Volkswagen California Ocean Review: The Ultimate Camper Van for Families and Adventurers

The Volkswagen California Ocean is the pinnacle of camper van luxury, combining Volkswagen’s renowned build quality with a cleverly designed interior packed with premium features.

Whether you’re a family seeking adventure or a couple desiring a stylish and capable van for weekend getaways, the California Ocean delivers on all fronts.

Exterior Design and Versatility

The California Ocean is built on the Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 platform, renowned for its car-like driving dynamics and fuel efficiency. The Ocean’s striking two-tone paint job in Candy White and Starlight Blue metallic exudes sophistication.

The Ocean’s defining feature is its innovative hydraulic pop-top roof, which raises and lowers at the push of a button. When elevated, it creates a spacious second sleeping area complete with a comfortable foam mattress and zip-open panoramic windows.

Other exterior highlights include:

• 17-inch “Woodstock” alloy wheels
• LED headlights and tail lights
• Power latching sliding door
• Outdoor shower connection

With an overall length of 4.9m, the Ocean is compact enough for city driving yet spacious inside for extended trips.

Luxurious Interior Amenities

Step inside the Ocean and you’re greeted by a light and airy interior trimmed in “Palladium” grey and “Cuprite” yellow. The front cabin features:

• Heated swivel seats with armrests and lumbar support
• Climatronic 3-zone automatic air conditioning
• Digital Cockpit with 10.25″ display
• Discover Media navigation system with 8″ touchscreen

The rear living area is a masterclass in space optimization. The bench seat easily converts into a double bed, with generous storage underneath. Opposite is a fully-equipped kitchen featuring:

• Gas stove with two burners
• Stainless steel sink with folding faucet
• 42L compressor fridge
• Slide-out counter extension

Above the kitchen are numerous storage cabinets, a fold-away table, and a pop-up 32″ LCD TV. The rear also includes a built-in wardrobe and a hidden portable toilet.

Advanced Technology and Safety

The California Ocean is loaded with cutting-edge tech for comfort, connectivity and peace of mind. Standard features include:

• Front Assist with City Emergency Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Park Assist with rear-view camera
• Lane Assist and Blind Spot Monitor
• Wireless App-Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

The Ocean keeps you powered up off-grid with two leisure batteries, a 2500W mains inverter, and two 12V/230V outlets. LED touch lights and dimmable ambient lighting create the perfect atmosphere.

For outdoor adventures, the Ocean includes a pull-out awning, camping chairs, and an exterior table that neatly stows in the sliding door. The pop-top bed is accessed via an innovative gas spring lifting assistance mechanism.

Driving Experience and Performance

Powered by a 2.0L TDI engine with 199PS and 450Nm of torque, the Ocean is no slouch on the road. The 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox delivers silky-smooth shifts.

The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system provides sure-footed traction in all conditions. Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers allow you to tailor the ride from Comfort to Sport.

Despite its size, the Ocean handles like a much smaller vehicle thanks to the T6.1’s car-derived suspension and responsive steering. Road and wind noise are well suppressed, making long journeys a pleasure.

With an 80L fuel tank, the Ocean delivers a driving range of over 600 miles – perfect for extended trips off the beaten track.

Who is the California Ocean Perfect For?

The Volkswagen California Ocean is ideal for:

• Families who desire a luxurious, spacious camper loaded with conveniences
• Couples who want a stylish and capable van for weekend adventures
• Outdoor enthusiasts who need a comfortable base camp for surfing, mountain biking, or skiing trips
• Anyone who values Volkswagen’s reputation for quality, reliability, and driving dynamics

While the Ocean’s price tag puts it at the premium end of the camper van spectrum, its superb build quality, ingenious design, and comprehensive equipment list justify the cost. This is a van for discerning buyers who refuse to compromise.

Compared to rivals like the Mercedes-Benz Marco Polo or Ford Nugget Plus, the Ocean offers a more car-like driving experience and a higher level of standard equipment. However, the Marco Polo has a slight edge in terms of interior materials quality.

Technical Specifications

Specification	California Ocean
Engine	2.0L TDI 199PS
Transmission	7-speed DSG auto
Length	4.90m
Width	1.90m
Height	1.99m (roof closed)
Wheelbase	3.00m
Fuel Tank	80L
Water Tank	30L
Waste Tank	30L
Leisure Battery	2 x 75Ah
Sleeps	4 (2 below, 2 in pop-top)
Gross Vehicle Weight	3,080kg
Payload	529kg

Overall the Volkswagen California Ocean represents the gold standard for factory-built camper vans. Its perfect blend of luxury, versatility, and driving dynamics make it the ultimate choice for adventurous couples and families who refuse to sacrifice comfort or style. While it commands a premium price, the Ocean delivers an unparalleled ownership experience that truly sets it apart. If you’re looking for the best camper van money can buy, look no further than the California Ocean.