- VW California and VW Multivan now next-gen plug-in hybrids
- System marries all-wheel drive and max 59-mile EV range
- Capable of tackling snow and rough terrain
- Makes the bus and MPV more desirable than ever
Good news if you’re in the market for a family-friendly adventure bus - because VW has given its California camper and Multivan MPV a new plug-in hybrid, all-wheel drive powertrain.
The California is, of course, VW’s legendary camper van, coming as standard with a pop-up roof, sleeping spaces for four and a kitchen with gas stove.
The Multivan, meanwhile, is VW’s stylish MPV, coming with seating for up to seven occupants and plenty of practical storage space in the cabin.
The Multivan has been available to lease for a while now with an eHybrid plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an 85 kW electric motor to give it a range of around 30 miles using electricity alone.
Now, though, VW has launched a next-gen and more efficient PHEV system for both the Multivan and for the California which unlocks power of 245 PS, 350 Nm of torque and a range of up to 59 miles in pure EV mode. It’s allied to a specially-designed DSG gearbox.
Crucially, that range-boost could significantly lower your Benefit in Kind (BIK) tax burden if you're after a company vehicle.
What’s also noteworthy is that the new hybrid set-up is all-wheel drive ‘4MOTION’, with electric drive motors on both the front axle and torsion beam rear axle, which means you can tackle snow or rough terrain, ‘whether on a skiing trip or everyday outings’, according to Volkswagen.
The updated plug-in hybrid drive marries a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a larger 19.7 kWh battery and it turns the Multivan and California into ‘primarily electric vehicles in everyday life’, says VW.
When it comes to charging, the hybrid system supports 11kW AC at home or 50 kW DC at rapid stations when out and about. You can also hit a top speed of 80mph using nothing but electricity.
Also up for grabs is a new ‘electric stationary air conditioning’ system that can cool, ventilate or the VWs prior to you setting off on a journey using power from the battery. The interior temperature is also regulated during charging, which increases the electric range.
Precise UK pricing for the new PHEV models is still to be confirmed but, in general, the VW California camper begins at £63,376 and the Multivan MPV starts at £48,375 to buy outright.
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