VW Grand California photos Frankfurt show

[Days out]

Just been checking out the new California XXL at the Frankfurt motor show.

It's a big vehicle based on the Crafter but the attention to detail is excellent.

It has storage in abundance and a bed that folds out of the roof. Also the shower is a masterpiece with a big panel sliding sideways and even he shower head automatically pops out.

The space is amazing. Easy to stand up inside and with a glass roof the feeling of spacious is very nice.

The coffee machine is super integrated into the cabin. The window blinds are integrated too. There is a projector TV built in. The white trim is impractical but this will be for show. I was told the gearbox is 8speed DSG.

 

[Loz]

it must be huge, just look at the woman looking out of the back!

 

[Hotel California]

If it does not come with roof corrosion factory fitted it can NO way be a California !
To much bling-bling anyway imo.

Is this the actual production model or as before a concept?
How many lesure bateries does it carry ....so how many espresso's can you make off grid?

 

[bigmac77]

You can never have too much bling.

 

[Days out]

Another attempt at California living at Frankfurt IAA. Similar layout to a California but notice the two sliding doors. The pop top didn't look as well tensioned as the Cali. Also look closely at the rear seat belt behind the cooker area. What's that all about? Not sure on price??

 

[Borris]

Just been checking out the new California XXL at the Frankfurt motor show.

It's a big vehicle based on the Crafter but the attention to detail is excellent.

It has storage in abundance and a bed that folds out of the roof. Also the shower is a masterpiece with a big panel sliding sideways and even he shower head automatically pops out.

The space is amazing. Easy to stand up inside and with a glass roof the feeling of spacious is very nice.

The coffee machine is super integrated into the cabin. The window blinds are integrated too. There is a projector TV built in. The white trim is impractical but this will be for show. I was told the gearbox is 8speed DSG.

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Looks OK except the back end. Yuk!

I just hope that they've calibrated the rear parking sensors correctly.

 

[Paul Grice]

I see that the motorhome show is on at the new this coming week (motorhomes... boo hiss). I had a look through the exhibiter list and could not see VW. Was hoping to go and have a snoop at this XXL as seriously interested. Unless I am missing something and I should be looking for a trading name other than VW? Anybody know if one of the prototypes has made it to these shores?

 

[WelshGas]

I see that the motorhome show is on at the new this coming week (motorhomes... boo hiss). I had a look through the exhibiter list and could not see VW. Was hoping to go and have a snoop at this XXL as seriously interested. Unless I am missing something and I should be looking for a trading name other than VW? Anybody know if one of the prototypes has made it to these shores?

I don’t think VW have ever had a stand at that show, only the Converters. VW only do the Car/Commercial Maker shows.

 

[Bellcrew]

I don’t think VW have ever had a stand at that show, only the Converters. VW only do the Car/Commercial Maker shows.

Presumably the converters would be upset if a California was shown, make most of their efforts look very second rate and likely to be cheaper for the same spec.
VW makes a lot of money selling them basic transporters, why bother rocking the boat.

 

[Kmann]

Where to put the bike rack?

I also find the XXL interesting. One of my friends just converted a Mercedes Sprinter, and it is really nice that you can walk around inside. It's very spacious (but too big as a daily drive IMO).

The California XXL has a lot of nice features, but the tail is for sure due to a design remake. Rather a smaller car or a longer wheelbase. The shown solution is really not very practical, nor beautiful.

 

[hirsty]

From not being that interested initially I've since warmed to this immensely having watched a few of the YouTube video tests (mostly in German).

My current situation needs a smaller Transporter sized vehicle for parking at home & for mixed use as a daily driver, but if I were pushing off on a grand tour / retirement / dedicated camper then something this size would be great.

I like that they've so completely broken away from the long-standing "tan with checks" interior that's been only mildly updated since caravans of the 70s.

 

[Alform]

Autocar article.
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/...xl-announced-range-topping-crafter-camper-van

 

[WelshGas]

I like it, but totally impractical for my needs.
Maybe the new T7 California will have a similar internal makeover?

Well I can dream.

 

[Auberg-ine]

Another attempt at California living at Frankfurt IAA. Similar layout to a California but notice the two sliding doors. The pop top didn't look as well tensioned as the Cali. Also look closely at the rear seat belt behind the cooker area. What's that all about? Not sure on price??

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At least they're being honest:

Do like the two sliding doors though...

 

[Digger]

Guess the price of the XXL????

 

[inthemidnighthour]

has to be at least 60k due to the cost of the basic crafter , but could easily be another 10k plus

 

[Iron Van]

I wouldn't be surprised to see it hit six figures if you add all the toys.

 

[Borris]

If it's an in house VW design and build, it has to be at least £80,000 for a basic version. With options who knows! VW will want to charge a premium rate for what they have clearly designed as a premium product. However it's my guess that they won't sell that many due to the butt ugly rear exterior styling, the rather odd interior layout and the likely cost.

 

[Bellcrew]

If it's an in house VW design and build, it has to be at least £80,000 for a basic version. With options who knows! VW will want to charge a premium rate for what they have clearly designed as a premium product. However it's my guess that they won't sell that many due to the butt ugly rear exterior styling, the rather odd interior layout and the likely cost.

Lot going for it but looks too high and the space between the front swivelled seats and the narrow rear seat looks very tight. The Westfalia Sven Hedin looks a better bet if going bigger

 

[Borris]

Lot going for it but looks too high and the space between the front swivelled seats and the narrow rear seat looks very tight. The Westfalia Sven Hedin looks a better bet if going bigger

I don't like the way that the WC/shower/washroom blocks the route between the front and rear of the van. With one occupant in the van fine but could be a right PITA with more. Also if the acres of white plastic find there way into the production models it would have all the appeal of a mobile dentist surgery. Why didn't they base it on a longer wheel base van? At least it wouldn't look so awful at the rear end.

 

[2haw]

It looks like the rear extension is missing on the official vw released sketch so the rear bed and WC lay out may of changed on the final production version. It will be interesting to see when it's revealed.

 

[Amarillo]

It looks like the rear extension is missing on the official vw released sketch

Pity. I like the idea of VW campers being able to reverse their rear ends over the bonnet of the car parked behind.


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[pumpsmynads]

The crafter is only £5k more that the Transporter isn’t it?

 

[Iron Van]

I read yesterday that its going to be launched 24th August, and there will be an option of 4motion and pneumatic suspension.

 

[Digger]

The crafter is only £5k more that the Transporter isn’t it?

Regretfully -- Dream on!