Ordering a 4Motion Grand California 680

[Adeybruce]

So I’ve bitten the bullet and ordered a Grand California 680 4Motion from Germany. I thought I’d share my experience, in case it helps others going down this route. I know the new van has divided opinion a bit, and it’s funny as I remember when VW launched the non-Westfalia T5 California

Clearly I’m hoping the Euro exchange rate sorts itself out a bit, but with a 13% discount from the dealer a fully spec,d van has come out at around £60K plus VAT.

While I have placed the order (but not got a confirmed build date yet), it’s expected to arrive November/December. I’ve got a few more weeks to confirm the specification so Google translate has been going into overdrive.

 

[Adeybruce]

So the Grand comes standard with twin 11kg gas tank air and water heating. There’s also 6 options that you can either have on top or instead, including substituting diesel heating and remote control.

I’ve attached a pdf with the options from the German brochure (thanks to Google Translate)

 

[Adeybruce]

So when looking at the heating options on the configuration page they do not directly match what is being shown in the brochure. So this is where I’m having the most fun! Anyone on here an expert on German water/air heating systems?

 

[ChrisB]

Good luck with the exchange rate!

 

[MarkVw2017]

Lovely lovely machine and engineering, but defo California in name only. A fully fledged motorhome (but beautiful mh at that).

 

[Adeybruce]

Mark, not seen a 680 in the flesh yet, so I really hope I’m doing the right thing! I’m going to keep my T25 Westy and the new one for a couple of years, after which one will have to go.

 

[burnercan]

My local dealer told me they'd have one at the Geneva motor show, but very disappointingly they did not. Didn't have even a prototype available, much less a production model. Good luck with the project, we'll expect updates Oh, and welcome to the forum!

 

[itscalledbob]

Will you register your van in the UK?

I would be concerned about the potential 10.6% import tariff if ‘they’ don’t sort the ‘mess’ out!

 

[Anthony1]

So I’ve bitten the bullet and ordered a Grand California 680 4Motion from Germany. I thought I’d share my experience, in case it helps others going down this route. I know the new van has divided opinion a bit, and it’s funny as I remember when VW launched the non-Westfalia T5 California

Clearly I’m hoping the Euro exchange rate sorts itself out a bit, but with a 13% discount from the dealer a fully spec,d van has come out at around £60K plus VAT.

While I have placed the order (but not got a confirmed build date yet), it’s expected to arrive November/December. I’ve got a few more weeks to confirm the specification so Google translate has been going into overdrive.

£60k plus VAT is £75,000 - that's a lot of dosh.

 

[Adeybruce]

My local dealer told me they'd have one at the Geneva motor show, but very disappointingly they did not. Didn't have even a prototype available, much less a production model. Good luck with the project, we'll expect updates Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Thank you.

I’m just waiting to be allocated a Build Week

 

[Adeybruce]

Will you register your van in the UK?

I would be concerned about the potential 10.6% import tariff if ‘they’ don’t sort the ‘mess’ out!

I’m actually leaving the country in it to go travelling/working, so won’t be paying either import duty or VAT until I return 2 years later. I think the VAT will be based on second hand value, and who knows what trade deal will be in place then.

 

[itscalledbob]

I’m actually leaving the country in it to go travelling/working, so won’t be paying either import duty or VAT until I return 2 years later. I think the VAT will be based on second hand value, and who knows what trade deal will be in place then.

Sounds fantastic. Hope the van is everything you’re looking for

 

[VWDrooper]

Any updates @Adeybruce ?

 

[Adeybruce]

Any updates @Adeybruce ?

None as yet. I’ve just changed a few things on the specification, and they are quoting 3rd quarter still (Oct to December). To set my own expectations, I’m thinking December,

 

[VWDrooper]

That’s a long old wait, wish they would get the uk configurator up and running

 

[Henry Walpole]

Hi @Adeybruce

Interesting that you are importing from Germany as I am looking to do the same (except a 600).

I too am a bit perplexed by the additional heating options. I'm going to go for the Diesel heating option (the one at 1199,52). I have no idea if I need any of the additional options as I do not know what other benefit they provide. I would like to take it to the Alps in winter so would like to be fully covered for that. Did you get anywhere deciphering them?

Did you get a quote from more than one dealer and were they happy to communicate in English or do you (or a friend) speak German?

Many thanks!

 

[Adeybruce]

I never truely understood all the options, benefits and disadvantages of the various systems on offer, and which could be combined with others.

I went with the diesel heating, water and air, with remote control, and left it at that. I think I could have added a shore power electric element, but decided against this - I’ll almost entirely be off grid.

If you want my dealer’s details, please let me know. He communicates well in English and has been pretty tolerant of constant spec changes.

 

[Henry Walpole]

Thanks for the reply @Adeybruce
I would definitely like to know the dealer's details if you don't mind sharing.

 

[Henry Walpole]

Also it's curious that the configurator has the option 'Rear wing doors without window openings' pre-selected and it cannot be changed. However all the youtube videos I've seen of the 600 and 680 clearly show the windows on the rear doors can be opened.

 

[Adeybruce]

Thanks for the reply @Adeybruce
I would definitely like to know the dealer's details if you don't mind sharing.

PM me your email address and I’ll gladly introduce you

 

[Adeybruce]

Also it's curious that the configurator has the option 'Rear wing doors without window openings' pre-selected and it cannot be changed. However all the youtube videos I've seen of the 600 and 680 clearly show the windows on the rear doors can be opened.

I saw the same. But, look at the terminology used earlier in the Konfigorator regarding ‘Without Side Window Opening in the Cargo Compartment, Rear Left’ and repeated 6 times for 3 windows on each side.
So, I suspect this is talking about the factory van windows, not camper windows.

 

[Henry Walpole]

Thanks @Adeybruce I've tried to PM you but it was not allowed - perhaps only VIP members can received PMs?

I have created a temporary email address henrywalpole@mailing.one if you wouldn't mind emailing the details?
Thank you.

 

[Adeybruce]

Thanks @Adeybruce I've tried to PM you but it was not allowed - perhaps only VIP members can received PMs?

I have created a temporary email address henrywalpole@mailing.one if you wouldn't mind emailing the details?
Thank you.

Henry, done. I’ve written to the dealer, copying you. Let me know how it goes, and if you’ve got any questions that I can help with.

 

[Henry Walpole]

Thank you very much @Adeybruce - I appreciate your help. I haven't received an email yet but will keep an eye out for it.

 

[Adeybruce]

Thank you very much @Adeybruce - I appreciate your help. I haven't received an email yet but will keep an eye out for it.

Is this address correct:
henrywalpole@mailing.one?