Dethleffs Globebus Performance 4x4 T 46 motorhome

The first 4x4 from Dethleffs is now available in the UK

It seems that almost every manufacturer wants to have a 4x4 in its range these days but, while many have adopted the Mercedes Sprinter for this role and gone down the panel van-based campervan route, Dethleffs’ new model is a low-profile motorhome built on the Volkswagen Crafter.

It comes as standard not only with all-wheel drive but also the 163hp motor and eight-speed automatic transmission. The 3,880kg gross weight will require a C1 licence, while an upgrade to 4,500kg is offered for an extra £440.

As has become common in the car industry, it arrives as a brand-new model in First Edition spec, which adds a whole raft of additional goodies, not least the bits that give it those beefy looks – the 18in matt black wheels, LoderTire M+S rubber, raised front and rear axles, an LED lightbar above the cab, roof rails, duo-tone paintwork (cab and habitation) and, for when the going gets tough, a differential lock.

First Edition 

First Edition models also benefit from an awning, cab blinds, a habitation door with central locking, a second leisure battery (168Ah lithium), Light Moments indirect lighting, a 5G WiFi router, LED headlights, Discover Media sat-nav with 10in display, a package of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, and more. 

The duo-grey exterior gives the Globebus Performance a premium look and it’s worth noting that this is a relatively compact motorhome – under 7m log and only 2.20m wide. That long rear overhang will limit real off-roading, though, despite the extra ground clearance and rear air suspension.
 

Going off-grid

So, the Dethleffs strikes as a motorhome that’s been to the gym to toughen up, while inside it has been designed to be better suited to the off-grid lifestyle, with reduced reliance on gas for the habitation area.

It has 6kW diesel heating, while the 131-litre fridge is a compressor model (so electric only).

The only gas appliance is the two-burner hob, served by a 2.75kg cylinder stored in the galley. That frees up more storage elsewhere as there’s no need for the usual large external gas compartment. 

Options include diesel/mains heating (£550), electric floor heating (£620) and an insulated waste water tank (£180). On the electric side, Dethleffs has fitted one 95Ah AGM battery in addition to the aforementioned lithium unit.
 

Classic layout

The interior layout is a European classic, featuring a half-dinette lounge, central washroom and galley and rear single beds above the garage.

After the butch exterior, the interior is standard Dethleffs, with Ashton furniture (featuring anthracite accents) and Saros upholstery. There’s an overcab sunroof, table with swing-out extension leaf and a 32in smart TV. The dinette can also be converted into a third berth, while Isofix is optional.
 

Washroom and kitchen

The washroom has a swing-wall to become a fully plastic-lined shower cubicle and the standard cassette toilet can be swapped for a chemical-free Clesana unit at extra cost.

The kitchen has plenty of drawer-based storage, a waste bin, tall fridge, a roof vent with electric fan and the Multiflex rail system for hanging a variety of Dethleffs accessories (spice rack, kitchen roll holder, etc). There’s no oven option, though, so cooking is restricted to just the two-ring gas hob.
 

Rear bedroom and garage

The rear beds boast seven-zone cold foam EvoPore mattresses for your comfort, while the claimed lengths are 1.92m and 2.02m. An open shelf above the head of the beds has elasticated straps to, hopefully, keep its contents in place.

Illuminated wardrobes are found under each of the twin beds, while two USB ports on the end wall allow convenient overnight phone charging.

The rear garage is limited to 150kg and includes lashing rails, chequerplate flooring, a mains socket and LED lighting. Water capacities are 115 litres of fresh and 90 litres for waste.

In First Edition trim, the Globebus Performance 4x4 is very well equipped, except perhaps in the kitchen. It joins the small band of four-wheel drive coachbuilt motorhomes and offers plenty of style on a VW base. Just watch that rear overhang if you head off the Tarmac.