The closest we got to a Volkswagen ID. Buzz camper van was in 2024, when restoration outfit from Seattle, U.S., transformed the VW into not one but three fully-fledged camper van options. Ever since, a large population of fans has dreamt of an actual camper version of the ID. Buzz.
It has been some four years since ID. Buzz made its debut, but the wait is now finally over. Volkswagen has unveiled its first all-electric camper van based on the ID. Buzz. It’s called the ID. California Cruise, and it was recently showcased for the first time at the 2026 Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany.
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The camper van is the first all-electric version of the California model that Volkswagen has had on the roads for almost 23 years now. It is set to launch in Germany in early 2027. There is no word on whether it will make off shores, but that shouldn’t stop us from learning what this interesting ride is likely to feature.
The ID. California Cruise will feature a sleeping accommodation for two people. The van has a 2m long bed provided with a freshly developed 9 cm thick folding mattress. This bed is formed by converting the rear seats and when you’re back there, you can draw the back-out window curtains and have yourself a cozy den to sleep in.
When you’re not being comfortable in the rear of your ID. California Cruise, you can set out a set of accompanying camping chairs and a camping table outside to dine or just bask in the sun. Along with the embedded back-out blinds, the camper van comes with an optional panoramic glass roof, which also comes with a set of matching black-out blinds.
For the basics, the Volkswagen ID. California Cruise comes with a unique California mode, which allows the lights, USB ports, and other interior functions to be controlled by a central unit while camping. The vehicle designed for camping lacks cooking equipment, but it does allow its battery to be used to power appliances, if you have any onboard, and also charge vehicle or outdoor lighting systems with continuous output of up to 2,000 watts and a peak output of 3.6 kW.
The ID. California Cruise will be available with either the short or long wheelbase of the ID. Buzz, and feature climate control to heat or cool the interior when you’re sleeping. It can maintain the temperature for about 48 hours continuously, depending on the battery’s charge status of course, along with external factors like the temperature outside.
For the campers who love to stay ahead in the game, VW is updating the California App with the Electric Trip function. This is designed to give drivers a heads-up of charging stations in the direction they’re headed. With all the mentioned features and more, the ID. California Cruise is likely to start at €60,800 (roughly $70,000), which is a sweet spot for camper van enthusiasts, I believe.
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