►Follow us on Instagram @autogefuehl and @thomas.letsgo ►Subscribe here: kzread.info 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_.

@8359s

9 ай бұрын

Any toilet options?

@ys9205

8 ай бұрын

Your English is so funny 😆

@donnastokes8808

8 ай бұрын

I have a very unique change that fits into this vehicle that NO OTHER VEHICLE HAS! Who do I get ahold of to show and tell! A MUST HAVE! Just sayin 🤷‍♀️

@dennisluz6453

6 ай бұрын

VW California! But not available in the U.S. How ironic!

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.

@laszlofazekas3910

9 ай бұрын

Yes I agree with your comment ! Thomas is a tipical German Gentleman! Congratulations! 👏👏👏

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Highly appreciated. Thanks for realizing and appreciating the effort!

@anilmirap

9 ай бұрын

The same reason of me to really like the way of exhibiting of Thomas!

@antoniouloukas

9 ай бұрын

True, however, i still enjoy mat watsons reviews from carwow

@Paul-mf1vj

9 ай бұрын

Have to agree after all who would treat a new car they own like some reviewers do. Someone did that in my car, and the punishment is lifetime ban from it.

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...

@QuotidianStupidity

8 ай бұрын

It has nice LED lights and an app though!

@CragScrambler

4 ай бұрын

It's an real dissapointing update. A lot less space for the sake of a few gimmicks. Bad bad bad. Now we will have to wait a few years to get an refit after they discover everyone hates it.

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.

@madsgrand

9 ай бұрын

I don't understand why the tailgate is so low. I'm pretty sure I can stand under the tailgate of my Caddy(I'm 190)... Perhaps it's the chair compartment that make it that much lower

@frstesiste7670

9 ай бұрын

​@@madsgrandAgree, also have used a Caddy and had no problem standing under the tailgate. The problem might be the room for the chairs or maybe the hinges are designed differently or maybe a combination.

@ivankruspan9245

9 ай бұрын

maybe because its not T7, but new MQB multivan.

@johnmachter40

3 ай бұрын

Maybe because the target market are Asian countries where the average height is way smaller...

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

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

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

Though I'm enthusiastic about some of the features of the camper (the flexibility and outside use of the kitchen is really something), I'm absolutely blown away by the fact that this needs to be 27cm longer to get about the same interior space as the short T6. It seems to me that a lot of available space is wasted on the front of the T7 to get that retro look, and that the people in the front are positioned a lot further to the back of the vehicle than before. At the latest car show, I took a seat a the wheel and I found it weird how much space was in front of me. I definitely prefer the T6 California because of this.

@madsgrand

9 ай бұрын

I agree about the wasted space in front. I hvad the same feeling about the I.D Buzz

@marks-0-0

9 ай бұрын

I agree. I think the size and position of everything in the Transporter Cali is the sweet spot for a small camper. The T7 Cali seems just a bit too small. The question is will there be a Cali on the new VW/Ford van chasis?

@no.planman

8 ай бұрын

@@phillipbanes5484 Yes. Don’t think that was the leading factor when the design was made though. More like cutting costs by sharing the chassis platform with the Passat and such.

Very good presentation, congrat. Thomas ! Nice Vw van.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

👍👍

It has a lot of fancy features and nice design. But for camping I thinkT6.1- its bigger and thats matter a lot, if we are speaking about living space. For that price, you can also consider regular caravan, which offers you much more comfort inside, with bathroom,kitchen and storage dept.

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.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Cheers!

You are the very best at what you do! Thank You once again for doing a great product justice.

@autogefuehl

5 ай бұрын

thanks so much! please recommend !

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

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 😀

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

😅

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?

@autogefuehl

8 ай бұрын

thanks for the feedback !

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.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

True

Interesting design ideas and great to see it will continue

I have a t6.1 California that i use very often. I was pleasantly surprised by this t7,i think it has really cool solutions and the overall design looks great inside and out. I will not do the transition because my t6.1 has 4 motion with a diff lock and a manual, giving it good offroading capabilities that i use and being based on the Transporter i think the durability will be better. I also think that plug in hybrids are the worst of both worlds, either give us a proper electric with 600kms of range or give us a good diesel, we dont need the added complexity and weight of a battery that is only good for 30kms

Best T7 California Video on KZread 👍🏻

It looks great, I love all the clever touches

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

Watching from the UK. Fabulous video.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

🙏🙏🙏

I am in love with this vehicle. I like it more than the previous version for the size dimensions, aerodynamics and maneuverability as well as the PHEV fuel economy. I am sad we cannot get these in the US. 😢 Thanks for a very thorough and thoughtful review! 🙏👍🏼

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

U re welcome!

@user-xh8wi2ix3t

8 ай бұрын

Why can’t we buy it in America? I like it so much

Love the look of the T7. Very functional too.

Very efficient video. Great stuff 👍

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

🙌🙌

Very nice introduction and review with explanation.

@autogefuehl

3 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏 please recommend!

As a satisfied T6 owner , I am very pleased with your presentation of this new California. The T7 California, especially with the plugin 1.4 engine, seems to me as the very best campercar in the market. Everything looks comfortable, modernised and improved, compared with the elder editions. Now let's wait for its price!! 🤩🤩

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Highly appreciated!

Great review, probably the best on KZread. I would buy one of each and test them both at the same time, then I would know which had the best configuration. That said, the T 7 looks very appealing !!!!

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Highly appreciated!

Dreaming about it...thanks for the great review.

@autogefuehl

8 ай бұрын

appreciated!

Thomas camping - a must new series we need

Very nice review, thank you!

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Appreciated!

Really excellent review.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

🙏🙏

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

What a stunning vehicle. As ever a meticulous review shows off all the superb detail. My camping days are long behind me but I still want one.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏

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

@svenhodaka9145

9 ай бұрын

Yes, like in Canada 🇨🇦 👋!

@user-xh8wi2ix3t

8 ай бұрын

In America

I’m sure the T7 will gradually grow on me but I have to say first impressions I still prefer the T6.1 or the earlier variants.

Great review.

I needed one of these when I was working for the Forest Service. A palace on wheels.

This is just amazing, they’ve thought of everything.

Absolutely georgous 👍 what great ideas.....

Great review! Appreciate the hybrid edition and thru ability of the kitchen. Would Luke to know the difference in ground clearance between commercial and domestic versions

I think the best thing I saw in this video is that they have removed the gear shifter and handbrake, making it easier to get in the back from the front. Other than that it looks like an interesting upgrade. I'm looking forward to see it i the showroom at our local dealer befor making up my mind wheter to buy it or stay with the T6.1

What a lovely van ) Thanks, Thomas. I can't went for your early look at Tiguan 2024 )

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

👍 coming soon!

It’s amazing Love it 😍

The most important thing about a camper van is storage space, but the T7 Multivan version of California is different for different reasons, resulting in almost no storage space. Even to save costs, the T6.1 California equipment should be transplanted to T7 Transporter and the T7 Transporter version of California should be launched. I believe this is the product consumers want. The T7 Multivan version of California and the T7 Transporter version of California should be launched at the same time to meet consumer demand.

I definitely consider that the interior height of the T4 - T6 generation was more comfortable and functional than the new T7 concept. I consider the new mechanism of opening the bed a huge mistake for the experienced camper although the solution to achieve a double side door is an advance. Although not all campers see it as a necessity. Technology fascinates us, with its lights and telematic controls, but practicality I think has been sacrificed.

Looks fantastic

Ok, I’m convinced - take my money! 👍🏼

Is it possible to use the Aircon when camping? Kind regards

Pros: Outsider kitchen option Sliding doors on both sides Location fridge Two separate back seats. Cons: Biggest problem is storage, storage, storage. Because there is almost none. The size. The 6.1 is the limit on space you need (also the bed) this looks smaller. So I’d rather stay with the 6.1. When you have to cook inside because of bad weather I think you need a table inside. It all looks really luxurious but if it is more practical?? 😊

@Chafarin

5 ай бұрын

If you need a table, you can use the tablet, if you need more space, you can use a tablet with 256gb. This is the volkswagen solutions.

Looks awesome

Thanks Thomas, much better Cali than I expected, any word on the precious camping heater?

For the ambient lighting i would always choose "Thomas Blue" 💯💯😂😂

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

👍😎

I’m looking forward to seeing the Production Model In 2024 😊

I dream of owning one of these, awesome.

Let’s go camping Tomas 🙌

WOW that's crazy beautiful

A good review! I like it :-). It is a real multi purpose car: as a daily driver and for the next vacation wherever the road will take you...

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

cheers !

I haven't test driven the T7 yet but if it is more like a car to drive than a commercial vehicle, then this California will be a great combination vehicle - depending on just how pricey the vehicle is...

Great video. Does it have a 12v or a 220v air-conditioned system? The climate option controller looks like this…

thank you so much for your great review. i really like the design. i would prefer a cheaper or more basic version. maybe kind of a retro "VW Bus"

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

🙏🙏

Love it!!! Bring us the new Ford Custom Nugget please!

This is quite frankly amazing. I would live in this full-time.

Loaded with gadgets, but a bit limited in space for essentials ie clothing...would be fun to try

This is better than I expected. Nice jog VW

Thanks for another great review.I,d go with the 6.1 model as I feel that I couldn’t sleep next to someone else in that narrow mattress.What I don’t know is can you fit an awning on one side of it.That would offer great flexibility.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

Thanks 🙏

Super cool! But I think they should have installed also a semi-integrated portapotti (for emergency 😆)...

Will there be any payload left in hybrid version? The normal non camper t7 has only about 450kg.

The T7, in my opinion, is of a better design. The split seats, the double door and the kitchen layout have vastly improved the overall design. 👍

Brilliant! I will be selling my T6.1 Calli for the new T7!

Very nice but it doesn’t appear to have storage for a portable toilet? Will it be available in 4 motion?

Great matching T-shirt

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

😎

Would like to see how they integrated the internal window blinds. As for the space an design it moves towards what Mercedes is doing with the Marco Polo. Very nice, clean, luxurious. with two dogs, dirty feet and 3 people it will not be clean for long. I am fearful it will lack storage space and the hight is indeed a problem. And so many electric gadgets only add potential issues.... T6 Ocean is the current one we have and the glovebox and storage spaces are all closed with lids (T 6.1 is open) good to see the T7 is closed again.

I'm amazed that people pay so much for VW camper vans. They are massively expensive, come with so many compromises and the design has hardly changed from my 1981 T25 version. You can get a lot more comfort and better facilities for your money with a panel van conversion or small coach built. No cushion juggling every morning and night and no porta-potti in your kitchen/living room.

For me, even though this may have less space than the T6, it's ideal because I just want something I can use as a daily driver and also take for short 1-2 night trips.

They should fit self levelling air suspension, as an option.

Very nice. Very similar to the current Mercedes Marco Polo interior, but admittedly with some better features as well

Excellent

As always stunning German design and practicality. Love to know the price of vehicle as shown! $$$$

I like the new California model👍🏼🤙🏼

I want this in California!!

T7!! I wish this was available in the US. Until then, I'll hold on to my 02 Eurovan MV Weekender.

Great demo! 1:50 I imagined when I started watching that you would not be the ideal model, from a tallness perspective, to demo this van. Realistic, yes, ideal no. 😅 You'd have to bring a chair to sit down and shower.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

😂

2 way kitchen is good. I have always preferred living outside when camping.

I would go for the new Nugget. Because of the 5 seats.

Forgetting the new up to date functions and beautiful styling which advance from the T6.1, the problem for me is that it has less internal kitchen width and therefore less usability than its single door wider predecessor. Now if you live in a sunny climate then the greater usability of the kitchen externally is absolutely a brilliant idea. If like in the UK you can almost guarantee rain anytime of the year then this "advantage" is worthless. In fact now knowing this I will be buying a 6.1 Cali. The 7 does look lovely I must say though but with a vehicle like this, functionality with individual users needs in mind, must come ahead of looks alone. A top class review, thank you very much.

@autogefuehl

9 ай бұрын

highly appreciated !

very beautiful, but is there a solar panel option?

Including those screens, apps and programware... That will be so up to date in 5 years or so.. Regards from T4 California

combine the best of both and its perfect t6.7

Looks great to me.

We went for the "normal" T7 hybrid with seven seats, but then we bought a camping module from Campal, so we have a more flexible car, that we can use for more people but convert to camping when needed. We also have the kitchen pull out of the rear so that smoke and water from cooking doesn't end up inside the car. And we have a rear door tent, so that we can still sit "outside" in bad weather and cook our food. Furthermore, we can still have 5 seats in total and the camping module, or more luggage space and then only the front seats. All in all much more flexible. But there are things we are going to miss, the extra batteri driving the refrigerator, the inside lights, and the "camping mode" that turns of external lights - it is annoying when you exit our car in the middle of the night, that all lights are turned on. I would like the car to have a bigger battery for driving, it is a bit on the low side, but that goes for both models.

More practical than a rolls royce absolutely superb and great build quality love the videos can we have more camper vans

@alfrredd

9 ай бұрын

What does a camper van have to do with a rolls royce??

the T7 looks amazing, I would swop my T6 van for that

The better Cw is maybe also because it now has a bigger front area, so if the total air resistance is just a little higher then the relative (CW) will be lower.

Love this Kombi man pretty cool but still love more the iDBuzz

The new is nice, but I prefer the t6.1 because it is shorter, taller and has the 4motion option

@yasi4877

9 ай бұрын

If they add the 4-Motion option that would appeal to people who know how easily the old FWD 6.1 could get stuck on muddy surfaces and wet grass camping sites

big fan of the longer version, now add a 4Motion :)

It's beautiful to look at brand new but I wonder about its long term practicality. Those black glass panels will get scratched very soon and while the stainless steel looks boring, 10 year old californias still look good. I can't wait to see it once the design is finalised.

new one please Sir! Excellent