J
JayBob
Hello everyone,
new member here. I’ve borrowed a California two years ago and got bitten by the bug. I also have an MB V Class and use it as a daily driver.
I’ve now decided to get either the Cali or the MP to replace the V class - and since I’ve tried the Cali already, I rented out a 250d 4x4 Marco Polo for a weekend to compare. I’ve also been reading the forum for some time and trying to digest all the information about both. But here’s the thing - it didn’t help me chose so far - I know, I am the problem here
The reason for my hesitation are my specific needs - we’re five plus a large dog, and would use the 5th seat occasionally, but would only go camping with 2-4 + the dog. I wasn’t able to rent a 5 seater (neither MP, nor the Cali), so the practicality of the 5 seat version of either car is still a question mark.
And so I decided to share my findings so far and look for advice from people who may have similar needs and experience with any of these great vehicles specifically with 5 seats - would be greatly appreciated!
My needs:
1. I definitely want a campervan, and definitely with the kitchen module. So either an MP or an Ocean.
2. My oldest daughter is starting her study this year and will be home only from time to time. Still hard to imagine / adjust... I feel I need as much space as possible for 5, but probably this will be less important now.
3. We have family abroad and will travel 500-1000km one-way from time to time together (all 5 of us), with our dog. Camping trips will be mostly for me and my wife, plus the dog. Occasionally with our two sons – they’re not that keen to join us for weekend trips anymore…
4. I want a good daily driver to replace my V class. It will be our second car, and the other one is not suitable for family travel / large dog.
5. I need to have sufficient space for the dog on the floor / between the seats for when we travel in all 5 seats with luggage for 10+ hours.
6. I love weekend trips (2-3 nights) and would like to be able to do (limited) wild camping. The idea of independence from mains power is very tempting.
7. I would like to travel / camp in all seasons. Longer (5+ days) camping trips more likely in the summer than in winter.
8. I do not feel I need 4x4, but like to travel in winter and off grid (occasionally). I did not have any really bad experience with our RWD V class so far (including winter in Lapland)...
9. I would prefer a stronger engine (190-200bhp), and will definitely specify the ACC / Distronic (use it now and it works great) and LED lights.
Here are the pros and cons for Cali and MP that I’ve found so far - looking forward to any advice and first hand experience from all of you!
1. In general I really like both cars, but whereas the MP seems to have advantages for our needs “on paper”, the Cali brings a smile to my face and speaks to my soul. I also prefer the cute and practical looks of the VW to the somber / luxurious feel of the Merc. Some of the most often discussed advantages or disadvantages of both seem to be fixable with clever use or additional equipment. All in all, I would prefer the Cali, my wife the Merc, and both seem sufficient for our needs. First world problems...
2. As I expect to sleep in the van in all weather conditions, the downstairs space with the lower berth unfolded seems very important - our dog was a little squeezed downstairs during our brief Cali trip. She’s too large to have her on the bed when two people already occupy it. We’ve found the MP has noticeably more space between the bed and front seats, especially with the additional 15cm lower bed segment removed (unzipped), which still leaves a long enough bed (for us). Has anyone found a solution to this in a Cali? Dog bed on the front seats…? Sleeping upstairs even in rain / cold weather?
3. The MP can be used with the 5th seat and the rear parcel shelf in place, again with the small bed segment removed. Does anyone have good / bad experience traveling (not camping) with 5 people in the Cali?
4. The MP seems to have better ventilation and window options downstairs - the rear right hand side window can be opened - useful when sleeping downstairs at night and for better air flow when parking in warm weather. The split tailgate window is great for hot days and in daily use for boot access (first hand experience from our V class). On top of that you have the optional sunroof (which I would probably order), although I have no experience with it (our rental didn’t have it). Do people find air flow / ventilation in the Cali sufficient or problematic, especially on very hot days or when sleeping downstairs in cold or rainy weather, and with a dog breathing close by ;-) ?
5. The MP is tempting due to the factory leather seats - works great in our V class when our dog is shedding, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would prefer not to do third party re-trims in the Cali, but I would definitely consider good seat covers from Brandrup or similar. Does anyone have any recommendations re: Cali and alcantara / seat covers with a dog?
6. The MP - according to my rough weekend test - would not last longer than 2 days without hookup, and maybe not even that with the heater, lighting and the fridge used all together. Seems solvable by low profile solar panels. Does anyone have first hand experience with those?
7. Most Calis seem to have a manual tailgate. I have the electric one in the V class and find the usability great. Very curious how do Cali owners find the manual vs electric tailgate?
8. The driver assistance options I have in my V class were not available on the rental Cali - I couldn’t compare. I like the Distronic (adaptive cruise control) very much, and use it all the time on highways or in heavy traffic (can restart the car with a flick of a lever - it makes surviving traffic jams that much easier). I understand that VW ACC switches off and needs to be reset when the car comes to a halt - can VW owners confirm? Small difference, but... I also love the adaptive LED headlights - much better night driving experience and work very well in the Merc - curious to know the experience of Cali owners with automatic road lights?
9. I like the MPs electric handbrake - really useful. But does it really get in the way in the Cali in practice?
10. I prefer California’s dash with lots of clever storage spaces, and offering easier rear access (no center console on the floor). How often is this really important in your experience - I don’t move backwards very often in our V class, but I imagine it might be more important while camping?
11. At first sight I prefer the kitchen module in the Cali - the sink is more practical and the glass in the new MP rental we had was already scratched... Any solutions to the smallish MP sink and the scratching that you’ve found practical over time? Do people actually use the built in sink often, compared to foldable washing bowls / camping facilities etc?
12. I prefer the manual folding bench in the Cali (less power consumption and simpler), although I must admit the MP’s electric one worked well in our rental and was comfortable, and on top of that offered the option to fold only one half. Does anyone have positive / negative real world experience with the bench in either Cali or the MP? Would you prefer one over the other?
13. I don’t like the chairs / table storage in the MP - but it seems easily solvable. We would not use the tray in the boot, and replace Merc’s chairs with better foldable ones. The table does not take space at all, but it is less conveniently placed then the Cali one when you want to take it out or stow it with the boot packed. The boot space in the Merc (with the camping chair stowage tray removed) seems quite generous (the rental agency we used confirmed a Porta Potti fits in the MP’s boot - they offer one for renting - we didn’t take it). We also found we can fit so much in the cupboards and drawers inside the vehicle for a weekend trip for two, that the boot was half empty empty. Question to the experienced MP campers out here (I know, wrong forum ): how much of an issue is the table / chair / boot space thing in reality when packing for longer camping trips for 2 + dog?
14. I’m in Europe and the MP is available here with the 5th seat and the 4wd together. Sounds tempting - but is it really worth it for just occasional winter trips and rare wild camping? Any 2wd Cali owners out there who have really come to regret not having a 4motion (other than peace of mind)?
15. I find the V class really quiet when cruising and it makes a difference on longer trips. The MP is a bit louder and more rattly. How do Cali owners find this in practice - is the acoustic package / double glazing essential or advisable? I don’t remember this to be a problem, but I rented the Cali long ago and have no idea if it had double glazing.
Uff. A long post, please forgive the beginner’s zeal Nice to meet you all, and looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks ver much,
Jeremy
new member here. I’ve borrowed a California two years ago and got bitten by the bug. I also have an MB V Class and use it as a daily driver.
I’ve now decided to get either the Cali or the MP to replace the V class - and since I’ve tried the Cali already, I rented out a 250d 4x4 Marco Polo for a weekend to compare. I’ve also been reading the forum for some time and trying to digest all the information about both. But here’s the thing - it didn’t help me chose so far - I know, I am the problem here
The reason for my hesitation are my specific needs - we’re five plus a large dog, and would use the 5th seat occasionally, but would only go camping with 2-4 + the dog. I wasn’t able to rent a 5 seater (neither MP, nor the Cali), so the practicality of the 5 seat version of either car is still a question mark.
And so I decided to share my findings so far and look for advice from people who may have similar needs and experience with any of these great vehicles specifically with 5 seats - would be greatly appreciated!
My needs:
1. I definitely want a campervan, and definitely with the kitchen module. So either an MP or an Ocean.
2. My oldest daughter is starting her study this year and will be home only from time to time. Still hard to imagine / adjust... I feel I need as much space as possible for 5, but probably this will be less important now.
3. We have family abroad and will travel 500-1000km one-way from time to time together (all 5 of us), with our dog. Camping trips will be mostly for me and my wife, plus the dog. Occasionally with our two sons – they’re not that keen to join us for weekend trips anymore…
4. I want a good daily driver to replace my V class. It will be our second car, and the other one is not suitable for family travel / large dog.
5. I need to have sufficient space for the dog on the floor / between the seats for when we travel in all 5 seats with luggage for 10+ hours.
6. I love weekend trips (2-3 nights) and would like to be able to do (limited) wild camping. The idea of independence from mains power is very tempting.
7. I would like to travel / camp in all seasons. Longer (5+ days) camping trips more likely in the summer than in winter.
8. I do not feel I need 4x4, but like to travel in winter and off grid (occasionally). I did not have any really bad experience with our RWD V class so far (including winter in Lapland)...
9. I would prefer a stronger engine (190-200bhp), and will definitely specify the ACC / Distronic (use it now and it works great) and LED lights.
Here are the pros and cons for Cali and MP that I’ve found so far - looking forward to any advice and first hand experience from all of you!
1. In general I really like both cars, but whereas the MP seems to have advantages for our needs “on paper”, the Cali brings a smile to my face and speaks to my soul. I also prefer the cute and practical looks of the VW to the somber / luxurious feel of the Merc. Some of the most often discussed advantages or disadvantages of both seem to be fixable with clever use or additional equipment. All in all, I would prefer the Cali, my wife the Merc, and both seem sufficient for our needs. First world problems...
2. As I expect to sleep in the van in all weather conditions, the downstairs space with the lower berth unfolded seems very important - our dog was a little squeezed downstairs during our brief Cali trip. She’s too large to have her on the bed when two people already occupy it. We’ve found the MP has noticeably more space between the bed and front seats, especially with the additional 15cm lower bed segment removed (unzipped), which still leaves a long enough bed (for us). Has anyone found a solution to this in a Cali? Dog bed on the front seats…? Sleeping upstairs even in rain / cold weather?
3. The MP can be used with the 5th seat and the rear parcel shelf in place, again with the small bed segment removed. Does anyone have good / bad experience traveling (not camping) with 5 people in the Cali?
4. The MP seems to have better ventilation and window options downstairs - the rear right hand side window can be opened - useful when sleeping downstairs at night and for better air flow when parking in warm weather. The split tailgate window is great for hot days and in daily use for boot access (first hand experience from our V class). On top of that you have the optional sunroof (which I would probably order), although I have no experience with it (our rental didn’t have it). Do people find air flow / ventilation in the Cali sufficient or problematic, especially on very hot days or when sleeping downstairs in cold or rainy weather, and with a dog breathing close by ;-) ?
5. The MP is tempting due to the factory leather seats - works great in our V class when our dog is shedding, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I would prefer not to do third party re-trims in the Cali, but I would definitely consider good seat covers from Brandrup or similar. Does anyone have any recommendations re: Cali and alcantara / seat covers with a dog?
6. The MP - according to my rough weekend test - would not last longer than 2 days without hookup, and maybe not even that with the heater, lighting and the fridge used all together. Seems solvable by low profile solar panels. Does anyone have first hand experience with those?
7. Most Calis seem to have a manual tailgate. I have the electric one in the V class and find the usability great. Very curious how do Cali owners find the manual vs electric tailgate?
8. The driver assistance options I have in my V class were not available on the rental Cali - I couldn’t compare. I like the Distronic (adaptive cruise control) very much, and use it all the time on highways or in heavy traffic (can restart the car with a flick of a lever - it makes surviving traffic jams that much easier). I understand that VW ACC switches off and needs to be reset when the car comes to a halt - can VW owners confirm? Small difference, but... I also love the adaptive LED headlights - much better night driving experience and work very well in the Merc - curious to know the experience of Cali owners with automatic road lights?
9. I like the MPs electric handbrake - really useful. But does it really get in the way in the Cali in practice?
10. I prefer California’s dash with lots of clever storage spaces, and offering easier rear access (no center console on the floor). How often is this really important in your experience - I don’t move backwards very often in our V class, but I imagine it might be more important while camping?
11. At first sight I prefer the kitchen module in the Cali - the sink is more practical and the glass in the new MP rental we had was already scratched... Any solutions to the smallish MP sink and the scratching that you’ve found practical over time? Do people actually use the built in sink often, compared to foldable washing bowls / camping facilities etc?
12. I prefer the manual folding bench in the Cali (less power consumption and simpler), although I must admit the MP’s electric one worked well in our rental and was comfortable, and on top of that offered the option to fold only one half. Does anyone have positive / negative real world experience with the bench in either Cali or the MP? Would you prefer one over the other?
13. I don’t like the chairs / table storage in the MP - but it seems easily solvable. We would not use the tray in the boot, and replace Merc’s chairs with better foldable ones. The table does not take space at all, but it is less conveniently placed then the Cali one when you want to take it out or stow it with the boot packed. The boot space in the Merc (with the camping chair stowage tray removed) seems quite generous (the rental agency we used confirmed a Porta Potti fits in the MP’s boot - they offer one for renting - we didn’t take it). We also found we can fit so much in the cupboards and drawers inside the vehicle for a weekend trip for two, that the boot was half empty empty. Question to the experienced MP campers out here (I know, wrong forum ): how much of an issue is the table / chair / boot space thing in reality when packing for longer camping trips for 2 + dog?
14. I’m in Europe and the MP is available here with the 5th seat and the 4wd together. Sounds tempting - but is it really worth it for just occasional winter trips and rare wild camping? Any 2wd Cali owners out there who have really come to regret not having a 4motion (other than peace of mind)?
15. I find the V class really quiet when cruising and it makes a difference on longer trips. The MP is a bit louder and more rattly. How do Cali owners find this in practice - is the acoustic package / double glazing essential or advisable? I don’t remember this to be a problem, but I rented the Cali long ago and have no idea if it had double glazing.
Uff. A long post, please forgive the beginner’s zeal
Nice to meet you all, and looking forward to hearing from you.Thanks ver much,
Jeremy
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