Dethleffs XL Family I 7812-2 motorhome

A-class luxury for a family of five

Dethleffs is tackling a couple of new niche sectors in 2026, with the arrival of its 4x4 Globebus Performance in right-hand drive and the launch of this new family-sized A-class. The I 7812-2 joins the existing XL Family range, which previously consisted of a sole overcab coachbuilt. This is the first of what will be two A-class models in the line-up. 

Ready for long tours

With five berths, plenty of storage space and an impressive payload capacity (over 1.5 tonnes), and fully winterised, Dethleffs says this new model is perfect for longer holidays with family or friends.

At the rear are twin single beds (both 2.00m by 0.80m), while above the cab is a drop-down double (1.96m by 1.50m). The final of the five berths is created from the front lounge, which has one straight sofa (offside) and an L-shaped settee (nearside) incorporating two travel seats. An additional forward-facing folding seat with a three-point seatbelt is available as an optional extra. The standard specification also includes an Isofix mounting point for child seats. 

Size, weight, spec

This new A-class is 8.60m long and built on a Fiat Ducato with Al-Ko low-frame chassis, 5,400kg gross weight and 180hp motor with automatic gearbox. The standard specification includes a Naviceiver with sound system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and DAB+ radio, full LED headlights, climate control, cruise control, two reversing cameras and a central locking system for both the cab and habitation doors. A host of driver assistance systems are also included: emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, traction control, hill hold, hill descent control, crosswind assist, trailer stability control, traffic sign recognition, driver fatigue detection, high beam assist and a rain sensor. 

The low-frame chassis provides room for a heated double floor with a height of 27cm. All water installations are frost-protected within this insulated space. The rear chassis extension is lowered by 220mm, creating additional storage space in the rear garage.

Fully winterised

Features include a hot water/heating system that is allergy-friendly and is linked to the engine cooling system via a heat exchanger. This allows the engine to be prewarmed while stationary, helping to avoid wear-intensive cold starts. Conversely, the engine’s residual heat can be used to warm up the living area while driving. 

As part of its winterisation, the XL Family also features a ‘warm water carpet’ in the cab and electrically heated wing mirrors. Double-glazed, flush-fitting windows further reduce heat loss. As standard there is also AirPlus ventilation behind the overhead lockers to prevent condensation. 

Interior layout

Entry is via a 70cm-wide habitation door into a lounge with an interior height of 2.08m. The seating is finished in grey mottled upholstery called Floyd, paired with furniture in the Noce Nagano wood décor. The lockers all have handleless doors and soft-close mechanisms, which pull the doors shut automatically. 

The L-shaped kitchen includes a new two-burner gas hob, as well as a redesigned sink. A large, flush-fitting glass lid covers the hob when not in use. There is also a 137-litre fridge/freezer with an integrated oven above. There are large drawers below the hob and sink, plus an Omnivent roof fan above.

Directly behind the kitchen is the en suite, with a toilet area on one side and a full-sized shower opposite. By opening the washroom door, this entire area can be separated from the living area to create a private dressing room – including direct access to one of the two floor-to-ceiling wardrobes. 

Rear twin beds

The rear bedroom has raised beds accessed by fixed wooden steps, which sit above a large rear garage with doors (both 120cm by 100cm) on both sides. Thanks to the lowered chassis extension, there is enough space for bikes, sports gear and camping equipment, which can be securely fastened to the lashing rail.

On the exterior, a 6m awning is fitted as standard.

For those planning to travel four or five up for extended periods in all weathers, this new Dethleffs could be just the ticket but many families will want something smaller and more affordable, so this new XL Family is likely to be of only niche appeal in the UK.