Hymer Grand Canyon S 700 CrossTrail Campervan

Special edition 4x4 model with additional self-sufficiency…

The latest addition to Hymer’s growing range of four-wheel drive leisure vehicles, the Grand Canyon S 700 is now available as a CrossTrail Edition model, building on the success of the ML-T 580 CrossTrail low-profile motorhome which was launched last September. Both feature off-road styling and special equipment.

Once again, the exterior is in Stone Grey with dynamic orange accents, while 18in Delta Hanma matt black alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres and Raptor coating for the bumper emphasise the rugged design.

The 44in LED light bar above the cab can be linked to the high beam and is road legal, while a flyscreen for the sliding door and an awning are fitted as standard.
 

Up to 10 days off-grid

Inside, you’ll find Tallinn leather upholstery with contrasting orange stitching and diamond-pattern quilting, plus Ivy Green furniture with olive-coloured doors and black fittings in the kitchen and washroom.

Meanwhile, a 5G router with roof antenna ensures that you’re never out of touch, even when you’re out in the wilds. Enhancing the off-grid nature of the model, it comes with two 110W solar panels on the roof and the new Hymer Smart Battery System 2.0 consisting of four 80Ah lithium batteries. Hymer claims that you’ll be able to stay off-grid for up to 10 days, all year round.

With the Hymer Connect system you can also control functions such as heating, hot water, lighting and the fridge temperature from your phone, while also monitoring electricity consumption and water levels.

Heating comes from a 6kW diesel/electric system (with altitude kit) to reduce your reliance on gas, while a second cassette for the toilet is another aspect that allows longer stays away from campsites.
 

Going off-road

Of course, you can get to places that front-wheel drive campervans cannot hope to reach, thanks to Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system with electronically varied torque distribution, as well as the knobbly tyres that sit under extended arches.

There’s under-body protection for both the engine and water tanks, too, so you’ll feel confident about heading off on rougher tracks.

There’s power aplenty from the 190hp Euro VI-E motor, while standard spec includes automatic headlights, electric folding mirrors, Comfort suspension, LED high-performance headlights, a reinforced front axle, keyless starting, Hill Start Assist, Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Crosswind Assist, Traffic Sign Assist, stop/start, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree parking camera, heated windscreen, fog/cornering lights and the 10.25in MBUX display.

A 4,100kg gross weight will require a C1 category driving licence.
 

Large rear bedroom

The layout places emphasis on a large rear bedroom with lengthways sleeping in a 2.00m by 1.68m double mattress sitting on plastic springs. 

Overhead lockers here can be deleted, while a ‘Sleeping Roof’ pop-top option adds a second double bed measuring 2.00m by 1.22m (figures are manufacturer supplied).

There’s a large under-bed locker with lashing points and storage for two outdoor chairs and a table, which are included.

Up front, the half-dinette lounge features a conventional wall-mounted table with supporting leg and swing-out extension leaf. LED ambient lighting is dimmable while the optional Light Package  includes a pendant lamp above the table.
 

Kitchen and washroom

The side kitchen comes with a 90-litre compressor fridge with raised countertop above, a two-burner hob and sink combination, soft-closing drawers and cupboards and a worktop extension. Hymer’s now-trademark real leather pull straps feature throughout.

The washroom is an area that benefits from the CrossTrail’s near-7m overall length and features a folding basin, cassette loo and generous curtain-free shower with cork duckboard. 

The inboard fresh water tank has a 100-litre capacity, while the 85-litre underslung waste tank has insulation and heating and is emptied at the flick of a dashboard switch.

Unusually for a premium German campervan, the options list is quite short, but you might want to consider the heated cab seats, external shower and thermal blanket for the pop-top.

The ever-growing 4x4 campervan sector gets an enhanced version of the existing Grand Canyon S 700 with this special edition. CrossTrail spec adds to the style and off-grid capability, while ensuring that there aren’t too many options to add.