Listening to the friend who has just sold his T6.1 California lament that the T7 is not a ‘real’ Volkswagen, I smiled. Then invited him to hear the very German thunk as I unlocked the doors from a hewn-from-solid VW branded key before opening the heavy tailgate and inviting him to close it via the pull-down strap. Sliding open both side doors my next gesture was to usher him towards any seat. All he saw was lots of very VW-looking trim.
No, the new Cali isn’t related to the Transit Custom as my buddy soon realised. So why is the T7 not part of the Ford light commercials alliance? Well, that’s to do with timings. This big camper is based on the long version of Volkswagen’s own Multivan, that model having been launched back in 2021. So the JV came a little late for this new generation, even if it is a recent debut.
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Based on a concept from two years ago
Back in August 2023, something called the California Concept was revealed at the Düsseldorf caravan show. Just like the example lent to me this week, the prototype was a PHEV with a pop-up soft roof, and 5,173 mm long which is 27 cm lengthier than its predecessor. At that time, Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge (‘Commercial Vehicles’) told us the premiere at this famous exhibition was to recognise the original T3 California’s world debut at the same event 35 years earlier.
There were some major changes in the journey to series production, one such being the replacement of the concept’s 160 kW 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric plug-in powertrain with a 1.5-litre engine. And the evolutions continue, with 4MOTION-branded AWD in combination with eHybrid officially announced only a few days ago. Strange that, considering I was driving such a model at the time.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK imports all three Californias, these being the Beach (from GBP63,481 excluding VAT), mid-range Coast (GBP70,681) and high-spec Ocean (GBP77,581). The least expensive of the triplets offers a choice of TDI (2.0-litre diesel) or eHybrid (1.5-litre petrol PHEV), Coast and Ocean buyers having a further option, that being a TSI-branded 2.0-litre petrol.
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By GlobalDataSix-speed DSG for PHEV, seven-speeder for others
All versions have four turbocharged cylinders while torque is delivered to the front axle via a DSG. On variants with the 4MOTION system, drive to the rear is via a motor, though there is also one up front. Ticking the PHEV box means a six-speed dual clutch gearbox. Meanwhile the TSI and TDI engines are linked to a seven-speeder.
The as-tested PHEV’s engine produces 130 kW and 250 Nm with the front motor adding 85 kW and the one on the back axle putting out a further 100 kW. VWCV quotes useable power as being 180 kilowatts with FWD-only variants having 160 kW. And as for the battery, this has a capacity of 19.7 kWh and can be charged at up to 50 kW DC. Range in EV mode is up to 56 miles (95 km) in Eco mode. Other settings are Sport, Comfort and Individual. Some of these bring in the back motor whilst others allow it to freewheel, saving energy.
You would never drive the T7 as you would a sports car and it’s best to avoid sudden changes of direction. By that I only mean that this is a large, 2.5 tonnes+ and top-heavy vehicle yet the various stability systems keep everything firmly planted. Traction was never an issue during my time with the California, and it was a novelty to cruise around in silence.
The downside to any quiet PHEV
The only trouble with EV mode is that you tend to notice any rattles. Which is just all the many things which cannot or don’t need to be tied down. Including a kettle and a tiny frying pan. The second of those even comes with a VW emblem in the middle of its cooking circle. This is by no means a noisy vehicle, it’s simply replete with endless bits and bobs which make it a supreme home away from home.
As well as the sink and the hob, there is a fold-out desk, plus a collapsible table and two chairs stowed ingeniously in a zipbag attached to the inside of the tailgate. Which means pulling it shut requires two strong hands to counter a pair of heavy-duty gas struts. So few cars which come with an electric boot actually need one but the Cali certainly does. I could live without motors for the side doors though, and yes I said doors – that’s another big change compared to the old shape, which had only one.
I feel a bit bad reporting gremlins at a time when certain other electrified cars are being recalled for genuinely dangerous flaws but the big VeeDub twice rebooted its infotainment system. And overhead lights turned themselves on, again twice. Not as bad as the Tayron I have also been driving (read about it soon) which has so far applied emergency braking FIVE times during low-speed parking. There was no hazard. I even got out of the car to check.
Sleeping for four via two beds
Things which are especially intelligently designed include the pop-up roof where two people can sleep. Ocean trim adds electric assistance to raise and lower it, that happening via buttons to the left of the touch screen. Plus various camping functions are controlled via a little remote mounted by the rear seats (naturally, they fold). Charging cables and all manner of other essentials are stowed below the bed/seats while there are various cupboards and other hidey-holes for a plethora of camping essentials. Flooring, by the way, is durable, and wipe-clean.
Also worth mentioning is a small fridge which has been downsized from the old shape model’s – to get that second sliding door into the design compromises had to be made – and the sleeping arrangements include space for two beds. That’s the middle seats converted plus the overhead bunks. In the Ocean, the back seat takes two occupants but for the Beach there is room for three. And if you want extra standing-up space, just raise the roof which is quick and easy.
Is there any bad news with the Cali PHEV? Perhaps the pricing, though these vehicles have historically held their values extremely well and some odd, hopefully temporary electronic bugs aside, the Volkswagen reputation for high quality is another plus.
One shade or two?
The only thing I would insist upon is two-tone paint, so good does the T7 look in that form. The white up-top also somehow lowers the look of the whole vehicle, even with the roof-mounted roll-out canopy up there. It’s a fine looking vehicle and surely one of the very best campervans on the market, especially with its car-like levels of comfort and dynamics.
The as-tested California Ocean 1.5 TSI eHybrid is priced at GBP85,395 including VAT as well as a retractable tow bar (GBP948) and Indium Grey metallic paint (GBP984) options. Top speed is 124 mpg, 0-62 takes a stated 10.0 seconds and the CO2 average is 21g/km.
