Volkswagen has announced an updated version of its largest factory-built campervan, the Grand California. Based on the VW Crafter large van, which was facelifted in 2024, the new Grand California is described as ‘evolutionary’ rather than revolutionary. But we’re liking the look of the changes, all the same.
Making its debut at the 2025 Dusseldorf Caravan Salon – ‘the world’s leading trade fair for mobile leisure’ – the revised Grand California is most notable for its interior modifications. These are mostly cosmetic, but there are some functionality upgrades as well.
Like the rest of the Crafter line-up, the VW Grand California now also features a host of updated tech. Not least of which is the range-wide adoption of a electronic parking brake, doing away with the manual lever that previously cluttered up the central area of the front of the cabin.
What are the interior changes for the 2025 Volkswagen Grand California?
For 2025, the Grand California has a new ‘Atami Bamboo’ décor theme. With this wood-effect finish combined with the existing white interior elements, VW Commercial Vehicles reckons the camper now has more of a lounge-like appearance, reminiscent of Mediterranean yachts. Bit of a stretch, perhaps, but it certainly reminds us of the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo.
Elsewhere, the kitchen area now features a black faucet, while the mobile dining table can be attached to the outside of the kitchen unit to better facilitate al fresco entertaining. There are also new cargo nets in the upper cupboards, while a additional optional extras include a custom-fit thermal mat and blackout panels for the windows in the cab.
What are the other updates from the 2024 Crafter?
The following has been standard on the Grand California since July 2024, but it’s worth recapping that the latest model has a new freestanding digital instrument cluster and a new infotainment system – 10.4-inches in diameter as standard, with a 12.9-inch variant optional.
Upgraded front assist, lane assist and traffic sign recognition, plus front and rear parking sensors, have also been standard since last year. More recently, an optional Travel Assist function has also become available, which can essentially drive the Grand California for you in certain circumstances; this is a mixed blessing in our experience, as if you don’t have the sat-nav set, Travel Assist has been known to make strange decisions regarding the adaptive cruise control speed.
We’ve already mentioned the electronic handbrake.
As previously, the Volkswagen Grand California comes in 600 and 680 variants. The former is a shorter 6.0-metre, high-roof version with transverse sleeping, the latter a longer 6.8-metre, low roof model with longitudinal sleeping. Both receive the updates.
Is VW showing anything else at the Dusseldorf caravan show?
While only the Grand California has been completely confirmed so far, VW is promising ‘numerous other new camper highlights’ at Dusseldorf 2025. Good news that we’ve already booked our ticket, then.
Expect live pictures and more info direct from the show floor once the Caravan Salon is under way at the end of August. In the meantime, check out the newly launched Parkers campervan section for all the info you need about the best campers and more.
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