Here, Volkswagen has set itself the target of producing the ultimate motorhome. Jonathan Crouch tries the Grand California and looks at the most recent updates to this model.

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's Grand California brought car and LCV manufacturer expertise for the first time to the business of building a really large motorhome. It's based on the Crafter large van and designed to give the kind of travelling freedom a typical owner would crave. There's nothing quite like it. Here's the usefully updated version.

Background

By and large, motorhomes are built by companies that borrow van manufacturer engineering, then build luxury quarters around it. Or at least some of them do. Since 1988, Volkswagen has been offering the California, a four-berth motorhome based on the Transporter van, which in more recent years has been challenged by two van-based contenders of the same size, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget. Many motorhome buyers though, want something larger than any of these models. And you'd certainly need something bigger if you wanted a proper bathroom in your motorhome, a feature that would give you real go-anywhere freedom in using a vehicle like this. That's what this model, the Volkswagen Grand California, provides. Launched in 2019, it's only direct rivals come from motorhome companies basing a living structure on third-party large van - usually a Fiat Ducato or a Peugeot Boxer. Volkswagen reckons that designing and producing the complete vehicle itself produces a much more complete end product. And updated this Grand California in Spring 2025 to create the model we're going to look at here.

Driving Experience

Because of its sheer size, the Grand California is a more challenging thing to drive than Volkswagen's regular California model - and of course it's much heavier too, so you might be a touch concerned that as part of this update, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine this motorhome has to have has been reduced in output from 177PS to 163PS, as part of a switch to Euro VI HD emissions regulations. But it still puts out the same gutsy 410Nm of torque, so the performance figures remain unchanged. This model takes nearly 16 seconds to reach 60mph from rest and longer still to get itself through the gears. Overtakes will need to be planned well in advance but once you're up to speed, the plump torque figure keeps you there without undue bother. All derivatives use an 8-speed DSG automatic gearbox which changes sweetly through the ratios and facilitates quiet cruising. Body roll is actually pretty well kept in check for a vehicle of this size but of course you won't be wanting to throw any sort of motorhome about and the stability system here is programmed to make sure that you don't. On the biggest '680' variant, there's the continuing option of Volkswagen's 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system, which might be well worth having for slippery campsites or if you're venturing to rural destinations. The suspension set-up achieves a good balance of ride quality. And your view out and ahead is excellent thanks to the high seating position. Manoeuvring of course can be difficult with a motorhome this big; we think you'll certainly need the optional rear view camera. Bear in mind too, that to drive this Volkswagen, your driving licence will need a C1 rating allowing you to pilot something this heavy. If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, that might be a problem.

Design and Build

With the Grand California, Volkswagen entered what the motorhome industry calls '6-metre' class and added in a bathroom to a vehicle of this kind. If you know the Wolfsburg brand's LCVs, you'll recognise at the front that it's based on the company's biggest van, the Crafter. Which means it's big - particularly in its largest '680' form, the figures designating a 6.8m length. There's also a slightly smaller '600' model measuring in at 6m for those with smaller driveways. That alternative '600' model offers the option of an upstairs sleeping area. A Grand California '680', in contrast, is very much based around luxury accommodation for just two folk. Apart from revised rear badging, there are no exterior changes for this updated model. Access to the living area is gained by a large offside sliding door, below which a motorised step slides out to help you in. You immediately come across a two-person rear bench seat. At meal times, this can make up one half of a four-seat dining area when a table is inserted in front and the cab area chair swivelled round to face those at the rear. Heading backwards down the vehicle, there's a kitchenette on one side with two-burner cooker, work top, sink and refrigerator. And, on the other side, this Grand California model's most unique inclusion - a fully fitted-out wet room. The latter feature is crucial because it means that owners won't be tied to camping sites with toilet and shower facilities and therefore can roam more freely. The shower in this wet room draws water from a 110-litre on-board freshwater tank and drains it into a 90-litre waste tank. In the main living area, this updated model introduces a new five-inch, portrait touchscreen - first introduced on the new California - to control camping functions such as the auxiliary heating and ambient lighting. There are some lovely touches which come with Volkswagen's ability to design and create the whole vehicle itself. Things like smart optional ambient lighting strips around the classy cupboard doors. And this wall-mounted tablet that allows you not only to adjust cabin heating and ventilation but also to deploy the optional roof-mounted satellite dish. You can choose to heat the cabin either using gas (the vehicle can store two big bottles of it) or electricity. The main bed is at the rear and is a comfortable size for a couple of adults - as you'd hope it would be in a vehicle this big. Bluetooth speakers around this bed allow someone at this end of the vehicle to listen to a different kind of music from that playing in the cab. If you do need to sleep more than two people, there's the option on the 600 model of an extra berth over the cab, which slides cleverly in and out and could be used by a couple of kids or small adult. As you'd expect, the front cab area is pretty much exactly as it would be in a well specified Crafter van. Which means it's gained all the updates applied to the improved version of the Crafter - namely Volkswagen's latest dashboard and 'digital cockpit' instrument screen; and a bigger 10-inch central screen (up from 8-inches), which can be optionally upgraded in size to 12.9-inches. Both monitors incorporate nqavigation and the brand's 'App-Connect' smartphone-mirroring system, Bluetooth and a 4-speaker DAB audio system.

Market and Model

Let's try and guide you through the Grand California range. All models use a 2.0-litre TDI 163PS diesel mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. If you go for the shorter 6m-long '600' variant, there's a choice of two vehicle weights; either 3.5 tonnes; or a 3.88-tonne '600' variant costing a fraction more. For our test, we chose the longer 6.8m '680' model, which is only available in 3.88-tonne guise. Volkswagen's asking quite a lot more for this revised Grand California. '600' model prices start at just over £84,000. You'll need around £87,000 for the '680' - and obviously more if you want a version with the brand's 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system. As for options, well if you want to sleep more than two people in a Grand California, you'll need the smaller '600' model, which alone offers the £2,500 option of an over-cab bed with an access ladder. Most buyers will want an awning, available in either black or white; and probably also features like a roof-mounted satellite dish, a Wi-Fi LTE hotspot data server and a stationary air conditioning/roof air-conditioner. You can also add in a couple of extra windows in the vehicle's side panel, an auxiliary heater, solar panels, ambient lighting, toilet ventilation and a heating system for water and interior powered by mains electricity or diesel. You might also want a rear view camera, a heated windscreen, power-folding mirrors, a rear bicycle rack and a towbar. There are various optional 'Driver Assistance' packs which give you features like Lane Keeping Assist and a Blind Spot Monitor: and you can add in full-LED headlights with High Beam Assist stop. Side and curtain airbags also cost extra.

Cost of Ownership

You might expect that you'd need deep pockets to run a vehicle this big and heavy. As it happens, you might be surprised. Let's take a look at the WLTP figures. The '600' series model can manage up to 24.8mpg on the combined cycle and up to 298g/km of CO2. This '680' front-driven variant can manage up to 24.6mpg and 301g/km of CO2. For the '680 4MOTION' variant, the top figure is 22.8mpg and up to 324g/km of CO2. A 3 year / 100,000 mile warranty is included - and it can be extended at extra cost. Volkswagen offers a range of insurance plans and also fixed priced servicing and a fixed cost maintenance programme.

Summary

When it comes to motorhomes, space is the ultimate luxury. And since this Grand California has so much of it, that's enough to make it feel very luxurious indeed. It's initially a bit shocking to find that a vehicle as big as this only sleeps two in standard form. But that's what the retiree market it's aimed at want - and on the 600 model, there is the chance to pay extra for an extra high bunk if owners want the option of bringing along the grandchildren. You have to know what you're buying here of course. This model won't be as easy to adapt to on the road as the brand's smaller Transporter-based standard California model. And of course it's much pricier to buy. If though, you want the most complete, most comprehensively engineered motorhome there is, this could very well be it.

Body Glass

Rear wash/wipe

Windows with sliding blinds and fly screen

Brakes

Forward collision warning incl. autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

Traction control system with ASR

Parking brake with hill hold control

Front assist with city emergency braking system

Electronic stabilisation programme (ESP) with load adjusting

Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

Automatic post collision braking system

Hill start assist

Carpets/Rugs

Rubber floor covering in cab

Communication

Bluetooth connection

eCall emergency call system

Driver Aids

Electromechanical servotronic steering

Cross wind assist

Driver alert system

Lane keeping assistant (LKA)

Driver Convenience

Central operating unit with touch control for monitoring heating, lighting and water levels

Driver Information

Navigation system Discover Media with 4 speakers

Compact motorhome with multifunctional interior

Trip computer

We connect plus preparation

Engine

Second battery - operating 12V voltage

75 litre fuel tank with lockable cap

Entertainment

DAB+ radio

Exterior Body Features

Two sky lights with sliding blinds and fly screens

Two piece mosquito nets on sliding door

Electrically operated retractable step

180 degree rear wing doors

Manual sliding side door - driver's side

Body colour bumpers

Exterior Lights

Automatic hazard lights activation under emergency braking

Third brake light

Front fog lights with cornering function

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Climatic manually controlled air conditioning with dust and pollen filter and air recirculation

Interior Features

Folding chairs and tables stored in rear doors

Gas storage cupboard for two bottles

Extendable work surface

Dinette with 4 seats and table

90 litres waste water tank

Hob with two burners

Leather trimmed multi function steering wheel with heating function

Multiple USB sockets in cab and living area

Sink with hot and cold water with folding tap

70 litres fridge freezer compartment

4 x 230V electrical sockets

110 litres fresh water storage tank

Fully insulated living area with floor, roof and wall insulation

Two 12V outlets in cab

Transverse two person rear bed

Rake/reach adjustable steering wheel

Wet room with shower and cassette toilet

Seat trim covers in valley fabric upholstery

Packs

Lights and vision pack A - Grand California

Safety

Driver/Front Passenger airbags

Seat belt warning light for driver

Tyre pressure warning light

3 point inertia reel seatbelts - all 4 seats

Child locks on rear doors

Seats

Rear headrests

Isofix child seat preparation

Driver and passenger swivel seats with armrests, height and lumbar adjustment

Single front passenger seat

Front head restraints

Rear bench seat

Security

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection

Remote central locking with 2 remote keys

Engine immobiliser

Wheels - Spare

Tyre mobility kit Includes 12V compressor and tyre sealant

Emissions - ICE

HC: N

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

CO2 (g/km): 218

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 286

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 311

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 298

Engine and Drive Train

Camshaft: DOHC

Cylinders: 4

CC: 1968

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 8 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 11.6

WLTP - MPG - Low: 22.4

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: No

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 24.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 12.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 12.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 11.1

EC Combined (mpg): 34

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 34.9

EC Urban (mpg): 32.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 26.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 25.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 22.6

WLTP - MPG - High: 28

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Special Order: 0

Special Edition: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: N

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 177

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: N2

AdBlue: No

Coin Series: 600 [3.88T]

Coin Description: TDI

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 100000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Performance

Engine Torque - MKG: 41.8

Engine Power - BHP: 177

Engine Power - PS: No

Top Speed: 101

Engine Power - KW: 130

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 302

Engine Torque - NM: 410

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Power - RPM: 3600

Test Cycles

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

Tyres

Tyre Size Rear: 235/65 R17

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Wheel Style: LISMORE

Tyre Size Front: 235/65 R17

Wheel Type: 17" ALLOY

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase: 3640

Width: 2040

Width (including mirrors): 2410

Height: 2970

Height (including roof rails): N

Length: 5980

Weight and Capacities

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3880

Minimum Kerbweight: 2991

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 75

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 889

No. of Seats: 4

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 13.6

Body Glass

Heated windscreen

Heated windscreen washer nozzles

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Blind spot monitor with rear traffic alert

Dynamic road sign display

Driver Convenience

Inductive charging cradle in dinette area

Driver Information

Wi-fi LTE hotspot with integrated data server

Driving Mirrors

Power adjustable, heated and folding wing mirrors

Engine

Solar panels support for auxiliary batteries for longer self-sufficiency

Additional engine heater

Entertainment

SAT device for TV SAT system

Exterior Body Features

Bicycle rack

Awning black housing

Awning white housing

Metallic paint

Front and rear mud flaps

Front mudflaps

Rear mudflaps

Two tone paint

Exterior Lights

Headlight washer system with washer fluid level indicator

High beam assist

LED headlights with LED separate daytime running lights

Step illumination with on/off control

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Auxiliary heater with programmable parking heater and remote control

Heating system for water and interior powered by mains electricity or diesel

Stationary air conditioning/roof air conditioner

Interior Features

Over cab bed with access ladder above the dinette with additional lighting and larger skylight 700x850 mm

Toilet ventilation

Interior Lights

RGB adjustable colour ambient lighting

Packs

Driver assistance package C - Grand California

Driver assistance pack A - Grand California

Chrome pack - Grand California

Driver assistance package D - Grand California

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Reflex silver

Metallic - Indium grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Candy white

Paint - Two Tone

Two tone - Candy white/Deep ocean blue

Two tone - Reflex silver/Indium grey

Two tone - Candy white/Cherry red

Two tone - Candy white/Mojave beige

Safety

Airbags - Drivers and front passengers side and curtain airbags

Security

Lockable wheel bolts

Towing

Fixed towbar with 13 pin socket and trailer stabilisation

Removable towbar ball with 13 pin socket

Towbar preparation with 13 pin socket

Towbar preparation with bracket and 13 pin socket

Trim - Cloth

Valley fabric seat trim covers - Palladium

Wheels

All season tyres for optional 16" steel wheels

16" steel wheels with normal summer tyres for 3.88T