VW Goes Big With Grand California
At the outdoor enthusiasts show in Dusseldorf, Germany, Volkswagen unveiled its larger 6.8-m (22-ft) wheelbase Grand California motorhome, bringing with it a more streamlined roof and a longitudinal double bed.
The Grand California that Volkswagen first introduced in early August is the 6-m (19.7-ft) wheelbase Grand California 600, which comes with a fixed, 1.95 x 1.4-m (6.4 x 4.6-ft) transverse rear bed and optional kids’ roof bed. The 6.8-m wheelbase Grand California 680 has a larger 2 x 1.7-m (6.6 x 5.6-ft) bed fixed lengthwise in the rear.
The 680 doesn’t offer the optional roof bed and comes with a more streamlined, non-alcove super-high roof that gives it a more traditional van profile. That roof measures 2,850 mm (9.4 ft) high, and the 680 is positioned as a roomy, luxurious road traveler for two, as opposed to a family camper van.
Volkswagen has announced that the van will start just under $64,325 when it goes on sale next year. The entry-level model will be a 600 with 174-hp (130-kW) turbo-diesel four-cylinder driving the front wheels with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system will be available optionally, as will navigation, Volkswagen Media Control, a tow bar and other features. The camper options list will include satellite, LTE/Wi-Fi, solar panels, a 2.2-kW roof-mounted air conditioner (replaces rear skylight) and a passenger-side awning.
The Grand California is a dedicated full-time camper van with a permanent camper layout that includes the fixed rear bed, central wet bath and high roof. The 600 and 680 are configured the same inside, with a kitchen block just inside the sliding entryway, swivel front seats and a two-seat bench around a dining table, and a central washroom with shower, toilet and fold-down sink.
Light enters during the day through two standard 28” x 23” skylights. At night an array of direct and indirect lights are controlled via individual switches or centrally using the control touchscreen mounted next to the wet bath.
Other standard features of note are the dual-burner stove and indoor/outdoor pull-out fridge in the kitchen, the 110-liter fresh and 90-liter waste water tanks, and the gas air and water heating system. The living area includes Bluetooth speakers that can stream music directly from a connected device, like a smartphone or laptop, or play music through the vehicle’s infotainment system.
