The Grand California now offers greater off-the-grid capabilities.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreVolkswagen's iconic Transporter California is already chock-full of what camper van dreams are made of. But the Wolfsburg-based automaker seems to have just made one of its newest variants even better.In the latest development, Volkswagen's commercial division just rolled out some worthy updates for the flagship Grand California.AdvertisementAdvertisementThey piggyback off VW's other van updates, some of which went to our own North American-spec ID. Buzz, as well as Europe's latest Transporter and Caravelle. Now, the bug caught up with VW's grandest factory-built camper van ever.An even grander Grand CaliforniaJust when you thought the Transporter California was epic enough, there's an even more epic version called the Grand California. - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesFor some, the VW Transporter California may already be a familiar name. If you've never heard of the Grand California, it's an even larger and more luxurious version of the famed camper van.Introduced in 2018, VW created the bigger and more opulent California based on the more sizable Volkswagen Crafter multi-purpose vehicle. Naturally, the result is an even more deluxe camper van.As expected from a larger camper van, there's much more space and far more amenities in the Grand California. - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesThe standard Transporter-based California already comes with everything, including the kitchen sink. The Grand California really just amps everything up.AdvertisementAdvertisementAs such, rather than a portable wash station based out of the rear cargo area, the Grand California is large enough to house a standalone bathroom, complete with a sink, toilet and shower combo.With more space comes more room for accommodations. - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesIt makes for more interior space. The larger proportions also enable bigger kitchenette setups with more amenities, more versatile storage and sleeping options and other perks that come along with benefits of more room.Now, VW updated the Grand California for more off-the-grid capabilities.Power when you need itThe Grand California vans benefit from auxiliary power boost, thanks to upgraded photovoltaic solar cells for the recharge system. - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesTo bolster the Grand California's nomadic purposes, VW upgraded the van's onboard auxiliary electrical system across the range. Both the Grand California 600 and the bigger 680 now benefit from rooftop-mounted photovoltaic solar panels.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe standard 600 model gains a 104-watt panel while the larger 680 gets a more powerful 174-watt panel. Along with the solar panels is a new dual 40-ampere/hour battery system, which is a part of the van's new optional Self-Sufficiency package.Unlike the standard Transporter California, the Grand California comes with a stand-up interior bathroom. - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesHelping to retain electrons is a larger 92-ampere/hour AGM battery, which can be used to power all of the van's onboard features without running the internal combustion engine.VW says the switchover to a heavier-duty AGM battery boosts the amount of useable electricity charge by almost 40%. It also improves the battery's longevity, as constant charging and discharging significantly affect overall lifespan and charge capacity. 2027 Volkswagen Grand California 8 photos Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesAdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial VehiclesAdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles - Credit: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Expand gallery 10 1 / 8 Previous slide Next slide Return to story AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesAdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesVolkswagen Commercial VehiclesAdvertisementAdvertisementVolkswagen Commercial Vehicles 10 1 / 8 Previous slide Next slide It's all thanks to advancements in battery technology itself. Other benefits include more efficient, faster and more powerful charging from the solar panel.As a result, drivers can now go longer distances and spend more time at rural campsites rather than being tethered to an area with power hookups for additional charging.Availability and pricingThe Grand California make Mercedes-Benz Sprinter-based camper vans look amateurish.Like the standard Transporter California, the Grand California is unfortunately only available to European and select Asian markets. But that doesn't keep us from lusting over it from across the pond.If you're lucky enough to be in a market where you can buy a Grand California 600, prices start at €83,508 (or around $95,700 USD). This new Self-Sufficiency power package, complete with the battery upgrade, adds around $3,000 USD to the price.The larger 680 commands more, around $100,000 USD.2027 Volkswagen Grand California Learn More About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.