VW T7 California Concept debuts with PHEV powertrain and two sliding doors

The upcoming VW California will debut at Caravan Salon 2023 in Düsseldorf. While it's currently a study, the substantial modifications provide a glimpse of the future production model. The model will roll out in the European camper market by 2024.

The biggest improvement is the extra sliding door on the left side of the vehicle. In the past, the kitchen was on the other side without any openings. The kitchen remains in the same location, but it has been moved further back to provide a passageway behind the front seats. Furthermore, the induction stove, sink, and drawers can now be accessed from both outside and inside when the sliding door is open. There is also a gas stove and a 230-volt outlet.

With the addition of a second sliding door, VW now refers to the new California as a vehicle with a three-room setup. Room 1, located on the right side, serves as an entry and exit point for daily tasks like a typical van. An awning can be used for shading. Room 3 can be accessed from the other side of the van through the new sliding door and features a shaded area with a two-post awning for cooking and dining.

The kitchen, located in room 2 between the front seats, can be rotated 180 degrees. Additionally, there is a rear seat that can transform into a bed. The seats are removable to provide extra space. Furthermore, there is an aluminum pop-up roof that comes with LED lights and USB ports. A multifunction tablet situated at the back of the vehicle controls it, mounted on a swiveling arm so that you can view it from different angles while working or playing. Alternatively, you can control everything with a smartphone app.

The plug-in hybrid drive of the California Concept is a new feature for the California family. Although VW has not shared specific details about the camper, we are confident that the Multivan T7 eHybrid drive powers it. This drive system is a smart one, as the large battery provides a reliable source of on-board power.

However, Volkswagen says that the Multivan's entire powertrain options will be available once the California starts production in 2024. This means that customers can potentially choose between gasoline, diesel, or eHybrid engines. Details on production dates and pricing for the camper will be made available at a later time.

Source: Volkswagen.