World premiere: New Grand California debuts in two vehicle body versions at the Caravan Salon

Cutting edge Grand California campervan launches with fully fitted washroom and large rear sleeping area
Crafter-based Grand California market introduction in early 2019 with two wheelbase options
Grand California 600 with sideways-on rear bed and children's bed in the roof space
Grand California 680 with 80 centimetres longer wheelbase and lengthways rear double bed

Hannover, 23 August 2018 – The California family is growing: making its world premiere with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf (24 August to 2 September 2018) is the Grand California. The campervan with a refreshingly clear design is based on the new Crafter. It will launch in two versions with different wheelbases. Ideal for families: the Grand California 600 – a 6-metre version with sleeping area in the back and an additional children's bed in the redesigned camper roof space. An even larger sleeping and storage space in the back is provided by the 6.8-metre long Grand California 680. Thought through down to the tiniest detail, the layout of the avant-garde interior of both versions also includes a fully fitted washroom, spacious kitchen and bright, modern living area.

The new Grand California will be in showrooms from early 2019, enriching the globetrotters' world through the addition of one of the most modern motorhomes of our time. For Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles it represents a further upgrade to the existing California range. For all customers who want to use a compact campervan not just for holidays but as their everyday vehicle too, the familiar Bulli based California remains the favourite. In the size category above this iconic camper, however, the Grand California opens up a new spectrum of possibilities. These will be available from a starting price of under €55,000 (Germany) for the Grand California 600 (130 kW front-wheel drive with 8-speed automatic transmission).

Euro 6 TDI, optional all-wheel drive and 8-speed automatic transmission

The new campervan is powered by four-cylinder turbo-diesel direct injection (TDI) engines. The most powerful version of the highly fuel efficient Euro 6 engines delivers 130 kW / 177 PS1; this TDI will launch with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. In addition, the 177 PSTDI can be combined with (4MOTION) all-wheel drive, as an alternative to front-wheel drive.

Campervan interior with the feel of a luxury yacht

With the Crafter-based Grand California, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has once again come up with a contemporary, young and charismatically designed campervan. Incorporated into its development was the great experience accumulated over three decades of the Bulli being used as a camper. For example, the interior: it impresses with its clear styling, bright colour scheme and carefully thought-out details. This impression is reinforced by the white cabinets and the elegant floor covering in the style of a ship's wooden deck. The combination of modern, stylish interior design and bright colour scheme forms a central feature of the excellently equipped Grand California.

The Grand California is fitted with swivel seats at the front and a double bench seat in the living area. Families with small children will appreciate the ISOFIX anchor points in the rear bench seat. A large dining table provides ample room for four people to sit down to eat together. The kitchen fittings include a 70-litre pull-out fridge with freezer compartment, a twin-hob gas cooker and a sink. The work surface in the kitchen can be extended to the left and right.

A key feature of the Grand California that differentiates it from the California based on the T6 is the fully fitted washroom. In addition to toilet and shower, the room has a fold-away wash basin, shelves

with fixings for toiletries and a cabinet. The main and mirror lighting systems are in this case switched on automatically by a standard motion detector.

Further standard features of the Grand California include practical details such as an outside light above the sliding door and the connection for an outside shower (with adjustable water

temperature), including hose and shower head in the back. An electrically powered step, which moves out in front of the sliding door, makes getting in and out easier, while mosquito nets in the sliding door and prop-open camper windows are also part of the standard specification. The Grand California is fitted as standard with the Composition Audio radio system.

Six USB interfaces ensure that smart phones and tablets are always supplied with sufficient power. Electrical devices of every kind can be operated from a total of four 230-volt sockets. Diverse direct and indirect sources of light keep the interior well lit in the evening. Most of the key motorhome functions can be controlled via a digital central display in the living area.

Being offered as optional extras for the Grand California are features such as a roof-mounted air-conditioning unit (for use on camp sites), a solar panel system, a satellite dish, a Wi-Fi hotspot and Bluetooth loudspeakers that can be directly used via smart phone. On request, a DC/AC converter ensures that 230-volt devices can be supplied with power, regardless of there being any external electricity supply. The classic camping specification can, if desired, be supplemented with details such as a large awning on the passenger side, two California folding camp chairs and a camping table for outdoor use.

The Grand California will be available with the Crafter's leading edge driver assistance systems. These include Hill Start Assist, Front Assist (with collision warning) including City Emergency Braking function, Lane Assist, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, sensor-activated side protection, automatic Park Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, reversing camera and Trailer Assist.