Though the company does produce completely novel models, Volkswagen’s treasure trove of iconic designs from yesteryear provide the marque with a wealth of legendary historic models to chose from when searching for inspiration for new vehicles. Offerings such as the Beetle and iD. Buzz have allowed the manufacturer to stay modern while keeping one foot firmly planted in the past.
And the latest existing rolling icon to be thoroughly modernized by VW is the all-new 2025 Volkswagen California camper van.
Originally introduced in 2003, the Volkswagen California has proven to be incredibly popular for the brand, with more than 280,000 units made over its time in production. And it’s this immense popularity that have now prompted Volkswagen to completely overhaul the camper and deliver an all-new seventh generation that’s been comprehensively redesigned from the ground up, both inside and out. The 2025 model year iteration sees the van receive a sleeker, updated look with LED lighting all around and sliding doors on both sides — while retaining its iconic pop-up roof and interior kitchenette.
Designed to be an all-arounder, lending itself both to daily around-town use and camping and outdoor applications, the all-new Volkswagen California is seventh-generation T-Series model that’s currently being offered in five different trim levels; the California Beach; the California Beach Tour; the California Beach Camper; the California Coast; and the California Ocean. Though its exterior design is modern through and through, the van is still instantly recognizable as being a California. What’s more, in true VW California fashion, the new gen is offered in a variety of both regular and two-tone livery options. Spanning 203.6” in length and standing at 78.3” tall (with the pop-up roof down), the California rides one of four different alloy wheel options with 16”, 17”, 18”, and 19” sizes.
The five different versions of the new generation of the Volkswagen California will be offered with a trio of powertrain options. The first option is a 147-hp high-torque turbocharged petrol direct injection TSI four-cylinder engine, while the second is a 201-hp turbo diesel direct injection four-cylinder TDI engine — both of which send power to the front axle. The third power plant option — and by far the most noteworthy of the three — is a new plug-in hybrid drive that makes 241.3hp and comes paired with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The gas, diesel, and hybrid powertrains all come bolted to an automatic direct shift gearbox. Lastly, the hybrid powertrain option also affords the 2025 California with a more-than-4,400-pound towing capacity.
In addition to the aforementioned pop-up roof and sliding doors on both sides of the van, the California also comes loaded with a generous host of other amenities that make it an impressive — and luxurious — mobile basecamp. Amenities found in the California include removable rear seats with underseat drawers, a folding table, an optional awning, dual camper batteries providing power for multiple 45-watt USB-C ports and both inside and outside 230-volt outlets, a roof storage compartment, cabinets, and a kitchenette complete with a fridge, a single-burner gas stove, a 7.4-gallon freshwater tank, and a sink — though the Beach Camper model features a slide-out rear kitchen in lieu of the interior kitchenette.
Not unlike VW’s new ID. Buzz, the 2025 California doesn’t just see its exterior updated, but it’s also ben bestowed with a generous slew of modern-day tech and bells and whistles. On top of a centrally-mounted infotainment display for the front seats, the new California also boasts a 5” touchscreen display in the passenger-side C-pillar that’s used as a control unit for the van. The entire thing can also be controlled via an available smartphone app. It doesn’t end there, however, as it’s also been outfitted with VW’s Travel Assist system which allows for semi-automated driving assistance.
Brand: Volkswagen
Model: California
Model Year: 2025
Trim Levels: 5
Powertrain Options: Turbo Gas Or Diesel i4 or Plug-In Hybrid
Max Power: 241.3HP
Max Towing Capacity: 4,409LBs
Scheduled Release: Q2 to Q4 2024
Pre-sales for the 2025 Volkswagen California lineup will start in June of 2024, with deliveries scheduled to follow in the second-half of the year. Unfortunately, just like with previous generations of the VW California, the all-new model range will not be offered on U.S. shores.
Volkswagen has comprehensively redesigned its iconic California camper van for the modern era with a sleeker look, a slew of amenities, a generous helping of cutting-edge tech, and an all-new available hybrid powertrain option.
