Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brought its full range of leisure vehicles and motorhomes to CARAVAN SALON 2026 in Düsseldorf in August. At the centre of its Hall 16 stand were two world premieres: the fully electric ID. California Cruise and a modular camping concept for the California Beach, developed with Stuff Bubble.
The ID. California Cruise offered a first glimpse of how the California family might move into an electric future. Based on the ID. Buzz, it combined the model’s distinctive design and electric drive with a modern campervan interior. Volkswagen said the new generation of electric campervans would grow over the coming years.
The second premiere explored flexible camping in the California Beach. Stuff Bubble’s lightweight, modular equipment added camping functions while keeping the vehicle practical for everyday use. Volkswagen invited visitors to share feedback on the concept and possible future solutions.
The stand presented the broader California family, from the compact Caddy California to the Grand California motorhome. The latest California gained new comfort and camping features, including an optional powered tailgate, improved heating and air conditioning with a night-time temperature setting, and a roof-bed air outlet to direct warm air to the upper sleeping area.
Buyers could choose from TDI diesel, TSI petrol and eHybrid 4MOTION plug-in hybrid powertrains. The hybrid offered all-wheel drive and 180 kW of system output, along with electric driving for regional journeys. Volkswagen said it would also be able to run the stationary air conditioning for up to eight hours.
Visitors saw the California Ocean “Generation” special edition at a show for the first time. Exclusive upholstery and interior details, distinctive alloy wheels and an optional two-tone paint finish set it apart. A new California Aero Kit, developed with ABT Sportsline, added a sportier look with revised exterior trim and 20-inch alloy wheels. The package was also to be offered for the Multivan.
The Caddy California, which is not available in the UK (booo!), showed how the range could serve shorter trips and everyday life. Its fold-out bed, blackout elements, ventilation and storage made overnight stays possible, while an optional pull-out mini-kitchen added a hob and work surface. At the other end of the range, the Crafter-based Grand California offered a permanent sleeping area, kitchen, washroom and living space. The six-metre Grand California 600 and longer 680 were also set to gain optional lithium iron phosphate batteries, a solar package and further digital and assistance features for the 2027 model year.
The stand a snapshot of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ ambitions: to cover everything from spontaneous overnight stays to extended touring, while keeping everyday usability at the heart of the California range.
