California 600: From 79,313.50 euros. The 5.98 meter long and 2.97 meter high motorhome has a sleeping area in the rear with a transversely integrated bed (1930 x 1360 mm). A high roof bed for children is available as an option.
- Grand California 680: From 82,175.45 euros. The 6.80 meter long and 2.84 meter high camper offers a sleeping area integrated lengthwise in the rear (up to 2000 x 1670 mm) and more storage space. Equipped with a super high roof, it is a luxurious camper for two people.
Modern camper control unit
The new camper control unit with a five-inch touch display shows and controls all relevant features. These include fill levels for fresh and waste water, lighting functions, power supply, satellite system and auxiliary heating.
The five-inch touch display control unit is located in the middle of the camper
Image: Manufacturer
Many of these functions can also be controlled via smartphone using the California app or the infotainment system. A large central display in the cockpit also shows a tilt indicator to help you align the California horizontally.
Sales launch and trade fair premieres
Pre-sales have already started at German dealers. The first deliveries are planned for the second half of the year. Interested parties can now configure their own personal Grand California at www.vwn.de. The trade fair premieres of the Grand California MJ 2025 and the new California will take place at the end of August at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf.
