Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has released teaser renderings for a new plug-in hybrid California concept camper. The full debut is set for August 25 at the Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, Germany, with the production version expected to arrive in 2024.
The California concept is based on the long variant of the Multivan and features a pop-up roof that adds 6.5 feet (two meters) of height when deployed. The teaser image also shows an extending awning on both sides.
In one of the photos, a control panel for the thermostat, lights, and cooling box is visible, giving us a glimpse of the cabin.
The Multivan is currently available with an eHybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain, which consists of a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, producing a total output of 215 horsepower (160 kilowatts) and offering up to 30 miles of electric range. However, it’s not confirmed whether this same powertrain will be used in the new California camper.
VW Commercial Vehicles CEO Carsten Intra stated during the division’s annual press conference in March, “We want to expand the range around the business with our camping models – and thus offer our customers that special California feeling. These include digital services for the Cali Community, completely new services to complement the purchase of a vehicle… but also the show car presentation of the new California based on the Multivan.”
In addition to the California variant based on the Multivan, VW also plans to build a California variant of the ID. Buzz, an electric camper, set to arrive in 2025. Although no official details are available yet, it is expected to have popular motorhome features such as a sleeping area and a small kitchen. Aftermarket companies in Europe are also working on similar offerings.
The ID. Buzz itself, which is an electric van, is scheduled to arrive in the United States in 2024. The US version will have a longer wheelbase than the European version, with the passenger version offering room for up to seven people (five- and six-occupant variants will also be available). Two battery options will be offered, one with 82 kilowatt-hours (77 kWh usable) and another with 91 kWh (85 kWh usable). The standard powertrain will deliver 282 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, while the GTX grade will add all-wheel drive and 335 horsepower.
The California name for the motorhome version of the VW Transporter was first introduced 35 years ago at the Caravan Salon. Since then, VW Commercial Vehicles has produced over 260,000 units. The new California camper will be the fifth generation of this iconic model.