Sunlight Ibex 4x4 Campervan

A concept for now but coming to your Sunlight dealership soon…

“Outdrive the ordinary”, says Sunlight, an Erwin Hymer Group company, in its teaser for its new Ibex campervan, which is scheduled to join the range in 2027.

Not just a concept

Currently described as a concept, it’s no secret that the Ibex is no pie-in-the-sky dream machine destined for nothing more than fanciful ogling at the Caravan Salon Düsseldorf. This campervan is all but production-ready and we’d expect to see it making its debut here this autumn, hopefully at the Motorhome & Caravan Show at the NEC this October, with prices still to be announced.

The German manufacturer hasn’t released too much information yet, but with the statement, “There are vehicles. And then there are companions for the road less travelled”, it is clear that this will be the latest entrant into the burgeoning four-wheel drive campervan market.

This isn’t the first off-roader campervan to come from this German brand (it has built 4x4 Transits and Ducatos), but it will be the first of its type to come to the UK. 

A real 4x4

It has the looks to go with its 4Motion drivetrain, too. The sand-coloured bodywork seen here will look right at home in the Sahara, but we’ve also seen footage of a pale blue version, so there may be a choice of colours. Meanwhile, the black Delta alloy wheels and Loder All-Terrain tyres are de rigueur in this sector. There’s raised suspension, too, as the 4x4 Crafter lacks the lofty stance of its Mercedes Sprinter rival.

The exterior treatment doesn’t end there. It has map-style graphics, a rear-mounted spare wheel, a front bull bar and wheelarch extension mouldings. There’s even a snorkel for when the going gets really tough and you still need to keep going, although of course some of this off-road kit may end up being on the options list. Certainly, the concept model looks rugged enough to tempt buyers away from rival CrossTrail and CrossOver models from fellow EHG marque, Hymer. 

Another key feature of the Ibex is the contrasting extra-high roof (in black), which should ensure good headroom throughout the interior in addition to neatly integrating the roll-out awning.

Classic fixed bed layout

The flares on the rear quarter panels tell you all you really need to know about the layout – there’s a typical rear transverse double bed floorplan in this six-metre campervan. Inside, though, there’s an emphasis on earthy tones and pale woodwork, with marble-style wall panelling and soft-touch felt for a homely vibe in the bedroom.

We can’t give you dimensions of the rear bed yet but we can tell you that the mattress is split, so it can fold for tall items to go in the garage. The gas locker is here, too, and we’d expect the fresh water tank to be inboard.

There are no surprises with the half-dinette seating and wall-mounted table but, rather than an overcab sunroof, the Ibex concept opts for a large open cupboard above the front seats. 

Interior design

The galley – all finished in a mid-grey – is adjacent to the sliding door, where a drawer-style fridge allows you to reach your beer from outside and there’s a reasonable amount of worktop alongside the two-burner hob and sink combination unit in stainless steel. 

Opposite the kitchen, the washroom comes with a swivel cassette toilet, a folding basin with tap that extends for showering, a small opening window and a wooden duckboard.

At the back, there are overhead lockers on both sides of the bedroom, while the only windows are in the rear barn doors. Reading lights and USBs are provided, as well as an open shelf with elasticated retainer straps on the back wall. 

Of course, the base vehicle will have all the latest features of the facelifted Crafter, with its Digital Cockpit Pro dashboard, driver assistance systems and eight-speed automatic transmission.

Sunlight’s new entry into the 4x4 campervan sector looks exciting and, from this brand, it’s sure to be very competitively priced. We can’t wait to see the production model!