What comes after the cult VW bus?

From the VW T1 to the T6. And why the new darling is suddenly called Ford

Hi, I'm Bea from VanEssa mobilcamping.

Anyone who, like us, deals with campers and vans every day can hardly avoid one question at the moment: What happens after the VW Bulli? For decades, it was the benchmark – loved by travelers, families, and vanlife fans. But times are changing. New models are coming onto the market, and suddenly a name appears that many haven't had on their radar until now: Ford.

There are cars. And then there are icons. The VW Bulli undoubtedly belongs to the latter category. From the T1 with its surf-loving romance, to the legendary T3, and on to the T6.1 as a modern everyday hero. But what truly comes after the cult Bulli? And why is the new favorite of many campers suddenly a Ford?

Hardly any vehicle has shaped freedom, travel, and camping as much as the Bulli.

For many, he was – and still is – the epitome of Vanlife.

But now comes perhaps the most uncomfortable question of all: What is actually the new Bulli after the T6?

A question that we at VanEssa mobilcamping approach quite soberly. Not out of favoritism. But out of experience. For over 20 years, we have been developing camping solutions for everyday cars and have now gotten to know well over 100 vehicle models from a camper's perspective.

And that's precisely why our answer will likely differ from what many would expect:

Not the T7. Not the ID. Buzz.
But: the new Ford Tourneo Custom.

The Bulli was never just a cult classic – but above all, clever.

Before anyone indignantly picks up their car keys: Of course, we love the VW Bulli, specifically the T5 to T6. Multivan. And of course, also the Transporter up to Caravelle That's obvious!

Why not? For decades, he was the perfect blend of

• real camping potential
• compact outer length
• maximum usable interior space
• Everyday usability

Family car during the week, company car. Friday evening, quickly load the camping box and storage module, unfold the mattress, and off towards the mountains, sea, or your favorite campsite.

That is precisely the mix that made the Bulli great. Not the logo. Not the myth. But its ability to blend everyday life and adventure. And that's exactly why we're taking a closer look today.

Why we don't see the T7 as a true successor to the Bulli

The new VW Multivan T7 It's modern. No question. It drives comfortably, looks high-quality, and comes with lots of technology.

As a family car? Strong.
As a real camper vehicle? Difficult from our point of view.

The crucial point is simple:
The interior is too short. Yes!
– even with the long wheelbase.

That sounds like a small thing at first. But it isn't. Because when camping, every centimeter counts. Really every single one.

Sleeping system, luggage, storage space, kitchen, clothing, cooler – suddenly „it'll fit somehow“ quickly turns into a daily game of Tetris. And then, most of all, a mess. Because where there's no space, there's quickly a big jumble.

The sequel:

• less storage space – either bed or storage cabinet
• No stuffy cabinet = quick chaos in the camper
• Limited sleeping solutions – bed extension is not possible
• Fewer compromises on comfort – if bed, then no toilet module (only without attachment).
• less freedom, comfort in the interior – the comfort in the vehicle

And that's exactly what doesn't feel like what made the Bulli special anymore. Of course, you can camp in the T7. We offer specially adapted kitchens and sleeping systems that your Multivan T7 or California Beach T7 convert to a vacation van in minutes.

BUT: For example, no other module fits in. None of our storage/interior modules combined with a bed. Now you have to decide – sleep or order.

Because the Bulli was, above all, one thing: practical and clever.

And the ID. Buzz? Nice. Emotional. But not thought out consistently.

The VW ID. Buzz achieves something that few other vehicles can today: people turn their heads to look at it.

It evokes emotions, charmingly recalls the T1, and reliably sparks conversations in any parking lot.

Visually? Big screen.

But as soon as we put on the Camper glasses, it gets more complicated. Because here too, the following applies:

The interior is simply too short, even with the long wheelbase, for a truly well-thought-out mobile camping concept.

Sure – a lot works for spontaneous weekend trips. But for those looking for a vehicle that also

• Everyday car
• Family vehicle
• Travel companion
• and a true camper

is supposed to be, reaches its limits faster than one might initially suspect. Unfortunately, the space is very similar to the Multivan T7. If bed - no storage module, etc.

As mentioned, not even with the long wheelbase (see illustration above). And that's precisely where emotion parts ways with function.

Why the Ford Tourneo Custom is the true heir to the Bulli for us

Now comes the part where many will probably furrow their brows for a moment.
Ford? Really? Yes. Actually.

Because from a camper's perspective, the new Ford Tourneo Custom As of model year 2024, it has an amazing number of features that used to make the Bulli so great.

1. More usable interior space – and you'll notice it right away

Perhaps the most important point first: Location beats marketing promises.

The Ford Tourneo Custom offers simply more usable space. And this difference is enormous in practice when camping.

More interior length means:

• comfortable sleeping systems and legroom
• Combinable rear kitchen or interior kitchen
• usefully usable storage space, e.g. for storage cabinets, toilet, etc.
• more freedom of movement in everyday life and while traveling

In short:
You have to be less tricky. And that's exactly what makes camping more relaxing.

The Tourneo Custom simply offers more usable space. And this difference is enormous in practice. Take a look inside...

2. Everyday life and camping work together again

A good camper van needs to impress not only at the campsite.

It also needs to work on Monday mornings: grocery shopping. Work. Family. Hardware store. Weekend trip. This very versatility was the Bulli's great strength for decades.

And the Tourneo Custom brings back this feeling surprisingly well. In addition to interior volume, the „new Bulli“ also offers rear extensions again, for example – perfect for everyday life, work, and camping.

Not too big. Not too complicated. But usable in a meaningful way again.

3. Same basis, better value for money: why many are opting for Ford for this reason too

You should definitely take a look at this: The new Ford Tourneo Custom and the new VW Caravelle resp. VW Transporter Panel Van From 2024, the models are technically very closely related. These models are created as part of the cooperation between Ford and Volkswagen and share large parts of the platform as well as numerous technical components.

This makes a look at the prices all the more exciting. Because although the vehicles are technically very similar, the Ford Tourneo Custom is often noticeably cheaper than comparable VW models, depending on the variant. Sometimes we're talking about a difference of several thousand euros. So, whoever looks soberly at the equipment, technology, and price, often gets the more attractive overall package with the Ford. Especially for this reason, it is becoming increasingly difficult for the new VW Bus to justify its price premium solely through the VW logo.

No matter which of the new models you choose, we naturally offer tailor-made VanEssa camping modules for all vehicles – for the Ford Tourneo Custom, VW Transporter and VW Caravelle. If you're looking for a flexible camping solution, feel free to take a look at our conversions and get inspired.

Perfect for mobile camping instead of permanent conversion

At VanEssa, we've always believed in a simple idea:

Camping doesn't have to be complicated.

• Driving a car in everyday life.
• Insert camping module.
• Start driving.
• Rebuild.
• Done.

Without renovation. Without a workshop. Without permanent camper life in the supermarket parking lot. And for exactly that, the Tourneo Custom brings extremely good prerequisites: space, flexibility, and an interior that can be used meaningfully again.

5. The Ford hits the nail on the head for modern campers

Not everyone wants to drive a huge RV today.

Many are looking for something that simultaneously

• Family car
• Travel vehicle
• Weekend campers and
• Unobtrusive everyday companion

can be. A vehicle that doesn't constantly scream „I'm on vacation!“ And that's exactly why the Tourneo Custom is surprisingly well-suited to today's world.

Our conclusion after over 20 years of renovation experience

The Bulli remains a cult icon. There's no room for debate.

From the T1 to the T6, Volkswagen created a vehicle icon that has shaped camping like hardly any other model.

But if we look at the market purely from a camper's perspective today, we no longer see a direct VW successor.

Neither the T7 nor the ID. Buzz offer – even with a long wheelbase – the interior space that modern mobile camping truly needs.

And that's why we're saying something that we ourselves probably wouldn't have expected a few years ago:

The new Bulli no longer carries a VW logo for us. Instead, it has a Ford emblem.

How do you see it? Which of the new vehicles deserves to be called „Bulli“ in your eyes?

Write it to us in the comments! And of course, definitely if you have a completely different opinion about this! We are excited!

Your Bea