VW California Cruise is the ID Buzz camper that should have been created long ago.

      Volkswagen

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      From the very first glance at the Volkswagen ID Buzz, there has been hope that the company would embrace its heritage and playful spirit by offering it as a camper. This process has taken VW longer than many anticipated, but it has finally arrived. Introducing the ID California Cruise.

      Firstly, you'll observe the German license plates on the vehicle in these pictures. This is because the ID California Cruise will first debut in Germany, not California, believe it or not. However, Volkswagen plans to launch a “Tourer” version of the Buzz when it returns to the U.S. market for the 2027 model year, which will feature a bed for sleeping. In other words, the Cali Cruise is essentially the same camper we will receive, albeit with a less appealing name and a more compact design.

      This specific model is derived from the ID Buzz Pro, with several modifications to cater to the needs of campers. It includes the aforementioned mattress, a fold-out table with two chairs, and blackout coverings on all windows. Additionally, this van will offer a special California mode that enables you to use all power and lighting from the vehicle and regulate the climate for prolonged periods while stationary. VW claims it can maintain HVAC function for 48 hours on a full battery.

      Volkswagen

      Customers will also benefit from an electrochromic glass roof, allowing it to switch from opaque to transparent with the push of a button. Although I usually find these roofs to be gimmicky, they seem quite practical in a living space.

      The ID California Cruise will be priced at approximately 60,000 euros, which is around $70,000. As shown here, the package is applied to the short-wheelbase version of the Buzz, which is not available in the U.S., featuring a 79-kWh battery with a maximum range of 285 miles in the Buzz Pro. Given that the long-wheelbase model in the U.S. starts at just over $60,000, we hope Volkswagen can find a way to price our Tourer version reasonably. A mattress shouldn’t be that expensive, right?

      Volkswagen

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