2025 Volkswagen California revealed with plug-in hybrid, confirmed for Australia

The new-generation 2025 Volkswagen California camper van has been revealed, offering a plug-in hybrid drivetrain in Europe from June before hitting Australian showrooms.

Shown as a concept vehicle in August 2023, the production version of the new Volkswagen California is based on the ‘T7’ Multivan passenger van which is scheduled to arrive in Australia in the second half of 2024.

Volkswagen Australia told Drive that precise timing, specifications and pricing for the California are still being set.

The current diesel-only California was introduced locally in 2020 and is priced between $93,790 and $103,790 before on-road costs, with its closest rival, the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo Horizon, listed at $136,601.

Last year 108 Californias were sold in Australia, compared to 711 Multivans.

The California's Multivan basis is distinct from the commercial Transporter and Caravelle passenger vans, which will be twinned with the Ford Transit in future – but instead uses car-based 'MQB' underpinnings shared with much of VW's passenger and SUV range.

The MQB platform enables the ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive and the first plug-in hybrid version of the California, with three powertrains available across the five-model line-up announced for Europe.

The California eHybrid 4Motion uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electric motor for a combined power output of 180kW, with all-wheel drive.

There’s also a 110kW four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 150kW four-cylinder petrol engine, both using the dual-clutch automatic with front-wheel drive.

The new California is a significant 269mm longer than its predecessor, measuring 5173mm overall, and is 37mm wider (1941mm).

It also brings more cabin space with a 3124mm wheelbase – an increase of 121mm over the outgoing California – with wheel sizes ranging from 16 to 19 inches in diameter.

In addition to the eleven exterior colours, the California can also be optioned in two-tone paintwork, with Candy White/Starlight Blue metallic exclusive to the California, with Mono Silver/Energetic Orange and Deep Black Pearl/Fontana Red metallic also available.

Five model grades have been unveiled in Europe: Beach, Beach Tour, Beach Camper, Coast and Ocean.

All come standard with sliding passenger doors on both sides of the vehicle – previously an option on higher-spec versions – and a pop-up roof.

Available in three colours, the pop-up roof comes with a mosquito net with both forward-facing and side windows and sees roof height expand from 1297mm to 2108mm when opened.

Across the range, individual rear seats are standard in place of the previous bench seats and can be repositioned within the cabin depending on space requirements.

The California Beach is a six-seater with two-plus-two second and third rows in what the car maker describes as a Multivan with a pop-up roof and mattress.

Stepping up to the five-seat California Beach Tour adds a 180-degree rotatable driver’s and front passenger seats with three individual second-row seats creating an additional sleeping space when folded flat.

There are also sliding windows – and a ‘blackout system’ with window coverings – within the sliding side doors, lighting in the pop-up roof area as well as a new ‘camper control unit’ 5.0-inch display screen.

The camper control unit provides information on water levels, lighting, heating and refrigeration functions, which can also be accessed via a smartphone app.

The California Beach Camper has the same five-seat configuration as the Beach Tour, but comes with a mini-kitchen accessed when the tailgate is opened.

It includes a single-ring gas cooker, two drawers including a cutlery box and gas stowage area, with a 230V power connection and 28-litre water tank.

The mid-spec California Coast has four seats and a newly configured kitchenette powered by a dual-battery system.

Volkswagen says the redesigned kitchenette does not protrude as far forward as before, given the new model’s greater interior space, making entry and exit easier.

There’s also a fold-out bed measuring 1980mm by 1060 mm and provision for a refrigerator, which now opens forward for easier access from outside the vehicle.

The Ocean has the same kitchenette as the Coast, but adds background lighting to the cooking area and a 33-litre water tank.

The California Ocean also brings Melange Raven seat fabric, heated driver and front passenger seats, climate control and a large roof box as standard.

Volkswagen will also introduce the electric ID. Buzz van in Australia with an expected arrival by the end of 2024, and a flagship GTX performance version due in 2025.