Earlier this year Volkswagen debuted the facelifted Transporter 6.1 lineup, including the Multivan people carrier.
The next member of the T6 family to be released is the facelifted California, and these two official sketches provide a first taste of what we should expect from the revised camper van.
On the outside, it looks like the California 6.1 will adopt the same design updates as the Multivan 6.1 on which it is based. Changes include a new, bigger grille, new headlights and a new front bumper featuring revised fog lights and a chunky black trim that spans the entire width of the bumper.
More interesting modifications are taking place inside. The living and sleeping areas of the California 6.1 have been enhanced and optimized, while the multifunctional camper control unit in the roof console has been redesigned and digitalized.
As with the Multivan, the dashboard has been overhauled with new instruments (available as a Digital Cockpit for the first time) and a new online infotainment systems that offer integrated eSIM enabling access to mobile online services.
The facelifted VW California switches to electromechanical power steering as well, allowing for the adoption of new assistance systems like Lane Assist, Side Protection, Trailer Assist and side-wind compensation.
Also read: 2019 VW California Is Too Expensive If You’re Not A Camper Enthusiast
The California 6.1 will launch with a 2.0-liter TDI with outputs of up to 199 PS (146 kW / 196 hp). The world premiere of the refreshed camper van will take place in late August at the Caravan-Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany.
VW sold more than 18,000 California camper vans in 2018, making it the best-selling model in its class – and sure hopes that its replacement will enjoy the same success.