Volkswagen’s California XXL aims to do for VanLifers what glamping did for dirtbags.
Euros have all the fun. At last month’s Caravan Salon show in Düsseldorf, Germany, Volkswagen dropped a bombshell. No, not for its announcement that the lovable “Hippie Van” was coming back, but because it unveiled a drool-worthy camper concept.
Despite the name, the California XXL is a tease for European markets only. It uses the “Crafter” chassis and builds on the current California model—both unavailable in the U.S. The result looks like the lovechild of a full-size family van and Boeing Dreamliner.
Watch the dreamy promo vid VW launched at the show:
VW California XXL Camper Concept
Unlike the California pop-top van for which it’s named, the XXL concept has a fixed roof, and stands 9.5-feet high.
That extra space allows for a lofted main sleeping area. Specs show the bed has heating and cooling ability. And above the bed, the XXL’s roof offers a full-panoramic skylight.
Inside, Volkswagen leverages every nook and cranny with extendable, foldable utility. The toilet and bathroom sink flip and stow away, so the hidden bathroom slides out into a full wet room with shower.
And the bathroom doubles as a room divider between the rear living area and front passenger space.
All kitchen necessities slide out, too. The 50-liter fridge, sink, and two-burner gas stove retract. And removable counter panels provide workspace.
There’s also a fold-out table for dining, a built-in espresso machine, and retractable stovetop.
A second fridge-freezer above the stove, magnetic spice rack, garbage, drawers, and cabinets are the rest of the kitchen amenities.
When you park, the dining table detaches and mounts outside the van. Two folding chairs hidden under the tailgate allow for a full outdoor meal setup.
Rounding out the specs, the California sports a heated cork floor, outboard 140-liter freshwater and 90-liter wastewater tanks, water heater, and a digital projection system. And if you’re bringing the kids, a child-size sleeping bed pulls out over the passenger area, under the lofted bed.
Under the hood, a 175-hp diesel engine does the work, all wheel-drive provides traction, and air suspension cushions the ride and levels the van when you park.
Who would have thought moving into your van would be an upgrade? We’ll keep an eye out if this comes to production.
