They have enjoyed cult status for decades: the Multivan and the California camper van. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is now starting pre-sales of the new evolutionary stage. Distinguishing features: an enhanced front end, new colours and wheel rims and a completely new cockpit landscape. In addition, both VW Bus models impress with the latest stage in the development of the Travel Assist system, which now also offers automatic traffic light recognition for the first time. Travel Assist also includes the Emergency Assist system for semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency. Furthermore, the Multivan and California will be available as a newly designed “Generation” special-edition model with particularly attractive equipment and an exclusive colour scheme.
Powerful VW Bus drives: The drive system highlights of both models include the eHybrid 4MOTION drive. Only just launched in 2025, the plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive has a system output of 180 kW (245 PS) and a 19.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. In addition, both VW Bus models will again be configurable as front-wheel drive vehicles with a 110 kW (150 PS) turbodiesel engine (TDI) and a turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with an output of 150 kW (204 PS). Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also offer the new Multivan in two body lengths; the California is automatically based on the longer version.
New VW Bus special-edition model: The enhanced VW Bus models will be offered in the following equipment versions: Multivan Trend (entry-level model with new name), Multivan Life and Multivan Style (flagship version) as well as California Beach, California Coast and California Ocean (flagship version). Featuring an especially attractive equipment specification, the Multivan and California Generation special-edition models are a new addition to the range. The new two-tone paint finish Candy White/Sunset Red Metallic is reserved exclusively for the two models (optional).
New VW Bus headlights: The designers have revamped the front end of the Multivan and California below the bonnet. The LED headlights are visually distinctive and are now larger, sharpening the typical VW Bus face. The upper daytime headlight is now more pronounced and spans the LED modules for dipped and high beam like an eyebrow. In the middle, the headlights are connected by a glass-covered horizontal strip, which is also illuminated in the higher-spec versions. This new layout has made the light signature of the Multivan and California much more striking.
In addition to their appearance, the technical design of the headlights is also completely new. They now offer higher light efficiency. The area ahead is illuminated more homogeneously and with more brightness. The width of the light cone has also been improved – both for when driving straight ahead and when cornering. Already in the basic configuration, the headlights feature an extended range of functions. In this way, both contribute to safety.
New VW Bus front bumper: The new front area below the headlights has a more consistent look than before. As one contributing factor to this, the air intakes for the engine and air conditioning ventilation have now been integrated downwards into the aerodynamically optimised bumper. The clarity of the surfaces leads to a more iconic overall impression. The lower area of the bumper emphasises the width of the Multivan and California with its two horizontal air intakes and a surface painted in the vehicle colour in between. This effect is accentuated by new, vertical air curtains at the outermost edges.
New VW Bus colours and wheel rims: Colours have always played a special part in the history of the VW Bus. This is because hardly any other van product line is as famous for its two-tone paint finishes and general wide range of colours. Nothing has changed here with the new Multivan and California. The newly created two-tone paint finish Candy White solid/Grey Brown metallic is a particularly elegant option from the three new two-tone colour variants. The Candy White/Sunset Red metallic combination feels especially exclusive as it is currently only available for the new Multivan Generation, as described above. In addition, matt paintwork (Indium Grey matt) will be available for the Multivan and the California from summer 2026 for the first time. A total of six of the 16 colour combinations have been newly mixed (California: 24 combinations incl. pop-up roof variants). Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also redesigned five of the 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels. The base wheel is now a new 17-inch steel wheel; the 16-inch wheels are now no longer available.
New VW Bus cockpit landscape: Major changes have been made to the interior of both Volkswagen commercial vehicles. The newly developed dash panel landscape with even higher-quality surfaces and integrated topstitching immediately catches the eye. From a technical standpoint, the instruments represent a new stage in the development of the Digital Cockpit and a new generation of infotainment systems. The Digital Cockpit offers three different views, which can be changed in seconds using a ‘View’ button on the multifunction steering wheel. The driver also has the option of using the OK button to reduce the number of displays so that, for example, only the most important information is displayed on long journeys. Like the ID. Buzz, the infotainment system touch display is now visually free-standing. It now features a new menu structure and graphics. The display itself is significantly larger than before with a diagonal of 32.8 cm (12.9 inches). Illuminated touch sliders for the audio and air conditioning functions are integrated below the infotainment system. Like in the ID. Buzz, the automatic gearbox is now operated intuitively via a steering column switch on the right of the steering column. All Multivan and California models have a direct shift gearbox (DSG) on board.
New VW Bus centre console: The centre console of the Multivan and California has also been restructured. The optionally available electrically opening and closing sliding doors and the parking brake are now operated by means of a button in the centre console. Significantly larger and more accessible: the inductive and thus wireless charging base for smartphones is now equipped as standard. The charging capacity of the inductive interface has been increased from 5 to 25 watts. The charging capacity of the USB-C ports has been increased from 45 to 60 watts per connection. In addition to the two front USB connections, there are additional USB-C ports in the rear as standard. Enhanced background lighting including illuminated drink holders creates a particularly appealing lighting mood on board.
Latest VW Bus assist system: The new assist systems in the Multivan and California include the enhanced Travel Assist system. Among other things, the latest generation of the system offers traffic light recognition for the first time and enables assisted lane changing on the motorway. Emergency Assist is once again integrated into the Travel Assist system – if the driver suffers a medical emergency, this system steers the VW Bus in various stages onto the hard shoulder or the outermost lane and brings the vehicle to a stop there2.
New VW Bus stationary air conditioning: The updated electric stationary air conditioning system in the Multivan and California eHybrid 4MOTION offers added comfort and can now be operated for up to eight hours without interruption. This system allows both models to be electrically cooled, ventilated and heated when charging, parking or camping. As a camper van model, the California and its eHybrid 4MOTION version are both still available with a classic auxiliary heater for continuous operation on board which is operated via the fuel system (standard equipment in the California Ocean, optional for other versions). For the first time, the memory and massage functions are also available for the front passenger seats and are offered in conjunction with the optional AGR ErgoComfort seats.
New VW Bus seat configuration: The range of seat configurations for the Multivan has been reorganised. For the first time, there will be a vis-à-vis configuration for the eight-seater variant, in which two groups of three people can sit facing each other in the rear. Multivan Life and Style will already be equipped with two armrests on both sides instead of just one on one side in the second seat row (exception: 8-seater).
New colours have also been introduced in the interior of the Multivan. In addition to the two-tone design, there will also be completely dark ArtVelours and leather variants in the future that combine both exclusivity and durability – in this case, the headliner and door pillar trim are also dark. The California boasts a model-specific fabric and colour scheme in its interior. On all Multivan and California variants, a grab handle on the front passenger side now makes getting in and out even more convenient.
