Volkswagen reveals super-size Grand California campervan

Volkswagen, which confirmed last week it is to launch the XXL California concept campervan as a production model, has called it the Grand California. With the arrival of the Grand California, VW is extending its range of campervans by adding a model in the six-metre class complete with a washroom.

In addition to the large sleeping area in the rear, the Grand California will be available with a roof bed for children. The launch of the new campervan will be in early 2019.

The new campervan has windows fitted with cassette blinds and flyscreens. For the driver's cab there is a new blackout concept. Further standard features include, in addition to the kitchen and washroom (840 x 800mm), external lighting above the sliding door, an electrically powered step and a two-part mosquito net across the door.

The Grand California has swivel cab seats and a double bench seat with seatbelts and Isofix fixing points for childseats. A table provides room for four people to dine, while the kitchen gets a pull-out 70-litre fridge/freezer, which is accessible from the inside and outside, a twin-hob gas cooker, sink and storage.

In the washroom there is a swivel cassette toilet, shower, foldout washbasin, shelves with holders for toiletries, cupboard with integrated toilet paper holder, towel holders and a skylight. There are no light switches in the washroom – the lights come on automatically via motion detectors – as standard. There is a 110-litre water tank.

Optionally available is a roof bed complete with integrated panoramic skylight. Also available are details such as an additional roof-mounted air-conditioning unit, an awning, a rear bicycle rack and a camping table and chairs (stowed in the sliding door). The standard gas heating can be expanded as a heating system to run on gas or diesel-generated electric power. There will also be a solar panel system mounted on the roof, a satellite dish (for TV reception) and a WiFi hotspot.

VW is also offering the new Grand California with optional four-wheel drive. UK specifications and prices have not yet been confirmed.