Volkswagen has confirmed it will develop a California camper version of its electric ID. Buzz van.
The brand has confirmed the ID. California will be built on a new assembly line at its Hannover plant in Germany, alongside the ID. Buzz people mover and van.
Beyond the name, very few details about the California have been revealed. The current California Beach is based on the T6.1 Transporter, and features front swivel seats, an awning, a bed extension, camping chairs and a camp table, and a powered tailgate.
Volkswagen Australia is also gearing up for the arrival of the Caddy California, a smaller and more affordable take on the formula.
The seats fold into a double bed, there are darkening curtains for the windscreen, doors, tailgate and available panoramic sunroof, and there are ventilation grids for the windows in both front doors that include fly screens.
Under the skin, the ID. California will share its bones with the ID. Buzz, which could also be badged ID. 7.
The reborn Kombi people mover is expected to have powered sliding rear doors and a seven-seat interior.
A long-wheelbase version of the ID.7 will also be available though even the regular-length model will be a substantial 4962mm long, or 122mm longer than a Honda Odyssey.
The ID.7 will also measure 1985mm wide, or 10mm narrower than a Kia Carnival. It’ll also be 121mm taller than the Kia at 1896mm tall.
In addition to offering both regular- and long-wheelbase ID.7 models, Volkswagen is also expected to offer a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive.
The standard battery will have an output of 82kWh, though the van’s bluff front will take a toll on aerodynamics and, in turn, its electric range.
Volkswagen plans to offer a range of colour and trim combinations as well as some cute touches, like smiling emojis in the interior door handles and an ice scraper and bottle opener in the centre console bin.
