- The van will be updated to meet Euro 7 rules later this year.
- Spy shots show a revised front end with updated headlights.
- Powertrains will carry over, including a 1.5L plug-in hybrid.
It hasn’t been long since the current VW California rolled onto the scene, but with the standard Multivan it’s built on dating back to 2021, the camper’s due for a refresh. New spy shots suggest the versatile van won’t receive a dramatic visual overhaul, but a handful of subtle updates are in the works to give it a more contemporary feel.
The prototype, recently spotted during winter testing in Europe, wears minimal disguise and could easily be mistaken for the existing version at first glance. Still, closer inspection reveals that the front end is blanketed in carefully placed body-colored tape, hiding tweaks to the grille and headlight design.
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We can see that while the headlights retain a familiar shape, they are new and sport different light signatures. An LED light bar will stretch between them. A new bumper is also expected for the production model, even if this prototype has the same unit as the outgoing model.
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At the rear, changes are even more subtle. The overall design closely mirrors the existing California, suggesting VW is wisely sticking with what works. Even so, the final production version may introduce slightly reworked taillights and possibly a fresh bumper design.
Interior updates are on the cards as well, as previous spy shots have shown. The California will receive VW’s latest Modular Infotainment Matrix 4 (MIB4) system, complete with ChatGPT functionality and a larger free-standing display. However, not all of the news will be welcomed. VW’s widely criticized touch-sensitive temperature sliders appear to remain part of the package.
Beyond the new screen, additional upgrades may include better-quality materials, more ambient lighting elements, and added power outlets. Storage solutions could also be rethought, with VW potentially refining the layout of cubbies and compartments to improve daily usability.
Little change is expected on the powertrain front, although we know the California will be updated to comply with Euro 7 standards, which take effect on November 29, 2026.
The range of engines will continue to include a 2.0-liter TDI diesel, a 2.0-liter TSI petrol, and a 1.5-liter plug-in hybrid setup paired with a 19.7 kWh battery. That hybrid will deliver 241 hp, and its electric-only range could climb to over 62 miles (100 km).
