Volkswagen’s motorhome extraordinaire

At the end of August, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will show the world its version of motorhome luxury with the premiere of its Grand California at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany.

This entirely new motorhome is based on the Crafter, but has a large sleeping area, bathroom, kitchen and eating area in the rear. Although not available locally, the California T6 is popular in the United States and the Grand California will appeal to those looking for something bigger.

First unveiled in 1988, the Bulli-based California is the world’s most successful campervan, with sales of over 160 000. With its fresh clarity and cleverly thought-out details, the interior of the Grand California reflects the qualities that made the California a best seller.

The cabinet trim in the Grand California is generally in white. This colour scheme creates a bright, spacious atmosphere, as do the pop-open camper windows, both at the back and on the sides, and the large skylights above the double bed in the rear and the living area.

In addition to the kitchen and spacious bathroom (840 x 800 mm), further standard features include external lighting above the sliding door and an electrically powered step (which moves out in front of the sliding door, and makes getting in and out easier), while two-part mosquito nets in the door and shuttered windows come as standard.

Kitchen fittings include a pull-out 70-litre fridge with freezer compartment, a twin-hob gas cooker, a sink and diverse drawers, pull-out storage compartments and tip-up shelves. The Grand California can carry 110 litres of water. There are no light switches to be found in the bathroom – the lights come on automatically via motion detectors.

Optionally available is a high bunk bed for kids complete with integrated panoramic skylight above it. Also available are an additional roof-mounted air-conditioning unit at the back, an awning, a rear bicycle rack and a camping table and chairs. There will also be an option to add a solar-panel system mounted on the roof, a satellite dish (for TV reception) and an LTE/Wi-Fi hotspot router.

At the Caravan Salon, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is expected to announce further details about the Grand California including launch dates and initial pricing.