Volkswagen California camper van UK launch, Digi Mart USA News: Volkswagen has given its California camper van a mid-cycle refresh, and the updated 2027 model is now officially available to order in the UK. The most notable new capability is an upgraded climate control system that can run from the plug-in hybrid battery for hours at a time, letting campers heat or cool the vehicle without a separate auxiliary heater or air conditioning unit.
The overnight climate feature is available only on eHybrid 4Motion variants. Using the 19.7-kWh powertrain battery, campers can run the air conditioner or heater for up to eight hours while the vehicle is parked and switched off.
According to the publisher’s report, this avoids running a loud engine or generator overnight.
The eHybrid model offers 53 miles (85 km) of all-electric driving, a range estimate the report says Volkswagen may vary by a mile or two depending on market and timing. Once the battery is depleted, the 242-hp 1.5-liter turbo-four TSI engine takes over to power the front wheels and charge the battery through the front motor, allowing the van to continue for hundreds of additional miles until the fuel tank is empty.
The UK launch prices are £74,637 for the eHybrid 4Motion in Beach trim, £79,672 for Coast and £87,970 for Ocean, according to the report. The Beach offers a four-person pop-up sleeping layout with a slide-out mini-kitchen, while the Coast and Ocean include an interior kitchen block and four-sleeper layout.
The flagship Ocean adds an electric-lift roof, upgraded interior lighting and higher-specification equipment including IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights and three-zone climate control.
California models with the 148-hp 2.0-liter TDI diesel engine do not have the overnight battery climate feature but share other refresh upgrades, including an updated grille, LED headlights, new 17- to 19-inch alloy wheels and power-latching sliding doors and tailgate. The diesel range starts at £66,334 for Beach trim and £79,762 for Ocean trim.
Interior updates include a 12.9-inch infotainment screen, a 10-inch digital cockpit and improved wireless smartphone charging.
Driver-assistance additions include motorway lane change assist, traffic light recognition and an emergency assist system that can move the vehicle to a shoulder or outer lane if the driver suffers a medical emergency. Volkswagen plans to begin UK deliveries of the refreshed California vans in early 2027.
