Upgrade for Caravelle (formerly Multivan) & California as Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK announces return of iconic nameplate

• Further enhancements made to cult VW Bus: The Caravelle – formerly Multivan – and California¹ are getting a new front end, new cockpit landscape and the latest assistance systems
• Characteristic VW Bus features: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has further sharpened the front-end design based on the iconic VW Bus DNA and translated it for the future
• New dash panel: New 12.9-inch infotainment system and the Digital Cockpit form a bridge to the electric ID. Buzz
• New assist systems: More comfort and safety thanks to Travel Assist with traffic light recognition and assisted lane changing
• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK is bringing the Caravelle nameplate back to British shores, replacing Multivan, in recognition of the name’s popularity and heritage

Milton Keynes, 11 June, 2026 – The Caravelle and the California campervan have enjoyed cult status for decades, and are now receiving further enhancements. Distinguishing features include an enhanced front end, new colours and wheel rims and a completely new cockpit landscape. In addition, both VW Bus models impress with the latest stage in the development of the Travel Assist system, which now also offers automatic traffic light recognition for the first time. Travel Assist also includes the Emergency Assist system for semi-automated vehicle assistance in a medical emergency. Furthermore, the Caravelle and California will be available as a newly designed “Generation” special-edition model with particularly attractive equipment and an exclusive colour scheme.

Powerful VW Bus drives: The drive system highlights of both models include the eHybrid 4MOTION drive. Only just launched in 2025, the plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive has a system output of 180 kW (245 PS)¹ and a 19.7 kWh lithium-ion battery. In addition, both VW Bus models will again be configurable as front-wheel drive vehicles with a 110 kW (150 PS)¹ turbodiesel engine (TDI) and a  turbocharged petrol engine (TSI) with an output of 150 kW (204 PS).¹ Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will also offer the new Caravelle in two body lengths; the California is automatically based on the longer version.

New VW Bus special-edition model: The enhanced VW Bus models will be offered in the following equipment versions: Caravelle Trend (entry-level model with new name), Caravelle Life and Caravelle Style (flagship version) as well as California Beach, California Coast and California Ocean (flagship version). Featuring an especially attractive equipment specification, the Caravelle and California Generation special-edition models are a new addition to the range. The new two-tone paint finish Candy White/Sunset Red Metallic is reserved exclusively for the two models (optional).

New VW Bus headlights: The designers have revamped the front end of the Caravelle and California below the bonnet. The LED headlights are visually distinctive and are now larger, sharpening the typical VW Bus face. The upper daytime headlight is now more pronounced and spans the LED modules for dipped and high beam like an eyebrow. In the middle, the headlights are connected by a glass-covered horizontal strip, which is also illuminated in the higher-spec versions. This new layout has made the light signature of the Caravelle and California much more striking.

In addition to their appearance, the technical design of the headlights is also completely new. They now offer higher light efficiency. The area ahead is illuminated more homogeneously and with more brightness. The width of the light cone has also been improved – both for when driving straight ahead and when cornering. Already in the basic configuration, the headlights feature an extended range of functions. In this way, both contribute to safety.

New VW Bus front bumper: The new front area below the headlights has a more consistent look than before. As one contributing factor to this, the air intakes for the engine and air conditioning ventilation have now been integrated downwards into the aerodynamically optimised bumper. The clarity of the surfaces leads to a more iconic overall impression. The lower area of the bumper emphasises the width of the Caravelle and California with its two horizontal air intakes and a surface painted in the vehicle colour in between. This effect is accentuated by new, vertical air curtains at the outermost edges.

New VW Bus colours and wheel rims: Colours have always played a special part in the history of the VW Bus. This is because hardly any other van product line is as famous for its two-tone paint finishes and general wide range of colours. Nothing has changed here with the new Caravelle and California. The newly created two-tone paint finish Candy White solid/Grey Brown metallic is a particularly elegant option from the three new two-tone colour variants. The Candy White/Sunset Red metallic combination feels especially exclusive as it is currently only available for the new Caravelle Generation, as described above. In addition, matte paintwork (Indium Grey matte) will be available for the Caravelle and the California for the first time. A total of six of the 16 colour combinations have been newly mixed (California: 24 combinations incl. pop-up roof variants).

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has also redesigned five of the 17-, 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels. The base wheel is now a new 17-inch steel wheel; the 16-inch wheels are now no longer available.

New VW Bus cockpit landscape: Major changes have been made to the interior of both Volkswagen commercial vehicles. The newly developed dash panel landscape with even higher-quality surfaces and integrated topstitching immediately catches the eye. From a technical standpoint, the instruments represent a new stage in the development of the Digital Cockpit and a new generation of infotainment systems.

The Digital Cockpit offers three different views, which can be changed in seconds using a ‘View’ button on the multifunction steering wheel. The driver also has the option of using the OK button to reduce the number of displays so that, for example, only the most important information is displayed on long journeys. Like the ID. Buzz, the infotainment system touch display is now visually free-standing. It now features a new menu structure and graphics. The display itself is significantly larger than before with a diagonal of 32.8 cm (12.9 inches). Illuminated touch sliders for the audio and air conditioning functions are integrated below the infotainment system. Like in the ID. Buzz, the automatic gearbox is now operated intuitively via a steering column switch on  the right of the steering column. All Caravelle and California models have a direct shift gearbox (DSG) on board.

New VW Bus centre console: The centre console of the Caravelle and California has also been restructured. The optionally available electrically opening and closing sliding doors and the parking brake are now operated by means of a button in the centre console. Significantly larger and more accessible: the inductive and thus wireless charging base for smartphones is now equipped as standard. The charging capacity of the inductive interface has been increased from 5 to 25 watts. The charging capacity of the USB-C ports has been increased from 45 to 60 watts per connection. In addition to the two front USB connections, there are additional USB-C ports in the rear as standard. Enhanced background lighting including illuminated drink holders creates a particularly appealing lighting mood on board.

Latest VW Bus assist system: The new assist systems in the Caravelle and California include the enhanced Travel Assist system. Among other things, the latest generation of the system offers traffic light recognition for the first time and enables assisted lane changing on the motorway. Emergency Assist is once again integrated into the Travel Assist system – if the driver suffers a medical emergency, this system steers the VW Bus in various stages onto the hard shoulder or the outermost lane and brings the vehicle to a stop there.²

New VW Bus stationary air conditioning: The updated electric stationary air conditioning system in the Caravelle and California eHybrid 4MOTION offers added comfort and can now be operated for up to eight hours without interruption. This system allows both models to be electrically cooled, ventilated and heated when charging, parking or camping. As a campervan model, the California and its eHybrid 4MOTION version are both still available with a classic auxiliary heater for continuous operation on board which is operated via the fuel system (standard equipment in the California Ocean, optional for other versions). For the first time, the memory and massage functions are also available for the front passenger seats and are offered in conjunction with the optional AGR ErgoComfort seats.

New VW Bus seat configuration: The range of seat configurations for the Caravelle has been reorganised. For the first time, there will be a vis-à-vis configuration for the  eight-seater variant, in which two groups of three people can sit facing each other in the rear. Caravelle Life and Style will already be equipped with two armrests on both sides instead of just one on one side in the second seat row (exception: eight-seater).

New colours have also been introduced in the interior of the Caravelle. In addition to the two-tone design, there will also be completely dark ArtVelours and leather variants in the future that combine both exclusivity and durability – in this case, the headliner and door pillar trim are also dark. The California boasts a model-specific fabric and colour scheme in its interior. On all Caravelle and California variants, a grab handle on the front passenger side now makes getting in and out even more convenient.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK announces return of iconic nameplate to Caravelle

The legend returns – Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK is bringing the Caravelle name back to its line-up next week, with the launch of its newest multi-person vehicle carrier.

The new Caravelle nameplate, which replaces the outgoing ‘Multivan’ in the range, brings the heritage of Volkswagen and the name into the modern day.

The T3 introduced in 1979 was the first generation to wear the Caravelle nameplate. Also known as T25, it was introduced to distinguish it as a passenger-focused model, and heralded the introduction of a seven-seat arrangement that would set the format for future generations.

Caravelle has always been synonymous as one of the first truly multi-purpose seven-seat vehicles available in Europe, introducing new standards of space, safety and quality for the segment. The Caravelle name being reintroduced in the market ensures closer alignment to the brand’s global naming strategy and ensures customers around the world see familiar names and understand the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles line-up, wherever they are in the world.

David Hanna, Managing Director at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, commented: “Bringing the Caravelle name back to the UK was essential, it is firmly anchored in people’s minds as to what it offers, a premium multi-seat vehicle, with the unmistakable Volkswagen logo at the front. There are many brands that can offer similar products, but they cannot match our heritage. Resurrecting these well-known names that are trusted and loved by British consumers, also reflects the wider approach of the Volkswagen Group.”

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Notes:

1. Consumption/emissions:
   Caravelle/California:
   Combined energy consumption: 5,3-7,1 l/100km; combined CO₂ emissions: 167-215 g/km; CO₂ classes: F-G Caravelle eHybrid/California eHybrid (PHEV): Weighted combined energy consumption: 15.6-16.4 kWh/100 km plus 2.6-3.2 l/100 km; combined fuel consumption with discharged battery: 7.4 – 8.2 l/100 km; weighted combined CO₂ emissions: 60-73 g/km; weighted combined CO₂ classes: B; with discharged battery: E
   
   
2. Within the system limits.

Press contact

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Press Team

Tim Fronzek
Product Communications
Spokesperson VW Bus family (ID. Buzz, Multivan and Transporter)
Telephone: +49 152 588 725 78
Email: tim.fronzek@volkswagen.de

Christian Schlüter
Product Communications
Spokesperson Camper Vans and Classic Vehicles
Telephone: +49 160 939 854 98
Email: christian.schlueter@volkswagen.de

Laura Bignall 07557 758617
Jenna Keating 07435 636768
Jess Bowden-Eyre 07908 177831

Press and Public Relations
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Yeomans Drive
Blakelands
Milton Keynes
MK14 5AN

Telephone 01908 601478
www.vwpress.co.uk

About Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK:
Over 75 years ago, the first Transporter arrived in the UK, creating a blueprint which others would follow: a van which gets the job done efficiently and reliably. Today, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a diverse model range of commercial as well as passenger carrying and lifestyle models – from the compact Caddy, the evergreen Transporter and sturdy Crafter panel vans, dropsides and tippers, through the Caravelle passenger carrier, and Caddy California, new California and Grand California campervans, to the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo all-electric models, and the Amarok. The vehicles are as versatile and dependable as Volkswagens have always been, but the range is now wider, and more connected, modern and safer than ever. 
 
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to working in partnership with individuals and businesses, providing them with the best products and aftersales support, whether they’re buying one or a thousand vans. For more information visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
For over 75 years, the VW Bus has stood for reliability and versatility – initially in commercial use and today also in everyday family life and camping. Now in its seventh generation, the concept continues to impress: as reliable Transporter, versatile Multivan, adventurous California, or fully electric ID. Buzz. Whether as a mobile workshop, trusted service vehicle, or utility-driven everyday hero – the vehicles by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offer space for needs and dreams and are in use worldwide for people on a mission.

At the sites in Hanover (Germany), Poznań (Poland), and Września (Poland), more than 21,000 employees produce vehicles for both commercial and private customers. Transporter, Caravelle, Multivan, Caddy, Crafter, California, Amarok, and the ID. Buzz delight and inspire customers every day. With the ID. Buzz AD, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is producing the first fully autonomous production vehicle in Europe and shaping the future of mobility as a manufacturer. Headquartered in Hanover, the brand is shaping the mobility of today and tomorrow – meeting all the demands for clean, intelligent, and sustainable mobility. This is what Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles stands for with its brand promise: success, freedom, future.

Information on all aspects of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles brand and the Hanover site can be found at: https://www.vwn-presse.de/content/pressedb/de/en.html

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