Volkswagen is inviting adventurers to embrace 2025 with their revamped Grand California motorhome – a mobile sanctuary that elegantly blends technology, comfort, and style. This updated camper van combines clever design with cutting-edge tech upgrades to ensure every journey feels like home on the go.
The enhancements begin with a modernised dashboard and digital cockpit, offering a standard 10-inch infotainment screen, complete with App Connect for seamless interaction with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Feeling fancy? There’s an upgrade option to a 12.9-inch screen because sometimes bigger really is better.
Nestled in the heart of the camper, a new five-inch portrait touchscreen empowers owners to control auxiliary heating, ambient lighting, and other camping essentials. And here’s where it gets smarter – the California app allows campers to stay connected to their vehicle, transforming this roaming retreat into a “smart home on wheels,” tracking water levels, battery charge, and other camper-specific diagnostics.
Under the hood, the powerful 2.0-litre TDI engine takes centre stage, now paired with Euro VI HD emissions compliance. With an output of 163PS and a torque of 410Nm, aspiring explorers can choose between front-wheel drive (FWD) or Volkswagen’s iconic 4MOTION all-wheel drive for the Grand California 680.
The updates don’t stop there. From the inside out, the motorhome has been meticulously crafted for versatility. Highlights of the interior include a fully-equipped kitchen featuring a two-burner hob, sink with hot and cold water, and a remarkable 70-litre fridge with a freezer compartment. The dinette offers seating for four, complete with ISOFIX anchors for child seats, while the wet room includes a shower, cassette toilet, and active ventilation. Sleeping arrangements cater to everyone’s needs, with a transverse bed in the 600 and a lengthwise bed in the 680.
For the eco-conscious driver, the Grand California also packs plenty of tech-savvy perks with generous standard equipment. Adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitors, drowsiness detection, and even semi-automatic emergency vehicle control all contribute to a safer, more relaxed driving experience. Advanced features such as lane-keeping assistance and predictive speed limiters mean this camper keeps its eyes not just on the road but also the future.
But let’s talk style – who says a camper can’t turn heads? With seven striking paint options, including three single-color choices and four dual-tone masterpieces (Candy White and Deep Ocean Blue, anyone?), the Grand California ensures that you’ll park up as the coolest camper at any site. Add in the sleek alloy wheels, and you’ve got a camper that’s just as fashionable as it is functional.
And if peace of mind on the open road is your worry, Volkswagen has that covered too. The 5+ Promise comes standard, encompassing five services, two MOTs, five years of warranty, and five years of Roadside Assistance, so buyers can truly explore their boundaries without worrying about schedules or technical snags.
Built on the sturdy Crafter platform, the Grand California embodies decades of Volkswagen engineering while pushing the limits of innovation and lifestyle convenience. Whether you’re scaling mountainous terrain or meandering the coastline, this motorhome is the trusted companion to elevate not just your travels, but your entire sense of adventure.
So, if your aspirations include sunsets on unbeaten paths, coffee brewed miles away from the hum of the city, or simply a bed under the stars, the 2025 Grand California is your golden ticket to life on the move.
VW New Zealand say that the update has yet to be confirmed for the New Zealand market, so stay tuned. In the meantime, here’s our review of the old one:
