Volkswagen reveals Grand California camper

Volkswagen has announced a new large motorhome based on the Crafter. Imaginatively badged the Grand California, the new camper is more than a metre longer than the regular California.

It features a large sleeping area in the rear as well as a kitchen and a spacious bathroom, while customers can opt for a high bunk bed for children.

Standard features include external lighting above the sliding door as well as a connection on the rear for an outdoor shower. An electrically powered step deploys from the sliding door, while a two-part mosquito net keeps out flies.

Buyers can opt for loudspeakers in the living area to be controlled by Bluetooth independently from the Grand California's infotainment system.

Swivel seats are fitted at the front while a double bench seat is fitted in the living area. Isofix anchor points allow child seats to be fitted to the rear bench seat, while a large dining table means families of four can eat together.

Kitchen fittings include a 70-litre fridge with freezer compartment as well as a twin-hob gas cooker, a sink and various storage compartments.

If you're reluctant to give up your creature comforts, the Grand California's bathroom is 840 x 800mm in size and features a fold-out sink, shelves with holders for toiletries and a cupboard with an integrated toilet paper holder. A skylight provides ventilation, while motion detectors trigger the lights as soon as you enter. The Grand California can carry 110 litres of water.

As well as a high bunk bed for kids, optional extras include an additional roof-mounted air con unit at the back, an awning, a rear bicycle rack and camping table and chairs which can be stowed away in the doors. Solar panels are fitted to the roof as well as a TV satellite dish and a WiFi router.

Buyers looking to venture further afield in their Grand California can opt for four-wheel-drive. Single colour paintwork options are Candy White, Reflex Silver or Indium Grey, while two-colour combinations of Reflex Silver and Indium Gray, Candy White and Cherry Red, Candy White and Deep Ocean Blue or Candy White and Mojave Beige Metallic are also available.

The Volkswagen Grand California will on sale early in 2019. Further details including prices will be announced when it makes its debut at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf later this month.