Looking for a Camper? Volkswagen Has You Covered

At the CARAVAN SALON 2026 show in Hanover, Volkswagen Commercial rolled out its range of leisure vans demonstrating its portfolio breadth, which included one exciting, new entry into the camper market.

In fact, Volkswagen rolled out two world premieres: the new California Beach developed jointly with the Stuff Bubble brand for greater interior flexibility, and the hotly anticipated Volkswagen ID. California Cruise (based on the ID. Buzz Cargo).

Volkswagen ID. California Cruise

It’s finally here! Based on the fully-electric ID. Buzz Cargo, the California Cruise brings its retro-iconic design home where it all started but now completely emissions free, and packed with a large battery that should make camping a doddle for powering various internal and external appliances.

Volkswagen will not stop with just one electric camper, either, as it plans the next generation of fully-electric campervans that will be rolled out over the coming years.

Modular camping solution for the California Beach
For the first time, Volkswagen has co-developed a modular camping concept for the California Beach with Stuff Bubble, which is a young company that specialises in lightweight, modular camping solutions. Think origami, but for furniture and storage solutions.

Even with their Stuff Bubble joint venture, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will still be looking to gather customer feedback for other solutions and fresh ideas.

The new California
The new California gains more features designed to improve comfort and and offer more camping features, including an optional electrically-operated tailgate for the first time, as well as an improved heating and air-conditioning functions with night-time temperature setback.
Another new feature provides warmth in the expandable roof compartment sleeping area as it now has an air outlet that directs warm air to the upper sleeping area.

The California is available with three powertrain options: a traditional TDI diesel for long-distance travel, a plug-in hybrid that mates a TSI petrol engine to the eHybrid 4MOTION system that also adds four-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid not only enables all-electric driving in parts of the journey, but it can operate the stationary air-conditioning for up to eight hours.

The new California Ocean “Generation”

The California Ocean “Generation” is aimed for the design conscious customer that values high equipment levels.
It features special seat upholstery, exclusive interior details, large alloy wheels and an optional two-tone paint finish to give it the classic VW Camper finish.

Not that it’s needed on a van, but Volkswagen has collaborated with ABT Sportsline to create a “sporty” design for the campervan, including a front spoiler, air-intake “trims”, prominent side strips, a rear apron and 20-inch "halo" design alloy wheels. It will add nothing practical to the camper except cost and - for some - improved looks, but Volkswagen has taken a “whatever floats your boat” attitude to stir up further demand for the image conscious buyer.

Grand California

For customers are looking for something more Motorhomey, the Grand California might tick that box.

Based on the Crafter van, it’s effectively a small house on wheels with a permanent sleeping area, a kitchen, a bathroom with a shower and toilet, and a living and dining room complete with creature comforts.

There are two version (or sizes) of the Grand California; the 600 is six metres long with a transverse bed at the rear and an optional overcab bed.
The Grand California 680 is longer with longitudinal beds and a spacious sleeping area, or bedroom. For the 2027 model year, customers can opt for lithium iron phosphate batteries, plus an optional solar package for off-grid camping, which is a pretty useful feature to have when camping off-piste.

The new Caddy California
Sadly, the Caddy California is not available in the UK, but it is the entry point into the California World everywhere else. Volkswagen says “This compact leisure vehicle makes spontaneous overnight stays in the vehicle possible while remaining fully suitable for everyday use.”

Volkswagen Caddy California

The Caddy California features a fold-out bed in the rear, blackout parts, overnight ventilation and practical storage solutions. There’s even an optional mini-kitchen at the rear, with pull-out modules, a gas hob and a work surface.
There’s matching outdoor camping furniture, which is the same as the larger California models.

Volkswagen says its Caddy California is aimed primarily at active customers looking for an compact micro-camper for everyday use, leisure activities, short trips and spontaneous overnight stays. It’s a polite way of saying its for the younger generation that needs fewer luxuries and home comforts.

Production milestone: The 250,000th California Model
It’s no coincidence that Volkswagen chose to premier two new campers at the Hanover show, as the 250,000th California built at their Hanover plant was handed over to a customer in July this year.

In what is a huge milestone for a seemingly niche product, Volkswagen is claiming the California as Europe’s most successful campervan.

And the lucky customers from Munich collected their new California Coast from Hanover and immediately departed for their first trip to Switzerland, albeit with the extra, unexpected cargo of that signed presentation board.

The 250,000th California Customers

About the Author

Graeme Cobb is a lifelong car enthusiast with a passion for writing about cars, EVs, industry updates and more. You can find Graeme on 𝕏 at @graeme_cobb