RP Motorhomes, the specialist Mercedes-Benz campervan manufacturer, has launched an all-new all-wheel drive version of the award-winning two-berth Rebel campervan.

The Mercedes all-wheel drive (AWD) system transforms the Rebel campervan into an off-roader by providing a manually selectable 4x4 system that improves traction in difficult driving conditions.

The system provides added confidence on slippery and steep surfaces, allowing campers to drive to places they could never get to in a two-wheel drive campervan. It also means that, should conditions worsen while they’re pitched up at a site or at a wild camping spot, they will be able to drive off again with minimal fuss.

For those planning to go off road, it is suggested that the AWD system is combined with optional all-terrain. The all-wheel drive system also has a minimal weight impact, meaning there is just a payload sacrifice in the region of 50kg.

The AWD upgrade package includes Mercedes’ efficient 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, which offers buyers the option of relaxed go-anywhere campervanning.

The new 4x4 is available on all three Rebel layouts:

• the Rebel Twin, which has rear single sofas that convert into two single beds
• the Rebel Slide, which offers a slide-out washroom, and
• the Rebel U, which has a U-shaped rear lounge that converts into a large rear doubled bed

If you want to learn more about RP Motorhomes or are considering a campervan with this type of layout, What Motorhome magazine has featured hundreds over the years and you can search its extensive archive here at the touch of a button

The spec of the new campervan is comprehensive, as you would expect from a premium manufacturer. In the cab you get all the driver toys including a hi-res 7” touchscreen to control a myriad of vehicle and entertainment functions. Buyers also get a permanent internet connection in the ’van and an app to check things such as whether the vehicle is locked or not when they’re away from it and a theft warning system with geofencing.

In the habitation area, there are twin rear facing sofas, which convert into two single beds (1,920mm and 1,800mm) with storage above and below (the Rebel U has a U-shaped rear lounge, which converts into a large double bed), while up front are the twin swivel Comfort cab chairs that face a removeable table.
The central kitchen has a Thetford oven, grill and three-burner hob, a Thetford 90-litre compressor fridge. There are also soft-close drawers, a sink with mixer tap and DuPont Corian worktop.

In the one-piece washroom pod opposite, there is a shower tray and mixer shower head, a 19-litre cassette toilet and Corian sink. Neat touches include a waterproof loo-roll holder and a mirrored cabinet with LED lighting. In the Rebel Slide this washroom slides out when on site to provide more room in the galley and front lounge.

Life support systems include Truma Combi 6E heating and hot water, 15-litre underslung LPG tank and even a 100A lithium battery.
When he was given the keys to this new 4x4 campervan, our road test editor, Peter Vaughan, said, “With those wheels and tyres, the thing felt unstoppable in the mud and gloop of the off-road centre. And engaging 4x4 and low-range really is just a case of flicking two switches, when parked, and then off you go!”

Even more exciting is news that RP Motorhomes will be extending its 4x4 range with a big brother to the 5.9m-long Rebel.

This new longer (7m) Rebellion campervan will be coming in March 2021 and will look more ‘overland’ from the outside with roof bars, boxes, ladder storage, etc. RP is also are working on its own bash-plate or the front of the campervan, which will not only add protection but will make it look even more mean and rugged.

Prices for both new models have not yet been confirmed but we expect the Rebel 4x4 to retail in the region of £100,000.