20 Years of the California Beach: From Multivan Mash-Up to California Energy model

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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is celebrating 20 years of the California Beach: the versatile, everyday camper that’s just as comfortable on the school run as it is halfway to the Sahara.

Back in 2005, it launched as a curious crossover between the Multivan and the California. Fast-forward to 2025, and it’s a fully-fledged camper legend–with the brand-new Beach Camper Energy special model landing just in time for its big birthday.

Let’s take a look at how this cult classic earned its stripes.

2005: Born on the T5, The Summer Never Ended

Sundown Orange decals, surfboards on the roof, and grey metallic paint: the Multivan Beach hit the scene in full beach-bum glory. It looked like a camper. It was a camper. But it could still handle the daily grind.

The idea? Take the flexibility of the Multivan, bolt in smart camping gear, and create a more affordable entry to vanlife. It worked. The Beach made freedom feel accessible–and it became a hit straight away.

Clever, Modular, and Ready to Roll

Inside, it was all about smart space. The bed folded from the back seats. A clever rail system locked everything in place. Chairs and tables stowed into panels and tailgates. You could even turn it into a 5-seater with a removable rear seat.

Curtains attached with magnets. Camping boxes slotted into floor rails. Netting, hooks, storage units–all simple, all functional.

2007: Enter the Pop-Up Roof — and the California Name

Two years later, the Beach got its now-iconic pop-up roof and adopted the California badge. Now families could sleep four with ease–two up, two down–and stand up inside. It was still a Multivan underneath, but now it had real camper credentials.

2009: Cape2Cape and the Off-Road Spirit

The Beach wasn’t just for campsites. VWCV proved that in 2008 with Cape2Cape — a 24,000 km expedition from Norway to South Africa in just 60 days. The yellow, kitted-out Beaches that made the trip inspired a special edition: the Cape2Cape model.

All-wheel drive, diff locks, lift kits, snorkels — this was a Beach with bite.

That same year, the pop-up roof became standard, DSG replaced the old auto box, and the whole interior got a smart upgrade.

2015–2019: Two-Tones, Touchscreens, and Tiny Kitchens

The T6 generation arrived in 2015. Cleaner lines, smarter drives, and the return of two-tone paint — a nod to the T1/T2 glory days.

By 2019, the Beach was available with an optional kitchenette (fold-out, single-burner) and came in two versions: Camper and Tour. Both had new control panels, touchscreen roof consoles, and better electrics — plus a pop-top with zips, windows, and full open-air mode.

2024–2025: The Smartest Beach Yet

Built on the long-wheelbase Multivan (MQB), the latest California Beach is smarter, lighter, and more modular than ever.

• Standard pop-up roof
• Optional mini kitchen in the rear
• 2+2+2 seating with lighter removable seats
• Sliding doors on both sides
• New camper control unit in the C-pillar
• Optional plug-in hybrid (eHybrid 4MOTION)

Three versions are now available: Beach, Beach Tour, and Beach Camper.

2025: Enter the Beach Camper Energy

To mark 20 years, VW is launching the Beach Camper Energy — a factory special packed with comfort tech and gear that normally sits on the options list.

Standard features include:

• Awning + rails
• Camper heater with remote
• 3-zone Air Care Climatronic
• Travel Assist + Park Assist
• Blackout blinds and thermal mats
• Heated seats and leather steering wheel
• 17″ Dundrod alloys in black

Price: from €75,102.09 — with savings up to €4,600.

Wrap-Up: From Sundown Orange to eHybrid Freedom

What started as a funky surf van has become one of Europe’s most iconic camper concepts: adaptable, compact, and ready for anything. Whether you’re heading for the Alps or parking at the office, the California Beach is still that Swiss Army knife on wheels.