VW Grand California 600: Our New Weeklong Demo!

VW have lent us a Grand California 600 for a week! We're going to give it a good test for a weekend away, and we're going to do a LIVE STREAM from the van, to answer all your questions at 8pm (UK time) 23rd January 2023.

Let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or things you'd like us to explore/explain/test/try while we're away!

Keep a look out for our other new videos coming to the channel soon and a *BIG* thank you to all of our wonderful subscribers - we have been blown away by how many of you are now following what we are doing. We can’t wait to share more content with you.

Take care, sit back and grab yourself some California Time !

Facebook - @californiatimeuk

#CaliforniaTime #vwgrandcalifornia #campervan

[timeaves]

I have always loved your channel, seen every vlog. Tears when you got the new pup. I have a T6.1 myself, but, I don't know, these things remind me of an ambulance.
Serious lack of character and design flair.... or is it me? they unsettle me, but then again....
Have you looked at the Adria interiors?

[gillianh]

Looked at the G Cali in a showroom, didn’t like it at all. Thought it was quite claustrophobic and really tight layout inside. Don’t like the design of the outside, won’t be parting with our T6 Cali.

[annbletcher]

First impressions is that although longer than the Cali you sold it looks cramped (like a reverse Tardis). No room to sit up in bed either as the overhead lockers are in the way. I would buy back your old camper 😂

[theangrygingerthebananavan]

See VW design department still short of talent

[janetbowen]

Have a great trial weekend, Will, Sarah and Roxy. Our friends have one, they bought a demo, they can't get anyone to fit a wind out awning after market, due to breaching the warranty, so if you buy one, include the awning in your specification. Have you looked at IH Motorhomes, they do lovely conversions on the VW Krafter, they seem more spacious with a rear lounge which then converts to a large double bed. If we were in the market for a larger CV than our Bilbo LWB, and we're not likely to be, IH would be on our list to visit. Have fun, looking forward to the live blog and to see how you've all got on with the Grand California. Cheers.

[neilparker]

Please please don’t buy one of these it would be a big mistake I would stick with the model you sold they are just class but what ever you choose good luck and love all your blogs

[lgx]

How does it feel size-wise compared to a standard cali? Could it be a daily drivable car replacement or is that totally mad?

Also why a Grand Cali vs say an Adria which I assume is a lot less money?

Also how roomy is the seating area compared to the Cali?

[Chris-Vicky-Travels]

Sorry but it’s a totally uncool horrible looking van with a poor layout. Far too many compromises to make the swap worthwhile - height, width, weight, looks, economy, layout and price are all negatives for the sake of a tiny shower and fixed bed.
Go from a T6.1 Cali to that and it’s a sure fire way of proving your getting old.

[karenley]

Thanks for the review. Looks very cramped, if I were to upgrade I’d look a more spacious motor home . Wouldn’t get this, top bed waste of space if you aren’t travelling with kids, toilet and shower really not necessary, bed looks cramped and squeezed into a corner.

[peakpanther]

It's just the price. C'mon, over £90K?? And I am a VW campervan fanboy owning a fab T5.1 SWB Swamper conversion, a Caravelle before that, a T4 before that.. Our friends have just part exed their 07 VW Topaz ( at £28K p/x they made a £2k profit after three years ) for a 66 reg Knaus Boxstar campervan based on the Fiat Ducato. Same size as the Grand. The interior is an identical layout. Solid German quality.The price was £46K with 23, 000 miles on the clock.
Yes, it is a used vehicle 6 years old but like new and that is a full £50K less than the Grand California with arguably better quality. Yes I know our VW campervans ( like their Topaz now back on sale from dealer at £35K!! 2007 model remember !! ) hold value due to the "VW tax" but over £90K?? Really ?? Overpriced just like the ID Buzz. IMO Calis should be £55K and these should be £75K.

[richardhodgkiss]

Looking forward to your comments and review on this one, have a great weekend.

[janehirst]

Unfortunately, I just can’t get past the look of the GC roof. I know that you liked the look of the Sven Hedin at the NEC Show. Is there anything else on your short list?

[IANREA]

Is it winterised, ie insulation, water tanks waste and clean, as I watched somewhere there were issues with these. I still think the Westfalia Sven Hedin is a better buy. Diesel heating, under floor

[grahams]

Once you get your stuff in there and bedding etc it will look much more homely. Just a shame it looks like it has a small boat on the roof.

[CampervanJon]

Looking forward to the live steam, it's looks like a nice van but not ideal for me as a sort of daily driver so sticking with my T6

[claussalt]

Keen to know how tall you are and if you fit in the transversal bed. We had two kids but couldn’t go for this because I don’t fit in the bed 6ft2?

[tripswithgriff]

After seeing the Chris Sloanes videos on his GC, I couldn't even consider one I'm afraid. There must be better thought out and better built options out there. Personally if we ditch the T6.1 it will be for a custom built Crafter or Sprinter build. Good luck with whatever you decide.

[gamerenm]

Very cold interior without atmosphere, only a white interior available?