Is the new VW T7 California the ultimate camper van?

►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo ►Subscribe here: youtube.com/user/autogefuehl?sub_confirmation=1 00:00 VW T7 California Premiere 00:42 Digital light control 01:21 Rear hatch and shower 02:11 Inside outside kitchen 04:48 Inside living 06:48 Upper main bed 07:18 Standing inside 07:55 Lower secondary bed 08:55 Front cockpit 10:51 Engines with PHEV 11:18 Length and aerodynamics 12:06 Driving expectation 13:11 Comparison T6.1 California #VW #VWT7 Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.

What I appreciate most about your reviews is how respectful you are of others property. You take your shoes off, where appropriate. I never see you trying to slam oversized bottles or drinks into cubbies or holders. You handle various pieces and parts of a vehicle with care. What a joy to see someone exhibit these traits that are taken for granted by so many and seen so infrequently in today’s world.

T6.1 is clearly my favorite one

I definitely prefer the T6.1. Of course there are some nice new details and gadgets implemented in the T7 but they distract from the fact that it is actually a downgrade to the T6.1. I view it more as a upgraded Caddy California rather than a successor of the T6. I wished they had developed a real upgrade of the T6.1 (maybe with a bathroom solution) for people looking for a car, bigger than the T6 and smaller than the Grand California. Some reason why it is a downgrade: - smaller hight (comfort) - no integrated table in the interior (one has to open the tailgate first ...) - height under the tailgate - height under the markise - no wardrobe - much less space for stuff under the seats - to build the bed downstairs has become more complicated - less space yet longer than the T6 - and much more...

The T7 looks to a significant step up in design, but the slightly lower height is a disadvantage IMO. I'd like to be able to stand upright under the awning and the tailgate.

I think my t6.1 has just retained a little more value 😊even though the volume is technically the same the lack of width and height makes the t7 look horribly claustrophobic.

Have been waiting for this one! Thank you Thomas, you always deliver quality

very disappointed that VW still hasent figured out how to get rid of the starter and the starter battery and especially in the plugin hybrid version i would expect the hybrid battery to be usable as a power source for the camper itself as it would be a total waste to carry 3 separate batteries in the vehicle.

Thomas is the kind of person you invite over to your table and say to the server, ‘Zwei bier bitte.’ 😊

Thomas that was a really good overview of the T7 and I liked the contrast with the T6.1 platform. I think the longer length and lower height of the T7 would be a problem IMO. I do prefer the T7 dash layout and use of the electronic brake, I also like the individual seating which I expect will make the addition of a 5th seat more practical given the additional passenger space. Overall I think I would stick with my T6.1 as I would be concerned that the T7 passenger platform may not be as durable or easy to live with in the long term.

wow what a lovely piece of design with some really clever and well built interior features!

Thank you for the review. I have a T6 California and I wouldn't swap for this T7 for several reasons. Primarily the T7 looks to be very short on storage space compared to the T5,6,6.1. I find the length of the T6 just right for use as a daily driver and particularly when parking around town. The T7 sleeping areas appear to be narrower and the comfort mattress takes up a huge amount of boot space. The T6 has better ground clearance and its commercial origins result in ruggedness and hopefully durability. The T7 would be amazing as a day van and perhaps a one or two night sleepover but I have reservations regarding its capacity for a longer road trip. I just wish I had been able to afford a 4motion van when I bought mine - they must surely gain value over time?

Love the look of the T7. Very functional too.

Interesting design ideas and great to see it will continue

Excellent review as always Thomas. I have to say you looked very comfortable and at home with this camper. You forgot to get the high tech tape measure out though… I missed that 😀

It looks great, I love all the clever touches

I bought a brand new t6.1 high line dsg Lwb kombi camper 204 swamper last year and I absolutely love it ,I do most of my cooking outside as we have both a fiamma 45s awning fitted as well as a remo rail on the passenger side. I have 3 removable rear seats and 2 captain swivel seats in the front, but the best bit is the 40 winks bed system system in the rear ,a removable folding but when out a queen size bed in the rear of the van .with the bed out the rear seats can still be in place. My van is was built by van haven in Dorset England. It is on there you tube channel. Its the revena blue swamper with the blue / gold / and white decals. As for the t7 it looks fantastic

I quite like the T7 in that colour combination. Nice overview of all the features.

no matter how many times i saw the California new or old, it always impressed me. i wish they could sell it in more countries

Best T7 California Video on YouTube 👍🏻