Looking at friends and colleagues who climb down from their rooftop tents in the morning, drop the tailgate and brew coffee strong enough to wake the dead and evict the devils left behind from last night’s fire-side storytelling, I join a community of travellers who see a pickup as both overlander and daily driver. School runs and office commutes aren’t on my to-do list. More a case of squeezing through alleys in ancient towns on the brink of extinction, or following a faint trail through remote terrain to help a conservation project or trace trade routes so pale they no longer show on maps.

So why has Larry, my faithful 1963 Land Rover, fallen into disrepute? He hasn’t. But driving a vintage truck with no creature comforts isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I love the bare-bones simplicity and the fact that maintenance can be carried out anywhere with cheap, readily available parts.

But a modern pickup with comfortable seats, air conditioning, power steering, suspension that forgives oversight, the ability to melt into modern traffic, and the capacity to satisfy weekend warriors and long-haul overlanders alike…that’s a different challenge. One for the modern family man—and his wife who also needs space for kids, luggage and sports kit.

The VW Amarok PanAmericana with its factory-fitted hardtop has an air about it, hinting it’ll fare better than its SUV siblings once the asphalt runs out. Probably? Well, that’s what I wanted to find out. And what better way than to live with one for a couple of weeks.

First Impressions

Walk around from near or far and the sculpted form comes across as rugged, purposeful…and enormous. A long beast, which should mean a roomy cabin and plenty of bed space. Good for travel. Urban parking? We’ll see.

It sits on 20” alloys shod with road tyres—not ideal for off-pavement work, but that’s an easy fix. Steel rims and A/T, M/T or R/T tyres will slot easily under the squared arches.

The hardtop is a win: security, weather protection, and a look that’s less workhorse, more refined traveller. Locks tie into the central locking, so no fumbling with keys on a dark night and less chance of leaving the tailgate open.

On the road, the PanAmericana is planted and predictable. Steering has feel. The Ford-sourced 3.0-litre V6 TDI flows with traffic in comfort. Even the neighbours were impressed. These are people used to seeing 4x4s and expedition trucks in front of my house, yet the Amarok drew praise. “So you’ve finally got a normal car then!”

Driving back from the Eifel, an oncoming Amarok flashed its headlamps and the driver raised a hand in salute. I thought that was a Land Rover habit. Turns out Amarok drivers are an enthusiastic bunch, too. Love that.

Inside the Cabin

VW’s team has done a fine job. Sliding behind the wheel, the driver’s seat adjusts to fit all physiques. Plenty of shoulder and leg room. At first the smart dash layout and big centre screen felt out of place, but the leather upholstery, Harman Kardon sound system and general ambience soon proved otherwise. This is not just a polished load-lugger in disguise.

Appearance and comfort rival some premium SUVs. Controls are well placed. Visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent. You know you’re in a “proper” truck when you look out over the magnificent bonnet and see exactly where the corners and arches sit. Other drivers think twice before cutting you up.

Even on the hottest days, the air-conditioning kept the cabin cool without the fans drowning out a podcast.

Rear seats? Great for kids. Taller adults may find it tight behind my driving position, but quality is consistent throughout.

And then the litmus test: door shut. Hollow bang or solid thud? The Amarok passes with a reassuring thump. On the highway, you can hold a conversation without shouting. Solid. Soundproofed.

Powertrain & Handling

The recipe: V6 TDI, 240 bhp, 600 Nm, 10-speed auto, 2H/4H/4L transfer box, rear diff lock. Enough to get you anywhere across storm, rock, sand or snow.

But this isn’t just about spec sheets. Empty or loaded, the suspension won’t rattle your fillings, and body roll isn’t excessive. Firm and comfortable is the verdict.

Big number: 2,399 kg unladen. Don’t expect to win drag races. Country lanes and twisty climbs are simply dispatched: point, press, go. On the motorway, the long wheelbase irons out imperfections. Long hauls are easy miles. Top speed? 180 km/h, but who cares. Loaded with kit and maybe a rooftop tent, you’ll cruise at 120.

Off-road, torque through the 10-speed box makes for predictable progress. And when it gets sticky, flick the diff lock.

Rooftop tents? No problem. Dynamic and static load ratings of 85 kg and 350 kg respectively make the Amarok an ideal overlanding platform.

Practicality

On road: 5.35 m long, 1.9 m wide (without mirrors), just under 1.9 m tall. Not as long as the Grenadier Quartermaster, but longer than any SUV you can name. Urban parking bays can be a squeeze. Turning circle is 12.9 m—less than the Quartermaster’s 14.5, more than a HiLux.

Load space: two Euro pallets fit easily. With the hardtop, gear stays safe and dry. Just remember, unsecured loads will slide. Tie it down, or risk climbing in after your groceries.

As a daily driver, patience may be needed for parking.

As an overlander: this is your basecamp. Bedroom high above the critters. Kitchen on the tailgate. Space for everything. Four seats—unless, like me, you use one for the fridge.

If you take your overlanding seriously, off-the-shelf stats are solid: 800 mm wading, 30°/23°/21° approach, departure and ramp. After-market accessories can boost them further.

Likes & Dislikes

Every owner has different priorities, but as an expedition contender or weekend escape rig, here’s my take.

Likes: payload capacity; accurate steering; excellent visibility; comfort that sets the benchmark.

Dislikes: exterior panels feel thin—dings will show; modern electronics mean field repairs aren’t always straightforward.

The Takeaway

So, does the mythical creature of the overlander/daily driver exist? Not everyone can afford two vehicles. If you’re serious about vehicle supported remote travel and need one car to do it all, the Amarok PanAmericana (or a simpler trim) deserves a place on your shortlist.

Off-road it’s capable. On-road it’s comfortable. Payload is generous. VW has a global footprint, so spares shouldn’t be a problem when you’re far from home.

The PanAmericana spec is good value: capable, comfortable, and (almost) showroom-ready for travel. Add your own kit and personal touches—the accessory market is ready to help.

Second-Hand Tip

The Amarok PanAmericana isn’t your average building-site hack, so keep an eye on the used market as leasing contracts end. Well-specced, well-serviced examples—likely with few off-road miles—will appear. If you’re looking for a solid pickup foundation for travel, why not a pre-owned Amarok? The first owner swallows the depreciation. You swallow the miles.

VOLKSWAGEN

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Meet the Grand California Dune

Built for adventure. Finished like a show car.

The new Grand California Dune makes its debut with an exclusive Ascot Grey paint job–a chalky, dune-inspired tone straight out of Europe’s beaches and African deserts. High-gloss black 17-inch Lismore alloys, black decals, and compass graphics complete the rugged, all-terrain look. Want 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a rear diff lock? No problem, they’re on the options list.

Standard kit includes:

• Advanced Assist Package with Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, and Emergency Assist
• LED headlights, Rear View camera, folding mirrors
• Air Care Climatronic auto air conditioning
• Camping essentials: table, folding chairs, and customisable mood lighting

Prices start at €88,964.40 for the Dune 600 and €91,885.85 for the longer Dune 680. Both come with a 163 PS TDI engine and 8-speed auto. And there’s an early bird saving of up to €3,623.

Inside, things get a serious upgrade: bamboo-look surfaces, durable PVC flooring, black-out blinds, luggage nets, and a reworked outdoor dining table system. A new optional thermal mat / blackout kit rounds it off.

California Energy: Icon Recharged

Volkswagen’s California camper range got a full refresh in 2024. For 2025, three new Energy editions are landing at Caravan Salon: the Beach Camper Energy, Coast Energy, and Ocean Energy.

All three come stacked with practical gear.

California Beach Camper Energy

With a pop-up roof and two upstairs beds, the Beach Camper adds:

• Full kitchenette with 230V shore power
• Auxiliary heater with remote control
• 3-zone Climatronic A/C
• Travel Assist and Basic Parking Pack
• Blackout blinds / thermal mats
• Black 17-inch Dundrod wheels
• Heated seats, heated leather steering wheel, and safety tech galore

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

California Coast & Ocean Energy

The Coast adds wall-mounted kitchen units and premium extras. The Ocean takes it further with:

• Electro-hydraulic pop-up roof
• IQ.Light LED Matrix headlights
• Dynamic Light Assist + cornering lights
• 18-inch black Toshima alloys

Prices:

• Coast Energy: from €83,319.04, saving up to €4,480
• Ocean Energy: from €88,775.19, saving up to €4,570

All models go on sale 29 August, 2025, coinciding with Caravan Salon 2025. VW will showcase the full camper van lineup–Grand California, California, and Caddy California–in Hall 16.

Ready to explore? These new models bring premium tech, smarter interiors, and real-world value to Europe’s favourite camper vans.

Gallery

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Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles announces the brand’s latest advertising campaign as part of the world premiere of the new Transporter. In an ideal symbiosis of model and personality, Hollywood star Jason Statham, known from the cult film franchise ‘The Transporter’, takes the leading role.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWN) has picked the ideal candidate to communicate its latest model: none lesser than Jason Statham, who made a name for himself in the film franchise ‘The Transporter’, is the face of the new Transporter campaign. Statham, the charismatic and action-packed ‘Transporter’, is without doubt the ideal cast to personify the versatility and performance of VWN’s new commercial vehicle.

The first video trailer was officially aired on Sunday evening at the new van’s world premiere at the IAA 2024 in Hanover: ‘We are thrilled to have Jason Statham as the face of our new campaign,’ says Sandra Waidelich, Head of Sales & Marketing Experience at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. ‘His energy and charismatic style are a perfect fit for our new Transporter, which is also known for its durability, reliability and innovative technology. First reactions to the trailer here on site and online are encouraging.’

TRANSPORTER

From its impressive load capacity and outstanding driving characteristics to its state-of-the-art safety features – the new Transporter is ready to take on any job and master any challenge. The Transporter is back!

CARAVELLE

The brand new Caravelle has plenty to offer. From its luxurious interior to a panorama glass roof and seating for up to nine.

Watch out for more exciting videos and content as VWN reveals unique characteristics of this long awaited all-rounder.

TRANSPORTER | CARAVELLE

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Ever since its launch in 2019, the Grand California has earned its reputation as a suite on wheels. The largest member of the California family offers all the comforts of a top-class hotel tucked inside an exterior length of six meters (GC 600) or 6.8 meters (GC 680).

Equipped with a 120 kW/163 hp TDI engine and 8-speed automatic transmission as well as optional 4Motion all-wheel drive, the Grand California carries its guests to their destination stress-free.

NOTEWORTHY UPGRADES

From model year 2025, the Grand California will have a new dashboard with state-of-the-art infotainment systems up to 12.9 inches and a “Digital Cockpit”. The gearshift makes way for a new selector switch in the dashboard, so that there is more knee room in the cab. The handbrake lever has also been omitted in favor of an electric parking brake, making it much easier to move from the front seats to the living area and, in particular, to swivel the cab seat.

IDA, the digital voice assistant with ChatGPT integration, is now also on board.

NEW CAMPER CONTROL UNIT

All features relevant to camping are displayed and controlled via the new camper control unit, a five-inch touch display integrated into the living area. Depending on the equipment, this includes information on the fill level for fresh water and grey water, interior lighting, the status of the power supply, the satellite system and the auxiliary heating.

At the same time, most of these functions can also be controlled via smartphone using the “California” app and the in-car app in the infotainment system.

The large central display in the cockpit can also be used to call up a tilt display to level the California horizontally.

All in all, this turns the California into a smart home on wheels.

GRAND CALIFORNIA 600

The 5.98 meter long and 2.97 meter high motorhome offers a sleeping area in the rear with a transversely integrated bed (1,930 x 1,360). This model can also be ordered with an optional bed in the new camper high roof for children – an ideal family motorhome.

Prices start from € 79.313,50*

GRAND CALIFORNIA 680

This 6.80 meter long and 2.84 meter high camper has an even larger sleeping area (up to 2,000 x 1,670 mm) integrated lengthways in the rear, as well as extra storage space. The Grand California 680 is equipped with the super high roof. A luxurious camper with plenty of space for two people on long and short trips around the world.

Prices start from € 82.175,45*

ACT NOW

Pre-sales at German dealers start today, Thursday, July 4th.

First deliveries are planned for the second half of the year.

Configure your personal Grand California from today at VWN.DE.

*All prices and standard equipment apply to the model range offered in Germany.

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