Knaus unveils 2023-season motorhomes

Knaus Van Tourer 500 MQ

The 500 MQ features a double bed at the back, above a garage, and a slide-out double bed in the cab will be optionally available.

To improve upon the design of the VW California Ocean, Knaus wanted to create a proper washroom in its T6.1-based Tourer Van, and it’s a USP here. In regular guise, it features everything you would expect to see in a motorhome or large panel van conversion – a toilet, shower and washbasin with a mirror above, a number of cubbies, and LED lighting.

However, the shower cubicle features an innovative gas spring and belt strap system that allows the whole cubicle to be collapsed when not in use. This creates space for the rear double bed, which then sits, in part, on the shower cubicle. When you want to use it, the cubicle simply pops up to create a full compartment with standing room of 1.90m with a shower tray and a folding wall to protect the rest of the washroom from splashes.

Knaus Van Tourer 500 LT

The alternative floorplan, the 500 LT, features face-to-face seating in the front lounge with two lengthways bench seats, which also convert to a double bed. With both cab seats swivelled, the lounge is said to be able to seat six people.

The 500 LT features a full washroom, although not collapsible, and a slide-out bed above the cab can also be ordered. Both layouts come fitted with a 90-litre compressor fridge, sink, two-burner hob powered by a 5kg gas cylinder, diesel heating and a boiler.

Knaus Tourer CUV

In addition to the Tourer Van, a Tourer CUV (Caravanning Utility Vehicle) has been announced. This is also based on the VW T6.1 and is designed to be compact and suitable for urban driving, and also appealing to younger drivers, as it has a maximum gross weight of 3,500kg.

It travels and sleeps four, so is designed to appeal to families, and an all-new elevating roof concept provides extra space when camping.

Like the Tourer Van, it is available in 500 MQ or 500 LT layouts. It can also be ordered in CUVision specification, which offers the same extras as Vansation spec on the Tourer Van.

Prices for the UK are yet to be confirmed.

Knaus Van Ti Plus range available on VW Crafter

In other news, the Van Ti Plus range is now available based on the Volkswagen Crafter, with production commencing in July 2022.

This new base vehicle comes with a 140bhp engine and 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with 177bhp and 8-speed automatic gearbox, and all-wheel drive being optionally available.

Both layouts – the 650 MEG and 700 LF – are now also available in Platinum specification, which adds a range of options, such as the chassis-cab in metallic Indium Grey and a colour-coded front bumper, 17in VW alloy wheels, cab air-con, multifunction steering wheel, swivelling driver’s cab seats in Knaus Wohnwelt design, cruise control with speed limiter, drowsiness detection, electrically adjustable and heated mirrors, Discover Media navigation system including streaming and internet with four speakers, digital radio reception, rear view camera, Premium habitation door with flyscreen, digital Truma CP-Plus heating control panel, bluuwater water filter system, ambient lighting, 32in smart TV and an awning.

The full price list is yet to be confirmed, but the 650 MEG Platinum Selection based on the VW Crafter with upgraded 177bhp engine and automatic gearbox is £76,040, while the equivalent based on MAN TGE costs £78,440. The 700 LF, also based on a Crafter with the engine and gearbox upgrade, is priced at £77,700.