2023-08-29 8:56
Automotive
Alex Lowe

Volkswagen announces new hybrid California T7 Concept

Volkswagen announces new hybrid California T7 Concept

__wf_reserved_inherit

Last week, Volkswagen announced the all new hybrid California Concept which is based on the current T7 Multivan. Volkswagen revealed that, earlier this month the new vehicle would be unveiled at the Düsseldorf Caravan Salon trade fair. Volkswagen has changed a lot on the new camper and it’ll be launching later next year.

The new California is larger than the current 6.1 California, sitting on the long wheel base platform as compared to the shorter platform on the older model.

What has changed?

For starters, the new California is now based on the passenger vehicle Multivan, itself sharing the MQB car platform. This moves the California away from the commercial vehicle architecture for the first time since the California was first launched, around twenty years ago. The new concept vehicle shares the same plug-in hybrid system as the Multivan which means using petrol on a California for the first time. We get a 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine with a 114bhp electric motor for a total of 262bhp. The new California also now has three batteries, a 12v for the engine, leisure battery and a new supplemental battery for the hybrid system.

Around the outside, some significant changes have been made. For the first time, Volkswagen has added a second sliding door which is a huge improvement for right-hand drive markets, such as the UK as when pulling up on the road the sliding door would open into the road. To achieve this, Volkswagen has pushed the kitchen back inside the cabin allowing for room around the door. This means the kitchen is now accessible from the outside allowing for a larger living area with access to the fridge and drawers.

__wf_reserved_inherit

For the first time too, Volkswagen has added a lot of modern tech, with colour changeable RGB lighting, present on the cupboards and awning arms. Everything is controllable too from a ‘tablet’, which is just an iPad. It allows you to control the lighting zones, raise the pop-up roof, view the water levels, enable the fridge and much more. Volkswagen also allow access via the ‘Cali on Tour’ app from a smartphone or via the main infotainment system in the cabin. This replaces the small overhead display on the 6.1 California.

For cooking, Volkswagen has made a huge improvement. Not only are the drawers and fridge now accessible from the outside, but there is now a new 230V induction hob, perfect for those not a fan of using gas. There is still the single gas ring and also a new removable grill, which can be stored in the kitchen unit out of the way. The sink is also larger with a folding tap.

__wf_reserved_inherit

When is it launching?

Volkswagen has said production will start in 2024 at the company’s Hanover factory in Germany. However, no prices are available just yet. Prices for the current 6.1 Beach start at £61,322 so ewer can expect a premium one that model, thanks to the added tech on the new T7.

Later in 2025, Volkswagen is planning on launching the all electric California, based on the ID.Buzz.

Video

Alex Lowe

Volkswagen announces new hybrid California T7 Concept

Alex Lowe is the owner and editor of the interface and started the website in 2013. He publishes the majority of the content on the website, hosts the three podcasts and the runs the YouTube channels. Alex has a professional background in computer networking, FWA and WiFi.

Other Posts

New Hyundai Ioniq 6 will be priced from £46,745 in the UK
New all electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 to go on sale in the UK at the end of 2023, with prices starting at £46,745
Honda e:Ny1 to be renamed with next refresh
The Honda e:Ny1 is due to receive a new name in an upcoming facelift for the model.
BYD Seagull
BYD Seagull could come to the UK as super affordable EV
The super affordable BYD Seagull could come to the UK
Abarth commits to an all electric future
Abarth will not be launching any more combustion models