This motorhome can be driven anywhere with an optional all-wheel drive.
With the Grand California, a nearly 20-foot (6-meter)-long Volkswagen camper, Europeans now have a place to call home. This motorhome, which is based on the crafter, offers more space than the Transporter-based California. It also has a larger onboard bathroom that includes a shower and a 29-gallon (1110-liter) water tank.
The Grand California has a camper roof with skylights that extend from the rear living space to the double bed and the bathroom, which is a significant improvement on the standard Crafter. It was designed by VW to reduce the impact of taller designs on fuel consumption. Optional extras such as a roof-mounted air conditioner or extending awning, solar panels, or bicycle racks are available to buyers.
The Grand California is a comfortable place to go on a trip. To keep the cabin brighter and more spacious, the company uses white finishes. The back and side windows open up, and there are blinds and screens to keep out bugs. Also, the doors have deployable mosquito nets.
Standard interior includes a double bed. However, there is an option to add a roof-mounted sleeping area (pictured below). The gas stove comes with two cooktops and a 2.5-cubic foot (70-liter), refrigerator. There is enough space for four at the dining table. The shower can be used au naturel outdoors. It has an external connection and temperature controls. An optional Bluetooth system can be used to provide entertainment. This allows people in the back to listen and control their music.
The powertrain information for the Grand California has not been released by VW. However, it is possible to get an optional all-wheel drive. The Crafter’s 2.0-liter turbodiesel 4-cylinder is likely to be the same as it. It’s available with multiple tunes from 108 horsepower (80kilowatts), to 161 horsepower (120 kW) and everything in between. The van comes with a range of assist systems including adaptive cruise control, city emergency brake, blind spot monitoring and rear traffic alert.
Delivery of the Grand California will begin in early 2019 and VW will soon announce pricing details. Unfortunately, there won’t be any Grand Californias in California due to the absence of VW Commercial Vehicles.