Top 6 motorhomes and campervans at the 2019 NEC Show

For lovers of the outdoor lifestyle, the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show at the NEC, in Birmingham, is one of the standout events of the year. February’s show – which runs from the 19^th to the 24^th – features over 400 exhibitor stands, many of them showcasing new motorhomes and campervans. With expert advice, exclusive offers, new launches and special guest appearances, there’s plenty to see and do – whether you’re an experienced motorhomer or a curious beginner looking to buy your first ‘van.

There’s a huge selection of motorhomes and campervans on show – from entry-level vehicles for the first-time buyer to top of the range models for those hoping to upgrade.

So, where to start? Well, while you’ll want to see it all – and so you should – this is our choice of six motorhomes and campervans that are definitely on our list of must-sees as we make our way around the NEC.

VW Grand California debuts in the UK

We’re excited about this – VW’s new larger campervan, the Grand California, is making its debut appearance in the UK at the NEC show.

What do we know of the Grand California? Well, we know this new California is based on the Crafter and will be available in two different versions – the 600 and the longer, at 6.8m, 680 – though only one of the models will be on display in Birmingham. And, the show display model will be a left-hand drive, with right-hand drives launched in the UK later this year.

As you might expect with a VW camper, interest in the Grand California has been high and it’s a good opportunity to get a sneak preview of what we can expect later in the year. Information from VW’s official website highlights details such as an external temperature-controlled shower, Bluetooth speakers in the living area , and a range of tech including Park Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitor.

See it at the NEC at: Stand 5258
 

Swift's mighty Kon-tiki Dynamic

Following swiftly from the launch of a new Kon-tiki motorhome ready for the 2019 season, Swift announced details of its Dynamic – which will be available to view on the Brownhills stand (no. 3140) at the NEC show.

If you want to see what a £146,000-plus motorhome looks like, this is it. This new coachbuilt comes in two models – the 675 and the 675 lounge. The former has travel seats for six, suiting larger families, while the Lounge version can seat four people in transit.

Based on the Iveco Daily, the new model has Iveco’s 180bhp turbo-diesel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox – although an upgrade to an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a 206bhp engine is available.

Those upgrades will reportedly add £2,995 to the £146,995 starting price, and there are other options, too, which will beef up the final cost. A 2kw inverter, roof rack and choice of satellite TV systems are all available.

See it at the NEC at: Stand 3140

A first showing of Kabe’s Travel Master

Kabe – the Swedish motorhome and caravan manufacturer – will be showing its Travel Master for the first time in the UK at the NEC.

This is a glimpse of Kabe’s range ahead of a wider launch of its coachbuilt low-profile and A-class motorhomes to the UK later in the year. It’s expected that up to six models will be launched officially at the NEC’s October show – three low-profiles and three A-class.

For now, Coachman – sole importer and distributor of Kabe in the UK – will display the Travel Master x 780 LGB Crossover low-profile on its stand (no. 1200).

Built on a Fiat Al-Ko 4.5 tonne chassis, it features rear twin single beds and a drop-down double bed above the lounge. It’s a chance for prospective UK buyers to get a look at the Kabe ahead of the official launch.

See it at the NEC at: Stand 1200

Rolling Homes and the £100k campervan

Rolling Homes, the bespoke UK campervan converter based in Shrewsbury, celebrates its ten-year anniversary at the NEC – and will be unveiling something special to mark the occasion.

The company have promised to show off its most expensive ever VW campervan, which is expected to have a price tag in or around £100,000. There are no images available as yet – all will be revealed in Birmingham, but certain details have been released to whet the appetite. Rolling Homes owner Mark Cooper has said: “Everything that I can throw at it tastefully will be done.”

The camper is based on a VW T6 Kombi, powered by a 200bhp diesel engine, and has a two-tone paint scheme; the top half is black, and the lower half red metallic. It has a bespoke body kit – costing £6,000 – alloy wheels (£7,000) and a lowered suspension.

Rolling Homes plans to produce 80 campervans in 2019 – the company built a record 70 last year – but this special anniversary creation is strictly a one-off.

See it at the NEC at: Stand 5030
 

WildAx’s new high-spec Mercedes-based camper

There’s been a buzz about the new Mercedes-based campervan from Yorkshire-based manufacturer WildAx for weeks – and it will be on display at the show.

Built on the high spec Mercedes Sprinter, the Elara is the first of a premium range from WildAx and anticipation has been building steadily since the company confirmed the launch.

There is more information on this luxury high-top campervan here; details of pricing, spec and images have only just been released and confirmed by WildAx, right on cue and ready for its full launch in the middle of February - coinciding with the Caravan, Camping and Motorhome Show.

WildAx say they have ‘gone to town’ on the spec of the ‘van. Those who view it at the NEC can judge for themselves - but these early images suggest it's going to be well received.

See it at the NEC at: Stand 5210

The spacious new Frankia I 840

Newark-based dealers SMC Motorhomes have confirmed that the new Frankia F-Line I 840 will be on display at the NEC – giving visitors a look at a ‘van that is definitely on the expansive, and expensive, side.

The I840 comes with a price tag north of £140k; certainly not cheap, then, but for that outlay, buyers will be getting a ‘van that’s spacious, carries a feel of luxury, and is adorned with plenty of smart detailing.

There are four available layouts – I 840 GD, I 840 FD, I 840 PLUS and I 840 QD – all of which are 8.4m in length. The GD and QD versions have the capacity to sleep up to six people.

An attractive feature in the PLUS model is the the circular layout of the lounge - pictured below - which looks more like a modern apartment, with its sleek upholstery and a sliding flatscreen TV. There are plenty of special features as standard, including dimmable lighting throughout, USB sockets, interior lighting in the wardrobes, a pullout clothes rail under the bed, Intuitive CP Plus control for Truma devices, full-length heated double floor and more. This is definitely one worth seeing.

In addition, the SMC stand will also have a Campster on display; the first one with UK specification.

See it at the NEC at: Stand 3160