Volkswagen California

What is the Volkswagen California?

The California is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ camper van, based on the Transporter. Its van layout is adapted for travel and overnight stays, so it can serve as both everyday transport and a holiday vehicle. It belongs to the wider Bulli family, Volkswagen’s long-running van line.

The T6.1 California remained part of the Transporter range as Volkswagen introduced a separate, passenger-focused Multivan. The California kept its role as the camper van in the Bulli family.

California generations

The listed generations are T5.1 (2010–2015), T6 (2016–2019) and T6.1 (2020–2024). Each is a successive version of the Transporter-based California, with the T6.1 representing an update to the T6-era van.

Engines and official consumption

EU registration figures cover 2.0-litre engines, with power from 75 kW (102 PS) to 165 kW (224 PS). The listed fuels include diesel, petrol, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and other types. UK figures list diesel engines from 2.0 to 2.5 litres and power from 75 kW (102 PS) to 150 kW (204 PS); French figures list diesel versions with power from 62 kW (84 PS) to 103 kW (140 PS).

The lowest listed conventional figure in EU registrations is 5.8 L/100 km under WLTP. The plug-in hybrid’s lowest official weighted figure is 0.9 L/100 km WLTP, which assumes some driving is electric. The UK’s lowest listed figure is 6.2 L/100 km under NEDC, and France’s is 7 L/100 km under NEDC. WLTP and NEDC are different European test procedures, so the figures are not directly comparable.

Where was the California sold?

Official figures cover the European Union, the United Kingdom and France. EU registration years run from 2010 to 2025, while the listed generation dates end in 2024. UK figures cover 2006–2018, and French figures cover 2012–2014.