2025 Volkswagen California e-Hybrid

• Volkswagen’s first plug-in hybrid California uses a 1.5 TSI engine plus electric motor totaling 180 kW (245 PS), with 4MOTION AWD.

• Offers a 54-mile WLTP electric range, towing capacity up to 1,600 kg, and camper-friendly features like twin sliding doors and integrated kitchen.

• Available in three trims—Beach Camper (£71,295), Coast (£78,495), and Ocean (£85,395)—all backed by Volkswagen’s 5+ Promise coverage.

The Classic Camper Gets an Electrified Heartbeat

The California e‑Hybrid is VW’s first plug-in hybrid campervan. It blends the familiar soul of the California—pop-up roof, built-in kitchen, lounge area—with a hybrid drivetrain. Now built on the T7 Multivan’s MQB platform, it sheds the old Transporter-based body for something more car-like in driving feel. Still, it’s unmistakably California in purpose and style.

Powertrain and Range That Serve With Smile

Under the hood it shares its hybrid system with other VW offerings—a 1.5 TSI petrol engine plus an electric motor, combining for 180 kW (245 PS). All versions come with 4MOTION AWD, giving it extra traction on muddy or uneven camping grounds.

For short trips, the 19.7 kWh battery delivers up to 54 miles electric range (WLTP)—enough for daily errands or eco-conscious cruising between campsites. Once the battery’s out, the petrol engine takes over.

Room to Camp, Ready to Tow

The e‑Hybrid keeps California’s clever camper layout. It retains the pop-up roof upstairs for a sleeping berth and folds seats into a lounge below. There’s a smart little kitchenette in the Coast and Ocean trims, complete with a hob, cutlery drawer, and storage module.

A key convenience upgrade: sliding doors on both sides, making everyday use—especially in narrow camping lanes—much more user-friendly.

The e‑Hybrid can tow up to 1,600 kg, so you could bring along a trailer, small boat, or motorbike. Not bad for an RV with city-driving conscience.

Trim Choices and Price Tag

In the UK, the hybrid variant officially hits the market in three trims:

• Beach Camper – starts at £71,295
• Coast – priced at £78,495
• Ocean – top-spec, £85,395

That top-end Ocean likely comes with extras—better insulation, digital cockpit, LED lighting—but all versions enjoy the 5+ Promise: five services, a five-year warranty, and roadside assistance.

Technical Specification

Performance

• Combined output: 180 kW (245 PS)
• Powertrain: 1.5 L TSI petrol engine + electric motor, AWD (4MOTION)
• Electric-only range: Up to 54 miles (WLTP)
• Towing capacity: Up to 1,600 kg (2,000 lb for some variants)

Body Measurements

• Length: 5,173 mm (approx. 204 in)
• Width: 1,941 mm (excluding mirrors) (~76 in)
• Height (roof closed): 1,990 mm (~78 in), deploying roof raises height to approx. 2,850 mm (~112 in)
• Wheelbase: 3,124 mm (approx. 123 in)

Powertrain & Charging

• Plug-in hybrid system with rear electric drive supporting AWD
• Battery: 19.7 kWh lithium-ion; enables EV driving and onboard climate control when stationary
• 4MOTION AWD engages automatically when needed for traction control

Capacities & Interior

• Sleeping capacity: Up to 4 people (roof bed + lower bed)
• Doors: Dual sliding side doors, enabling exterior kitchen access
• Onboard equipment: Kitchen modules (hob, sink), rear camper control panel (C-pillar), ambient lighting, electric pop-up roof, camper climate control, USB-C outlets, storage compartments

Price (UK)

• Beach Camper (base e-Hybrid): £71,295
• Coast trim (with extra kitchen and features): approx. £78,495
• Ocean trim (top-spec with luxury upgrades): approx. £85,395

Source