Malibu launches new campervans for 2026
Essential guide
Malibu campervans: 2026 essential guide
Malibu is well known for its high spec campervans, with the genius offering a unique take on the Mercedes Sprinter last year. This year there's another big new launch with the relax campervan, which is a break from the norm, too, and aimed at more price-conscious customers.
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Malibu campervans
The Malibu name has pretty much been part of the campervan market for well over 40 years, with a brief hiatus, but in 2013 Carthago returned to the campervan market with the Malibu campervans and hasn't looked back since.
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Malibu relax 640 LE R
Malibu has been offering premium campervans for well over 10 years, but never straying far from the conventional, those porthole windows aside. However, all that is set to change with the new relax model, offering a fresh take on the traditional layout and modern interiors at an impressive price.
The launch model is based on the 6.36m-long Fiat Ducato, with single beds. There are three specification trims – Active, Ambition and Exclusive, with prices starting from just £58,150.
The lounge has an incredible open feel, as the kitchen unit doesn’t intrude into the 92cm-wide sliding door aperture. That feeling of space is enhanced by the lack of a shelf in the cab area. Instead, the overhead lockers and lined roof flow all the way into the cab. This gives the feel of a much more premium campervan.
The extending table is standard, and there’s storage in the raised floor below; usefully this can be accessed even with the table in place.
It’s not just the obvious stuff, either… take the microfibre wall lining, for example. It goes behind the lockers to minimise road noise.
In the kitchen, the two-burner hob is separate to the smart flush-mounted sink, while the location of the fridge and dual-hinged design means it can be opened from outside or in.
And while that kitchen unit is positioned further backwards, the single beds at the rear are still 2m long. A window on one side is fitted as standard in the Active model – a second window is included as part of the Exclusive trim which also comes with the 180hp engine with automatic gearbox. It’s a two-berth as standard, but a pop-top roof is optional to make this into a proper family campervan.
Key features
- Modern interior style
- Spacious open-plan feel
- Premium looks for less
Specifications
Malibu Van charming 640
For the coming year, there is a new optional interior scheme for the charming line models – but here we’re focusing on the 640 single bed models. The includes the first class two rooms 640 LE RB, which has a washroom door that can close off the toilet and bedroom from the main living area.
The Van diversity 640 LE K, with a tall fridge and extra worktop in a dresser-style unit between kitchen and bed, can also be upgraded to the charming spec. The final 640 model is the comfort 640 LE with an eye-level fridge for convenient access.
charming line are the only models that can be ordered with the new lucca world of style, pairing handle-free oak tone upper lockers with grey accents and fabrics, along with black push-button locks and switches. Choose the coupe version that has lockers running into the cab, or the GT skyview with a panoramic skylight above.
Key features
- New optional style world “lucca” for the 640 charming models
- Black push locks and switches
- Rear door panels more integrated
Specifications
Malibu genius performance
Launched last year to a lot of critical acclaim, the genius truly is one of a kind. The problem that Malibu solved was all to do with the length of the Mercedes Sprinter – 6m or 7m is the choice for the panel van.
A little like Goldilocks, 6m can be too short for the popular single bed floorplan and 7m is a big campervan on the road. So enter the genius, which adds a GRP pod to create more interior space and yet still be drivable.
The performance was the next evolution, on the 4x4 Mercedes, for even more go-anywhere credentials.
You get a good lounge area, practical kitchen and washroom and those 2m long single beds above a large storage area. The latter can be fitted out with bike rack-style fittings or handy slide-out racks depending on your specific needs.
And to maximise your off-grid capability, add the self-sufficiency package, with two 150Ah lithium batteries, 1.8kW inverter and more.
Key features
- Offers motorhome living in a 4x4 Mercedes camper
- Unrivalled storage capacity
- Two-room concept
Specifications
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