Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Camper is reborn

Sensational Bulli brings classic van bang up to date, featuring electric drivetrain and seating for six.

Volkswagen has hit a retro bullseye! More than 60 years since the classic camper van debuted, the firm has unveiled the latest incarnation: the Bulli. And we had the opportunity to get to know the newcomer at a pre-show event.

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"69545","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Generations of fans have known successive models as the Camper, Type 2, Microbus and Samba bus, but Bulli was the name given to the original van from 1950. It returns in a concept that borrows classic design features such as the oversized front badge, two-tone paintjob and plunging V in the bonnet. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

But this latest camper is a thoroughly modern affair. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive original, the newcomer sends drive to the front wheels via an 85kW electric motor drawing power from lithium-ion batteries mounted under the floor.

VW claims the Bulli can cover 0-62mph in 11.5 seconds and go 186 miles on a charge. Petrol and diesel units from 1.0 to 1.4 litres can also be fitted, hinting at powertrains for the forthcoming Up! 

The new car is shorter than the original and 2001’s Microbus concept, at just under four metres long. That makes it a rival to Ford’s B-MAX. It’s much wider than the old camper, though, allowing for two rows of chairs to seat six, plus a 370-litre boot. 

The camper element is also carried over: the benches can be rearranged into a flat bed, or the rear bench folded away to allow for a 1,600-litre boot. Functions including Bluetooth and sat-nav are controlled via a centrally mounted Apple iPad.

A spokesman for the brand said this was officially just a design concept, but VW is keeping a close eye on public reaction at the Geneva show. He hinted that if it was to make production it would push VW into a completely new niche  - a brave move that could prove to be lucrative for the German firm.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
13 Jun 2025
New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks
VW ID2 spy shots - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.2 to keep concept car looks

The crucial new Volkswagen ID.2All, or ID.Polo, has finally been spotted up close at VW’s design centre
News
11 Jun 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
29 May 2025
New Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 Black Editions turn family SUVs to the dark side
VW ID.5 Black Edition - front 3/4

New Volkswagen ID.4 and ID.5 Black Editions turn family SUVs to the dark side

Black Edition trim will be available on the two electric SUVs from 29 May
News
27 May 2025

Most Popular

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK
Toyota GR Corolla - front cornering

Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK

The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there’s room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla
News
19 Jun 2025
Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price
Volkswagen ID.7 GTX - front static

Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price

GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It’s our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
News
20 Jun 2025
Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”
Citroen C3 Mk2 - front tracking

Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving “immediately”

A ‘Stop-drive’ order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag
News
20 Jun 2025