FIRST LOOK: VW’s 2024 California Camper Van! | Top Gear

Did the best camper just get even better? This is the new California based on the current T7 Multivan. Admittedly it is still a ‘concept’, but if you base the functional stuff off what’s already available in the MPV Multivan, there’s are plenty of options. Engines are likely to be a 148bhp, 2.0-litre diesel that’s probably going to be the most popular choice, but also the option of 1.5 and 2.0-litre petrols and a 1.4-litre, 215bhp plug-in hybrid.

The Multivan brings with it a bit more dynamic ability than the Caravelle it replaces, as well as more refinement, a whole host of more advanced driver assistance systems and other gadgets. Still recognisably a California, but based on the newer and more advanced platform, with all the good stuff baked in.

There’s no pricing yet, and we’ve not driven it, but this looks like an absolute belter. Given the current pricing of this type of VW product, there’s likely to be a starting price of around £70k and rising from there. But that’s cheap for a house, right?

Top Gear Magazine’s Tom Ford takes a closer look.

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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 VW California
02:32 Styling
03:19 The Kitchen
04:40 Amenities
05:37 The Bedroom
06:55 Conclusion

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[juanezxcore]

VW hears the call of California's over prices housing market. The California van by the river.

[JamesSmith-zpfm]

The elephant in the room with this van is where to put your stuff. The kitchen cupboards are gone and the underseat storage is significantly smaller. I think it’d be an amazing weekend van for a couple, for a family all the nice features will soon pale in to insignificance when you can’t get all your kit in it. Not sure I see it as a replacement for the Ocean just yet, maybe that comes with the T6.1 replacement.

[Peoplestariff]

That’s probably my favourite review you’ve ever done Tom - great cinematography, great location, great humour & all the information you need - probably the best review of the T7 multivan California concept too :) #niceone

[beardown]

That van is so freaking cool! Love all the compartments and how everything is tucked away.

[PaulEubanks]

We rented the previous model on a trip to Germany. It was a perfect van for camping in every way, even with the top up it was completely water tight. My only gripe is that I wish the bed mattress had a bit more padding, you could really start to feel the seat hinge in your side after the 3rd night.

[xtianeskay]

I like the presentation of regular cars more than those of hypercars. It is closer to my everyday life.

[peterrossiterrossiter]

I've noticed that in more than one of these vids they brush right over the bed, it is still a challenge to give you a comfortable
bed in these smaller vans but all these clever gadjets do not replace a comfortable bed.

[arda_]

The california is to “German dream” what corvette is to “American dream”. You get a family, a house, a car and then you get a California to feel and show that you made it. You then travel the world with it!

[LopebeHaab]

Is VW planning options:
- solar roof?
- table hidden in the side door instead of the back?
- parking air conditioning?
- factory fitted mosquito nets?
- curtains on all windows?
- opening rear window?
- and what will be the capacity of the tank, because I hope not 40 liters as it is in currently produced models?

[sanionara]

Due to the 2 sliding doors design it has less storage under the kitchen as well as under the 2 back seats. Where do you store all your clothing or food?? Because the side cabinet needs to be used for your cooking stuff.

What about cooking inside seated and access the fridge?

Also for example I usually work remotely in my T5.1 and use the sliding table. In this model you have to use the table that is on the garage (that is also reducing the storage space under the back seat).

I see a lot of downsides on this design compared to previous versions.

[camperfam]

Absolutely fantastic design and will most certainly trade our T6 California Ocean up for this I suspect!

[theEagleBeagle]

would love to get something even close to this good, in the US!

[colinscrypto]

Called the California and not sold in America, smh...

[nkgeorge]

Hello VW America: There are thousands of us who purchased our T4 Eurovan Campers 25 years ago (I'm one of them). We are waiting for these new campers to become available in the US market because WE ARE READY TO BUY ONE NOW!! Sorry to yell, but it seems VW America is perpetually deaf to our plea here in the US.

[TheBucketOfTruth]

I wish more OEMs would do camper style cars like this. Shame you can't actually buy one in California. I would love a factory pop top on an off roader here without having to go to the aftermarket.

[chrisjoyce]

FINALLY!! Doors opening both sides. So we’ll finally get it this in Australia now it’s street legal 😊

[Andybarney]

OMG THIS GUY!. feel like when i was growing up... (looks my age 40s)n not seen him in 15 years. Man we got old!!!

[DenizCanBulut]

Amazing videography! Definetely one of the rarest review ever with one of the most interesting campers nowadays!

[andrewstevenson]

Having owned a Jobl for 4 years I'm sceptical about this being suitable for a family of 4 taking a fortnights hols. Looks lovely though and would be great for 2 or maybe 3 people.

[dakat]

As a Californian, this reminds me of the Honda Element- but updated. Many Element owners create this floorplan.