The Hymer ML-T 580 is purpose-built for off-grid adventures

OK, so you don’t have to have that four-wheel drive, but we have to admit, the whole vehicle looks so much cooler with the higher stance and optional chunkier tyres – if you are limited to the category B driving licence weights (3,500kg), then this 154kg option may not be allowed as it probably means having to go up to the 3.88-tonne or 4.1-tonne chassis. If you plan to tick many of the options, this might be the best course of action anyway – the website configurator usefully flags up potential weight-watching issues while you are designing your dream motorhome.

However, a lot of the reasons to buy an ML-T are hidden under the floor and within the motorhome, so let’s jump straight in…

There are four cornerstones to the new model – design, functionality, connectivity and self-sufficiency.

And so to design

Choose between one of two interiors. We prefer the Native Bamboo, which has been directly inspired by the Venture S offering bamboo wall décor and a mix of dark and white furniture to contrast with the wood. However, it might be a marmite thing, so there’s a Velvet Ash option with dark wood accents offset by light walls.

Whatever design décor is chosen, both feature integrated side wall rails that allow a plethora of accessory attachments. There’s also a fleece-covered curved wall to the rear bedroom, which allows for storage as well as acting as a headboard.

There’s more Venture S design elements, too, with a tiled wall in the kitchen containing a very modern wall-mounted tap in a matt black – these fittings match through the kitchen and washroom. Also take a look at the locker handles – push-lock mechanisms with leather (actual leather) handles.

Function and form

Details like the travel seat headrests that don’t need to be removed to watch TV and beds that are over 190cm long are all significant improvements over the last model.

New ambient lighting temperature can be adjusted depending on the task and requirements, while a neat pendant lamp can sit in a holder in the lounge in a downlighter style or be hung from the ceiling over the table for a cosier feel. There are also several reading lights which can be attached to the multifunctional wall rails.

Off-grid

The desire for campervans and motorhomes that can camp away from hook-up for longer periods has never been so great. Those that want to use smaller sites without mains provision, stopovers or even wild camp are all looking for better self-sufficiency. And thanks to the LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery, this has become much more possible.

Hymer has tapped into this with its Smart Battery System 2.0 which is fitted to the new ML-T 580. That comes as standard with one 80Ah battery, but has the space to fit three further batteries for up to 320Ah of power provision. You can also add an 1,800W inverter and two 95W solar panels.

This is complemented by the 154-litre compressor fridge and diesel heater, meaning that your only gas requirements are for cooking. This has the added benefit of needing a smaller gas locker, so you get more interior storage.

Smart motorhome

This year the ML-T adopts the Hymer Connect app features, allowing you to control lighting or heating from your phone, as well as viewing water and battery levels. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices and can be used via Bluetooth when close to the motorhome or remotely by a mobile network. You can also set schedules or automated actions – when a light is switched on, the heater will activate and the satellite system will start up, or you could have morning and evening modes.

Specification