VW’s Next California Campers: One Electric, One Inflatable
An ID.Buzz-based California Cruise and a removable Stuff Bubble camping system show two directions for VW, while the current Multivan-based California stays on sale in Europe.
Electric California Family Starts With ID.Buzz Cruise
VW Commercial Vehicles says the ID.Buzz-based California Cruise will be the starting point for a new family of battery-electric California camper vans, with the rollout scheduled through 2028. The company is not divulging technical details at this stage. The new concept marks a significant step for a California lineup historically built around Volkswagen’s combustion-powered vans rather than an EV platform.
Current California Stays Multivan-Based
The existing California is based on the Multivan and is available in Europe with gasoline, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains. VW has not indicated whether the new electric camper will reach U.S. shores, even though the electric van it is based on is already sold there. Americans currently get no VW camper at all; Europe still gets both the California and Grand California for now.
Inflatable Kitchen Drops Into the California Beach
The camping-accessories maker Stuff Bubble worked with VW on a removable inflatable system for the California Beach. The kitchen weighs less than 22 pounds, uses a closed water system, and splits into two pieces so it can be set up inside or outside the van. It attaches to existing luggage-shelf mounting points. The components were developed specifically for this van.
Inflatable Bed Becomes a Double or Singles
The matching bed measures about 79 by 53 inches and uses a multilayer breathable construction instead of a conventional air-mattress design. It can be configured as a double bed or split into a single-bed setup. With the van’s pop-up roof, the arrangement sleeps as many as four people. VW says the lightweight bed can be installed or removed by one person in minutes.
Removable Setup Leaves No Camper Bulk Behind
The regular California Beach Camper carries a permanently installed compact-kitchen module in the cargo area, so non-camping trips haul the weight and bulk. The inflatable version can be packed away at home, leaving a normal passenger van when the gear isn’t needed. Stefan Mecha, who leads Volkswagen’s commercial-vehicle division, said the partnership was a chance to rethink the camper van, with engineers drawing on kite sports, paragliding, and modern tents for inspiration.
Show Feedback Decides the Inflatable Kit’s Future
Neither concept is in production yet. Volkswagen and Stuff Bubble plan to collect feedback from Caravan Salon visitors before deciding whether to make the inflatable system. The show runs August 28 through September 6 in Düsseldorf. Visitor reactions will determine whether the conversion reaches buyers. Together, the two concepts show the German automaker is looking to remain in the camper-van game for a long while.