Volkswagen's Grand California: Blending high-end amenities with the freedom of outdoor travel (despite my disdain for camping++)
The Volkswagen Grand California is revolutionizing the camping experience, turning it into an indoor living adventure. This luxury recreational vehicle, marketed to camping enthusiasts, combines a yacht-inspired, sophisticated interior design with smart functional upgrades and advanced technology.
The refreshed cabin of the Grand California features warm "Atami Bamboo" wood-look surfaces, durable flooring, black faucet fittings, and bright white panels that create a cozy, stylish atmosphere reminiscent of a well-designed indoor space.
The vehicle comes in two models: the 600 and the 680, each catering to different lifestyle preferences and group sizes. The 600 model measures 5.98 meters in length and offers sleeping for up to four people, while the 680 model stretches to 6.8 meters in length and prioritizes individual comfort over additional sleeping capacity.
The Grand California's engineering addresses practical concerns for comfort-oriented individuals, such as automatic transmission and driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, and electronic stability control.
The interior design offers space optimization, genuine livability, and proper appliances for meal preparation. The vehicle features a fully equipped kitchen and a separate wet bathroom with a shower, toilet, and fold-out wash basin. Smart storage solutions like luggage nets in upper cabinets and an optional thermal blackout set control light and temperature for privacy and climate comfort.
Technological integrations improve the indoor living feel. Digital control panels manage lighting, temperature, and water levels with user-friendly interfaces available in the living area and smartphone apps, ensuring convenience and reliability. The camper’s electrical system supports multiple power outlets and modern connectivity needs, including wireless charging and Bluetooth speakers.
An optional roll-out awning creates covered outdoor space, extending the living area without requiring setup skills or weather-dependent timing. Optional features like wireless charging cradles and Bluetooth speakers can operate independently of the main systems.
The eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive and easy to operate, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration ensure seamless smartphone connectivity. The motorized step extends automatically when the sliding door opens and retracts during driving, with indicators ensuring safe operation.
The Crafter-based chassis provides stability and confidence-inspiring handling despite the vehicle's size and height. DAB radio and voice control are included for added convenience.
Under the hood, the Grand California is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine producing 177 horsepower and 410 Nm of torque.
In summary, the Volkswagen Grand California offers a unique camping experience, combining the comfort and convenience of home living with the adventure of the outdoors. Its sophisticated design, smart functional upgrades, and advanced technology make it an excellent choice for those seeking a luxurious and practical camping solution.
[1] Volkswagen Media Services, "Grand California: A luxury camper for the adventurous", Volkswagen Group Media Services, 2021. [2] Volkswagen UK, "Grand California", Volkswagen UK, 2021. [3] Car and Driver, "2021 Volkswagen Grand California: First Drive", Car and Driver, 2021. [4] Motor1, "2021 Volkswagen Grand California: First Drive Review", Motor1, 2021.
- The Volkswagen Grand California's sophisticated cabin design, complete with home-and-garden inspired features like warm wood-look surfaces and bright white panels, creates a cozy living space that fosters events such as meals and relaxing evenings inside the vehicle.
- For travel enthusiasts, the Grand California's additional features such as the roll-out awning, smartphone connectivity, and digital control panels make it possible to enjoy an indoor living experience, even during outdoor adventures, transforming ordinary camping trips into extraordinary lifestyle experiences.
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