C2-tourer: More compact luxury motorhome range from Carthago
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Carthago's C2-tourer is all about more compact luxury motorhoming
A new range is not something that happens too often at Carthago, a company that prefers to refine rather than reinvent. But 2025 saw the arrival of the new C2-tourer, which it describes as ‘the unique smart liner’. It doesn’t replace the existing C-tourer – now renamed C1-tourer – but joins it.
The word ‘unique’ is greatly overused in motorhome-land but Carthago may have a point; this Mercedes-based A-class can not only be specified as a 3.5-tonne Lightweight version, but it is slimmer than a C1-tourer (and therefore a little narrower than its rivals, too).
And why is that important? Well, if you are among a growing number of potential motorhomers who passed their test in 1997 or later (or are over 70 and restricted to 3,500kg), the choice of luxury motorhomes that can be driven on a standard car licence is relatively small.
This range is set to help, although if you want to stay under the 3,500kg limit you may have to choose your options wisely.
There are minor specification details (smaller fuel tank, lithium battery, etc) and only certain layouts for the Lightweight models, but these are still true luxury motorhomes. Go for the Comfort models and maximum gross weight rises to 4,200kg (or 4,500kg as an option) on the full range of five floorplans.
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
Rachel Scholes Content Editor: Motorhomes
C2-tourer: Luxury but lighter
It looks every inch the premium A-class, from the bold chromed ‘C’ on the grille to the way the sides curve to meet the (hail-resistant GRP) roof – a Carthago trademark that’s said to improve aerodynamics. The sides are aluminium with RTM foam insulation and a climate-regulating finish internally. The body includes a lightning conductor and claims increased side impact protection, too. Its torsional strength is borne out by the lack of creaking on rough terrain.
The extra-high windscreen means you can make the most of the views on site as well as improving your driving experience, which is further enhanced by the full LED headlights.
C2-tourer: cooking and relaxing
There are minor differences between the layouts but the important areas are consistent across all models. That includes the L-shaped kitchen offering worktop space as well as a multifunction sink cover that doubles up as a shelf. Note the three-burner hob with cast iron pan supports.
Even on the more compact models the lounge contains an L-shaped sofa, side seat and supremely comfortable swivelling cab chairs. The fixed table is big, but swivels and slides to allow it to be moved out of the way – just press the button on the floor with your foot to release the lock.
One more notable feature in the lounge is the swing-out shoe rack under the forward-facing section of the sofa.
Carthago C2-tourer: sleeping and showering
All models have an across-the-motorhome washroom with shower on one side and toilet and basin on the other. Swing the toilet cubicle door around to shut off the rear from the front and create a dressing area. Then simply slide a door over to create privacy from the bedroom.
At the back, beds are all generous in size, offering up to 2m of length with seven-zone cold foam mattresses. The island bed mattresses are divided into two, allowing each half to be slid back into a chaise longue position independently. Single beds have a ratchet system for the head.
Carthago C2-tourer: double floor storage
Another feature that’s a given with Carthago is the double floor, here with a depth of up to 55.5cm and a central loading area across the motorhome of 22cm high. The whole basement is heated and there’s access to the space from skirt hatches on either side, as well as by lifting the seat bases and through trapdoors in the floor. There’s an especially useful (and deep) void just inside the entrance where you’ll also find the boiler and grey water drain valves in a frost-protected environment. Of course, the 150-litre fresh and 140-litre waste tanks are in winterised locations, too.
Another benefit is that you get a level floor from cab to bedroom, where good-sized steps (in the middle for the singles and at the sides for the island) allow access.
Carthago C2-tourer: family motorhoming and more
All models come with a pull-down double bed in the cab, too (you might want to look at ordering the optional roof vent above if you're planning to use this bed in warmer climates). You can opt to replace this with cupboards around the cab if you don’t need the extra berths.
Finally, choose between two interior furniture schemes; Casablanca 2 is standard and Nuovo, with handleless doors and a different wood tone, is an option. There’s also a choice of 10 fabrics for the seats, including quilted fabrics, and part and full leather.
The Carthago C2-tourer models
I 145 RB-LE
The most compact at 7.20m long, this model can be specified in both Lightweight (3,500kg) or Comfort (4,200kg) form. At the back you’ll find lengthways single beds above a garage and the kitchen is equipped with a 133-litre fridge with a door that can be opened from either side.
Price from: £108,640 (Lightweight) and £112,100 (Comfort)
I 147 RB-LE K
This single bed model is also available as a Lightweight or Comfort (4.2 tonnes), but this model is 10cm longer (7.30m), with that extra creating space for a full-height wardrobe between the washroom and the single bed on the UK driver’s side (offside).
This model comes with the 133-litre fridge, again with the door that opens from both sides, but if you wanted a bigger fridge for your chilled drinks or local food market haul, then take a look at the next model, with the L designation.
Price from: £108,860 (Lightweight) and £112,320 (Comfort)
I 147 RB-LE L - Comfort only
Another 10cm longer than its K sister at 7.40m, the L model offers a 153-litre fridge/freezer.
This model also offers the fixed single beds and the floor-to-ceiling wardrobe for your ball gowns or trench coats. This model is only available with a GVW of 4,200kg, so you’ll need the right to drive heavier vehicles on your licence (C or C1 categories).
Price from: £112,540 (Comfort)
I 148 RB-QB K
The QB in the model name indicates the presence of an island bed at the rear, with the customary wardrobes on either side of the bed. Again this model can be specified at a Category B driving licence-friendly 3,500kg or as the Comfort model at 4.2 tonnes for more payload or weight for options.
It’s 7.38m long and includes the 133-litre fridge (usefully indicated by the K in the model name)
Price from: £109,520 (Lightweight) and £112,980 (Comfort)
I 148 RB-QB L - Comfort only
All those letters in this, the biggest model in the line-up (7.48m long), indicates the presence of an island bed (QB), the across-the-aisle washroom as in the rest of the range (RB or raumbad), and the larger 153-litre fridge (L). For those reasons and more, this 148 RB-QB L can only be ordered as a Comfort model and so the buyer will need a C1 licence.
Price from: £113,200 (Comfort)
Carthago C2-tourer upgrades and options
The options list is extensive and includes a multitude of extras, from bigger fuel tanks to central locking. Note that UK-bound Carthago C2-tourers are fitted out to a higher level than the basic European counterparts, as shown with the I 145 RB-LE on the previous page.
The Mercedes 150hp engine with manual gearbox is standard, but you can upgrade this to the 170hp engine and the excellent automatic gearbox (Chassis Plus Package).
UK models come pre-selected with the Basic Plus package for Mercedes. Combi boilers are upgraded to include the mains electric element. Plus, a low-level oven and grill can be added to the kitchen, along with a slide-out Krups coffee machine.
UK models come with the 90Ah lithium battery instead of the standard gel one. These are generally lighter, but there is an option to upgrade to a 150Ah version and solar panels for even more off-grid capability.
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