![VOLKSWAGEN GRAND CALIFORNIA DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDI 600 5dr Tip Auto [3.5T]](/themes/cbvc/img/placeholder.png)
Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Fuel Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
Customise Deal
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Important Information
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Fuel Type
Diesel
Transmission
Automatic
VOLKSWAGEN GRAND CALIFORNIA Review
- Performance6
- Handling7
- Comfort7
- Space6
- Styling9
- Build8
- Value7
- Equipment7
- Economy7
- Depreciation8
- Insurance7
Here, Volkswagen has set itself the target of producing the ultimate motorhome. Jonathan Crouch tries the Grand California and looks at the most recent updates to this model.
Ten Second Review
Volkswagen's Grand California brought car and LCV manufacturer expertise for the first time to the business of building a really large motorhome. It's based on the Crafter large van and designed to give the kind of travelling freedom a typical owner would crave. There's nothing quite like it. Here's the usefully updated version.
Background
By and large, motorhomes are built by companies that borrow van manufacturer engineering, then build luxury quarters around it. Or at least some of them do. Since 1988, Volkswagen has been offering the California, a four-berth motorhome based on the Transporter van, which in more recent years has been challenged by two van-based contenders of the same size, the Mercedes V-Class Marco Polo and the Ford Transit Custom Nugget. Many motorhome buyers though, want something larger than any of these models. And you'd certainly need something bigger if you wanted a proper bathroom in your motorhome, a feature that would give you real go-anywhere freedom in using a vehicle like this. That's what this model, the Volkswagen Grand California, provides.
Launched in 2019, it's only direct rivals come from motorhome companies basing a living structure on third-party large van - usually a Fiat Ducato or a Peugeot Boxer. Volkswagen reckons that designing and producing the complete vehicle itself produces a much more complete end product. And updated this Grand California in Spring 2025 to create the model we're going to look at here.
Driving Experience
Because of its sheer size, the Grand California is a more challenging thing to drive than Volkswagen's regular California model - and of course it's much heavier too, so you might be a touch concerned that as part of this update, the 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine this motorhome has to have has been reduced in output from 177PS to 163PS, as part of a switch to Euro VI HD emissions regulations. But it still puts out the same gutsy 410Nm of torque, so the performance figures remain unchanged. This model takes nearly 16 seconds to reach 60mph from rest and longer still to get itself through the gears. Overtakes will need to be planned well in advance but once you're up to speed, the plump torque figure keeps you there without undue bother. All derivatives use an 8-speed DSG automatic gearbox which changes sweetly through the ratios and facilitates quiet cruising. The braked towing capacity is 2,000kg.
Body roll is actually pretty well kept in check for a vehicle of this size but of course you won't be wanting to throw any sort of motorhome about and the stability system here is programmed to make sure that you don't. On the biggest '680' variant, there's the continuing option of Volkswagen's 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system, which might be well worth having for slippery campsites or if you're venturing to rural destinations. The suspension set-up achieves a good balance of ride quality. And your view out and ahead is excellent thanks to the high seating position. Manoeuvring of course can be difficult with a motorhome this big; we think you'll certainly need the optional rear view camera. Bear in mind too, that to drive this Volkswagen, your driving licence will need a C1 rating allowing you to pilot something this heavy. If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, that might be a problem.
Design and Build
With the Grand California, Volkswagen entered what the motorhome industry calls '6-metre' class and added in a bathroom to a vehicle of this kind. If you know the Wolfsburg brand's LCVs, you'll recognise at the front that it's based on the company's biggest van, the Crafter.
Which means it's big - particularly in its largest '680' form, the figures designating a 6.8m length. There's also a slightly smaller '600' model measuring in at 6m for those with smaller driveways. That alternative '600' model offers the option of an upstairs sleeping area. A Grand California '680', in contrast, is very much based around luxury accommodation for just two folk. Apart from revised rear badging, there are no exterior changes for this updated model.
Access to the living area is gained by a large offside sliding door, below which a motorised step slides out to help you in. You immediately come across a two-person rear bench seat. At meal times, this can make up one half of a four-seat dining area when a table is inserted in front and the cab area chair swivelled round to face those at the rear. Heading backwards down the vehicle, there's a kitchenette on one side with two-burner cooker, work top, sink and refrigerator. And, on the other side, this Grand California model's most unique inclusion - a fully fitted-out wet room. The latter feature is crucial because it means that owners won't be tied to camping sites with toilet and shower facilities and therefore can roam more freely. The shower in this wet room draws water from a 110-litre on-board freshwater tank and drains it into a 90-litre waste tank. In the main living area, this updated model introduces a new five-inch, portrait touchscreen - first introduced on the new California - to control camping functions such as the auxiliary heating and ambient lighting.
There are some lovely touches which come with Volkswagen's ability to design and create the whole vehicle itself. Things like smart optional ambient lighting strips around the classy cupboard doors. And this wall-mounted tablet that allows you not only to adjust cabin heating and ventilation but also to deploy the optional roof-mounted satellite dish. You can choose to heat the cabin either using gas (the vehicle can store two big bottles of it) or electricity.
The main bed is at the rear and is a comfortable size for a couple of adults - as you'd hope it would be in a vehicle this big. Bluetooth speakers around this bed allow someone at this end of the vehicle to listen to a different kind of music from that playing in the cab. If you do need to sleep more than two people, there's the option on the 600 model of an extra berth over the cab, which slides cleverly in and out and could be used by a couple of kids or small adult.
Changes in the living part of the interior include smarter 'yacht-style' trimming, a black tap for the kitchen sink and a new cargo net restraint system within the aircraft-style cupboards to stop stuff falling out when you open them. Plus the table that can be stowed beneath the bed at the the back can now be attached both outside and inside the vehicle. As before, there's a freestanding camping table on the inside of the rear doors for outside eating.
As you'd expect, the front cab area is pretty much exactly as it would be in a well specified Crafter van. Which means it's gained all the updates applied to the improved version of the Crafter - namely Volkswagen's latest dashboard and 'digital cockpit' instrument screen; and a bigger 10-inch central screen (up from 8-inches), which can be optionally upgraded in size to 12.9-inches. Both monitors incorporate nqavigation and the brand's 'App-Connect' smartphone-mirroring system, Bluetooth and a 4-speaker DAB audio system. Other cab changes include a change for the gear selector - it's now steering column-mounted, freeing up space in the centre console (for an extra cup holder)..
Market and Model
Let's try and guide you through the Grand California range. All models use a 2.0-litre TDI 163PS diesel mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. If you go for the shorter 6m-long '600' variant, there's a choice of two vehicle weights; either 3.5 tonnes; or a 3.88-tonne '600' variant costing a fraction more. For our test, we chose the longer 6.8m '680' model, which is only available in 3.88-tonne guise. Volkswagen's asking quite a lot more for this revised Grand California. '600' model prices start at just over £85,000. You'll need around £88,000 for the '680' - and obviously more if you want a version with the brand's 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system.
As for options, well if you want to sleep more than two people in a Grand California, you'll need the smaller '600' model, which alone offers the £2,500 option of an over-cab bed with an access ladder. Most buyers will want an awning, available in either black or white; and probably also features like a roof-mounted satellite dish, a Wi-Fi LTE hotspot data server and a stationary air conditioning/roof air-conditioner. You can also add in a couple of extra windows in the vehicle's side panel, an auxiliary heater, solar panels, ambient lighting, toilet ventilation and a heating system for water and interior powered by mains electricity or diesel. You might also want a rear view camera, a heated windscreen, power-folding mirrors, a rear bicycle rack and a towbar. There are various optional 'Driver Assistance' packs which give you features like Lane Keeping Assist and a Blind Spot Monitor: and you can add in full-LED headlights with High Beam Assist stop. Side and curtain airbags also cost extra. As part of this update, Volkswagen has added lane keeping assist - very useful for a vehicle that's 2.4-metres wide including its large dual-lens door mirrors.
Two new equipment packages mean customers can now choose to swap the standard AGM battery, for either two additional LiFePO4 batteries, or the new Off-grid package. For the first time, this combines a permanently installed solar panel system (104 W peak in the Grand California 600, 174 W in the Grand California 680) with modern lithium technology.
Cost of Ownership
You might expect that you'd need deep pockets to run a vehicle this big and heavy. As it happens, you might be surprised. Let's take a look at the WLTP figures. The '600' series model can manage up to 24.8mpg on the combined cycle and up to 298g/km of CO2. This '680' front-driven variant can manage up to 24.6mpg and 301g/km of CO2. For the '680 4MOTION' variant, the top figure is 22.8mpg and up to 324g/km of CO2. A 3 year / 100,000 mile warranty is included - and it can be extended at extra cost. Volkswagen offers a range of insurance plans and also fixed priced servicing and a fixed cost maintenance programme.
Summary
When it comes to motorhomes, space is the ultimate luxury. And since this Grand California has so much of it, that's enough to make it feel very luxurious indeed. It's initially a bit shocking to find that a vehicle as big as this only sleeps two in standard form. But that's what the retiree market it's aimed at want - and on the 600 model, there is the chance to pay extra for an extra high bunk if owners want the option of bringing along the grandchildren.
You have to know what you're buying here of course. This model won't be as easy to adapt to on the road as the brand's smaller Transporter-based standard California model. And of course it's much pricier to buy. If though, you want the most complete, most comprehensively engineered motorhome there is, this could very well be it.
Vehicle information and specification is supplied by an industry leading third party provider and is to be used for guidance only. We encourage you to check all equipment on the manufacturer's website before you place an order.
Standard Equipment
Technical Data
Options
Driver Convenience
- Active info display
- Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
- Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor
- App connect
- Blind spot monitor on both sides and moving off information system
- Bluetooth connection
- Central operating unit with touch control for monitoring heating, lighting and water levels
- Cross wind assist
- Dynamic road sign display
- eCall emergency call system
- Instrument cluster/mph speedometer/Great Britain
- Lane change assist
- Online service, OCU, head unit coding, without engine immobilizer inter connection
- PAS
- Speed limiter and predicative speed limiter
- Traffic jam assist
- Trip computer
- USB-C socket at top of windscreen
- Voice control
- We connect plus preparation
- Wireless charging on dashboard
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension
- 75 litre fuel tank with lockable cap
- Alternator 180 A
- Battery 520 A (92 Ah)
- Emission standard, EURO VI-E WLTP3 N1-II I protection
- Heavy duty front axle 2100kg
- Preparation for second battery
- Second battery - operating 12V voltage
- Standard suspension and shock absorption
- Start/stop system with regenerative braking
Entertainment
- 2 (type C) USB interfaces in dashboard
- DAB+ radio
- Digital radio reception (DAB)
Exterior Features
- Body colour bumpers
- Dimming breakaway interior rearview mirror
- Front fog lights with cornering function
- One towing eye in front
- Power adjustable, heated and folding wing mirrors
- Rear wash/wipe
- Rear wing doors with camper windows,California camping table and 2 California folding chairs for outside
- Right and left exterior mirror convex and wide angel
- Right sliding door with special design
- Third brake light
- Two sky lights with sliding blinds and fly screens
- Windows with sliding blinds and fly screen
- Windshield wiper intermittent control with light/rain sensor
Interior Features
- 110 litres fresh water storage tank
- 12V outlet - 230 V outlet with charging feature
- 2-seater bench in dinette with 3 point belt and child seat anchor ISOFIX and top tether (reg as 4-seater)
- 4 x 230V electrical sockets
- 70 litres fridge freezer compartment
- 90 litres waste water tank
- Dinette with 4 seats and table
- Driver swivel seat
- Electronically controlled air conditioning system
- Extendable work surface
- Front head restraints
- Fully insulated living area with floor, roof and wall insulation
- Gas storage cupboard for two bottles
- Hob with two burners
- Isofix child seat preparation
- Leather wrapped heated multifunction steering wheel with Tiptronic
- Multiple USB sockets in cab and living area
- Rear headrests
- Right hand drive (RHD)
- Rubber floor covering in cab
- Seat trim covers in valley fabric upholstery
- Single front passenger swivel seat
- Sink with hot and cold water with folding tap
- Standard dashboard and glove compartment
- Terminal block and function control module with telematics preparation and body builder programming
- Toilet with SOG ventilation active
- Transverse two person rear bed
- Wet room with shower and cassette toilet
Packs
- Overhead Storage compartment package - Grand california
Passive Safety
- 3 point seat belt in front with electric seat belt pretensioner
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Disc brakes in front
- Driver and front passenger airbags with front passenger airbag de-activation
- Electronic handbrake swich on dashboard
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Forward collision warning with warning and braking reaction to vehicles pedestrians and cyclists
- Hill start assist
- Power operated child safety locks
- Seat belt reminder with electric contact in buckle
- Traction control system with ASR
- Tyre pressure warning light
Security
- Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring in cab, backup horn and towing protection
- Central locking system keyless go without safelock
- Engine immobiliser
Wheels
- Tires 235/65 R16C 115/113 R low rolling resistance
- Tyre mobility kit in lieu of spare wheel - 12-volt compressor and tyre sealant
Emissions - ICE
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HCNot Available
-
Standard EmissionsEURO 6
Engine and Drive Train
-
CamshaftDOHC
-
Catalytic ConvertorYes
-
CC1968
-
Cylinder LayoutIN-LINE
-
Cylinders4
-
Engine LayoutFRONT TRANSVERSE
-
Fuel DeliveryCOMMON RAIL
-
Gears8 SPEED
-
Number of Valves16
-
TransmissionSEMI-AUTO
Fuel Consumption - ICE
-
EC Directive 1999/100/EC AppliesYes
General
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AdBlueYes
-
Alternative Fuel QualifyingNo
-
Badge Engine CC2.0
-
Badge Power163
-
Based On IDNot Available
-
Coin DescriptionTDI
-
Coin Series600 [3.5T]
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Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07Not Available
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Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years12
-
Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years3
-
NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %Not Available
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NCAP Child Occupant Protection %Not Available
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NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09Not Available
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NCAP Pedestrian Protection %Not Available
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NCAP Safety Assist %Not Available
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Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?No
-
Service Interval Frequency - Months12
-
Service Interval Mileage9300
-
Special EditionNo
-
Special OrderNo
-
Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage100000
-
Standard manufacturers warranty - Years3
-
Vehicle Homologation ClassN1
Performance
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Engine Power - BHP163
-
Engine Power - KW120
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Engine Power - RPM3600
-
Engine Torque - LBS.FT302
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Engine Torque - MKG41.8
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Engine Torque - NM410
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Engine Torque - RPM1500
Test Cycles
-
Emissions Test CycleWLTP
-
RDE Certification LevelRDE 2
Tyres
-
Alloys?Yes
-
Space Saver?No
-
Tyre Size Front235/65 R17
-
Tyre Size Rear235/65 R17
-
Tyre Size SpareTYRE REPAIR KIT
-
Wheel Type17" ALLOY
Vehicle Dimensions
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Height2970
-
Height (including roof rails)Not Available
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Length5980
-
Wheelbase3640
-
Width2040
-
Width (including mirrors)2410
Weight and Capacities
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Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres)75
-
Gross Vehicle Weight3500
-
Max. Loading Weight477
-
Max. Towing Weight - Braked2000
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Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked750
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Minimum Kerbweight3023
-
No. of Seats4
-
Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb13.6
Company car tax calculator
| Tax Year | BIK | BIK Value | Tax Payable at 20% | Tax Payable at 40% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026/27 | 4% | £283.26 | £56.65 | £113.30 |
| 2027/28 | 5% | £354.08 | £70.82 | £141.63 |
| 2028/29 | 7% | £495.71 | £99.14 | £198.28 |
| 2029/30 | 9% | £637.34 | £127.47 | £254.93 |
