Is the new VW T7 California the ultimate camper van?

This is our in-depth review of the VW T7 California. We're taking a look at Exterior, Interior and technology.

00:00 VW T7 California Premiere
00:42 Digital light control
01:21 Rear hatch and shower
02:11 Inside outside kitchen
04:48 Inside living
06:48 Upper main bed
07:18 Standing inside
07:55 Lower secondary bed
08:55 Front cockpit
10:51 Engines with PHEV
11:18 Length and aerodynamics
12:06 Driving expectation
13:11 Comparison T6.1 California

#VW #VWT7

Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.

WATCH OUT FOR SPAM/FAKE ACCOUNTS. Across YouTube/Whatsapp/Telegram etc., you'll find fake accounts taking the identity of original channels or people claiming to work on the behalf of original channels, they sometimes even use the same profile pic, similar names and include a telephone number in the name or their comments, trying to get you to message them on Whatsapp or Telegram. DO NOT MESSAGE THEM, they are trying to get your personal details, bank accounts etc. and in the end, they will ask for money or they will misuse your bank account. They promise you giveaways, prices, payment etc. Do not fall for these cheap tricks and PLEASE HELP everyone and MARK THEIR MESSAGES and their whole accounts/channels as Spam and/or report their telephone numbers/Whatsapp to the police. We from Autogefuehl will never ask for your bank details. Check out our original channel marked with the verified badge.
We do have other official channels, so you can identify them and also subscribe if you like e.g. in your native language:
2nd channel for shorter reviews:
Spanish: Auto Sensación - Prueba de coches a fondo
Arabian: حس السيارات
Korea: 오토센스
Japan: カー フィーリング
Russian: Анатомия Автомобиля
Chinese: 車之感
BMW theme channel:
EV theme channel:

►FULL REVIEWS 2023 Q3
►FULL REVIEWS 2023 Q2
►FULL REVIEWS 2023 Q1
►FULL REVIEWS 2022 Q4
►FULL REVIEWS 2022 Q3

How to support Autogefühl?
►Exclusive supporter: Ajlan Saeed

What is Thomas wearing?
Autogefühl viewers get a 20 % shoe discount with the following code: Autogefuehl-20

Social Media & Blog

Autogefühl is your no. 1 resource for in-depth car reviews and your no. 1 community to discuss cars. Each year we present you 150 cars from every segment and from a wide range of brands. If you have any suggestion, just write a comment or contact us on our other socials. Even if you have further remarks, just let us know.

[autogefuehl]

►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo

00:00 VW T7 California Premiere
00:42 Digital light control
01:21 Rear hatch and shower
02:11 Inside outside kitchen
04:48 Inside living
06:48 Upper main bed
07:18 Standing inside
07:55 Lower secondary bed
08:55 Front cockpit
10:51 Engines with PHEV
11:18 Length and aerodynamics
12:06 Driving expectation
13:11 Comparison T6.1 California

#VW #VWT7

Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.

[entasis.fifty-four]

What I appreciate most about your reviews is how respectful you are of others property. You take your shoes off, where appropriate. I never see you trying to slam oversized bottles or drinks into cubbies or holders. You handle various pieces and parts of a vehicle with care. What a joy to see someone exhibit these traits that are taken for granted by so many and seen so infrequently in today’s world.

[swaoklsfhii]

I definitely prefer the T6.1. Of course there are some nice new details and gadgets implemented in the T7 but they distract from the fact that it is actually a downgrade to the T6.1. I view it more as a upgraded Caddy California rather than a successor of the T6. I wished they had developed a real upgrade of the T6.1 (maybe with a bathroom solution) for people looking for a car, bigger than the T6 and smaller than the Grand California.
Some reason why it is a downgrade:
- smaller hight (comfort)
- no integrated table in the interior (one has to open the tailgate first ...)
- height under the tailgate
- height under the markise
- no wardrobe
- much less space for stuff under the seats
- to build the bed downstairs has become more complicated
- less space yet longer than the T6
- and much more...

[frstesiste]

The T7 looks to a significant step up in design, but the slightly lower height is a disadvantage IMO. I'd like to be able to stand upright under the awning and the tailgate.

[thehoarsewhisperer]

I think my t6.1 has just retained a little more value 😊even though the volume is technically the same the lack of width and height makes the t7 look horribly claustrophobic.

[no.planman]

Though I'm enthusiastic about some of the features of the camper (the flexibility and outside use of the kitchen is really something), I'm absolutely blown away by the fact that this needs to be 27cm longer to get about the same interior space as the short T6. It seems to me that a lot of available space is wasted on the front of the T7 to get that retro look, and that the people in the front are positioned a lot further to the back of the vehicle than before. At the latest car show, I took a seat a the wheel and I found it weird how much space was in front of me. I definitely prefer the T6 California because of this.

[TillyCollie]

Thank you for the review. I have a T6 California and I wouldn't swap for this T7 for several reasons. Primarily the T7 looks to be very short on storage space compared to the T5, 6, 6.1. I find the length of the T6 just right for use as a daily driver and particularly when parking around town. The T7 sleeping areas appear to be narrower and the comfort mattress takes up a huge amount of boot space. The T6 has better ground clearance and its commercial origins result in ruggedness and hopefully durability. The T7 would be amazing as a day van and perhaps a one or two night sleepover but I have reservations regarding its capacity for a longer road trip. I just wish I had been able to afford a 4motion van when I bought mine - they must surely gain value over time?

[hydrotricine]

I have a t6.1 California that i use very often. I was pleasantly surprised by this t7, i think it has really cool solutions and the overall design looks great inside and out. I will not do the transition because my t6.1 has 4 motion with a diff lock and a manual, giving it good offroading capabilities that i use and being based on the Transporter i think the durability will be better. I also think that plug in hybrids are the worst of both worlds, either give us a proper electric with 600kms of range or give us a good diesel, we dont need the added complexity and weight of a battery that is only good for 30kms

[Steginko]

It has a lot of fancy features and nice design. But for camping I thinkT6.1- its bigger and thats matter a lot, if we are speaking about living space. For that price, you can also consider regular caravan, which offers you much more comfort inside, with bathroom, kitchen and storage dept.

[daddynugent]

Thomas that was a really good overview of the T7 and I liked the contrast with the T6.1 platform. I think the longer length and lower height of the T7 would be a problem IMO. I do prefer the T7 dash layout and use of the electronic brake, I also like the individual seating which I expect will make the addition of a 5th seat more practical given the additional passenger space. Overall I think I would stick with my T6.1 as I would be concerned that the T7 passenger platform may not be as durable or easy to live with in the long term.

[Pixelplanet]

very disappointed that VW still hasent figured out how to get rid of the starter and the starter battery and especially in the plugin hybrid version i would expect the hybrid battery to be usable as a power source for the camper itself as it would be a total waste to carry 3 separate batteries in the vehicle.

[luukniessen]

As a satisfied T6 owner, I am very pleased with your presentation of this new California. The T7 California, especially with the plugin 1.4 engine, seems to me as the very best campercar in the market. Everything looks comfortable, modernised and improved, compared with the elder editions. Now let's wait for its price!! 🤩🤩

[dieselbushcraft]

I’m sure the T7 will gradually grow on me but I have to say first impressions I still prefer the T6.1 or the earlier variants.

[shanewaller]

I bought a brand new t6.1 high line dsg Lwb kombi camper 204 swamper last year and I absolutely love it, I do most of my cooking outside as we have both a fiamma 45s awning fitted as well as a remo rail on the passenger side. I have 3 removable rear seats and 2 captain swivel seats in the front, but the best bit is the 40 winks bed system system in the rear, a removable folding but when out a queen size bed in the rear of the van .with the bed out the rear seats can still be in place. My van is was built by van haven in Dorset England. It is on there you tube channel. Its the revena blue swamper with the blue / gold / and white decals. As for the t7 it looks fantastic

[NicKick]

The most important thing about a camper van is storage space, but the T7 Multivan version of California is different for different reasons, resulting in almost no storage space.

Even to save costs, the T6.1 California equipment should be transplanted to T7 Transporter and the T7 Transporter version of California should be launched.
I believe this is the product consumers want.

The T7 Multivan version of California and the T7 Transporter version of California should be launched at the same time to meet consumer demand.

[JLBD]

I definitely consider that the interior height of the T4 - T6 generation was more comfortable and functional than the new T7 concept. I consider the new mechanism of opening the bed a huge mistake for the experienced camper although the solution to achieve a double side door is an advance. Although not all campers see it as a necessity. Technology fascinates us, with its lights and telematic controls, but practicality I think has been sacrificed.

[bardzsz]

Have been waiting for this one! Thank you Thomas, you always deliver quality

[roeldepetter]

Pros:
Outsider kitchen option
Sliding doors on both sides
Location fridge
Two separate back seats.

Cons:
Biggest problem is storage, storage, storage. Because there is almost none.
The size. The 6.1 is the limit on space you need (also the bed) this looks smaller. So I’d rather stay with the 6.1.
When you have to cook inside because of bad weather I think you need a table inside.

It all looks really luxurious but if it is more practical?? 😊

[gordonmculloch]

The T7, in my opinion, is of a better design. The split seats, the double door and the kitchen layout have vastly improved the overall design. 👍

[flows]

no matter how many times i saw the California new or old, it always impressed me. i wish they could sell it in more countries