Hymer motorhome Buyers Guide

Hymer is a name synonymous with motorhomes. Ask non-motorhomers to name a manufacturer and it is most likely the word ‘Hymer’ will be the first thing they say. And, this German marque is famous among those in the know for manufacturing top-quality and very, very desirable motorhomes. 

However, weight is playing a very important factor in the 2018 product developments with lighter versions of the narrower Exsis range coming to the fore this year

The range line-up consists of van conversions, under the HymerCar brand, then low-profiles and A-class models under the main Hymer name.

The Van (Fiat Ducato) and Van S (Mercedes Sprinter) models are super compact coachbuilts, measuing from 5.45m to 6.36m in length. Exsis is the range of narrower low-profiles and A-classes and is new this year (read more below). 

The T-class is a range of Fiat-based low-profiles, while the B-Class has a whole range of models at different specifications (there's the narrow B-Class DL, B-Class Premium LIne and B-Class SL. 

The ML is a line-up of narrower coachbuilts (low profiles and A-classes) on the Mercedes chassis, while the StarLine is also based on the Mercedes, but wider.

Finally, there is the DuoMobil, which offers A-class models with rear lounges.

New Hymer Motorhomes for 2018

Exsis-i & Exsis-t

The aim of this range was always to offer lighter narrower options for motorhomers wanting a slimline motorhome for whatever reason. Initially we will see the introduction of one layout in both A-class (Exsis-i) and low-profile (Exsis-t) form, the 588 with twin high-level single beds at the rear above a garage. 

The Exsis-i is a four-berth and features a drop-down bed above the cab and twin rear single beds above a huge garage. The Exsis-t meanwhile loses the drop-down but otherwise retains the same layout, although it is slightly shorter at 6.94m compared to 6.99m for the Exsis-i.

There’s a choice of two furniture options: walnut or pear wood furniture with a new ‘Evolution’ floor. Behind the dinette sofa is an all-new washroom, which has also been redesigned for 2018. It features a fixed washbasin, bench loo and large shower with duckboard and twin drain holes.

Both are built on the Fiat Ducato cab coupled to Al-Ko’s low-frame chassis, which comes at 3.5-tonne as standard or 4.5-tonne as an option. 

As with all Hymer coachbuilts, these two new models are built using Hymer’s wood-free PUAL technology and attention has been paid to saving even more weight – on the 3.5-tonne chassis, there’s 660kg on the Exsis-i and a massive 770kg on the Exsis-t. However, this is before any options or additional equipment have been added. 

UK models will be specified by the importing dealers – there are 11 Hymer motorhome dealers in the UK – to make them more appealing to British buyers with things like ovens, Combi 6E boilers and carpets, none of which are standard on the European models. 

Used Hymer Top Picks

Hymer Exsis-i 562

FROM £45,000   

BASE VEHICLE Ford Transit

ENGINES 2.2-litre 125bhp

LENGTH 6.50m GROSS WEIGHT 3,500kg

PRICE WHEN NEW £58,770 (2009)

The Exsis name came into the Hymer brand in the early 2000s as a narrow A-class van conversion hybrid and was a love it or hate it range. After a few years this range was re-invented, this time as a standard A-class but in narrower form. It was this Ford-based model that was to point the way to the Exsis range of low profiles and A-classes (Fiat-based) that Hymer produce today.

This model has those popular high-level singles beds with the large garage space below. Most will also ocme with a drop-down bed over the cab, too. 

Shown here is the Silverline edition with a metallic exterior and alloy wheels. It's also got that signature Hymer smile at the front, indicative of Hymers of this era.

Hymer Starline S B690

FROM £70,000   

BASE VEHICLE Mercedes Sprinter

ENGINES 3.0-litre 190bhp

LENGTH 7.95m GROSS WEIGHT 5,300kg

PRICE WHEN NEW £93,690 (2014)

This traditional B690 A-class with an island bed has been given the StarLine S treatment. This means adding a Mercedes chassis and lots of extra kit as standard. At this price level, most will also come with customer specified options too. 

So expect fully loaded luxurious motorhomes for your money. The example we found came with Alde heating, an automatic gearbox, 1800W inverter/charger and Goldschmitt levelling jacks. It's a brilliant buy on the used market if you're after a well kitted out motorhome for comfortable touring around the UK and Europe.