Eura Mobil Xtura 686 EF motorhome

Blending off-road ability with luxurious living, the Xtura is a motorhome designed for off-grid touring

Launched in January 2024 at the Stuttgart CMT show, the Xtura marked a new chapter in Eura Mobil motorhomes. Not just another low-profile model, this was a motorhome that offers four-wheel drive and off-road looks as standard, along with a specification to suit those wanting the freedom to get off the beaten track and explore far-flung places.

It is part of a once-niche sector that has seen brands such as Adria, Dethleffs, Frankia (Yucon), Hymer and Weinsberg all add 4x4 models to their portfolios. However, while most have mixed all-wheel drive with panel vans, Eura Mobil is taking on the Hymer ML-T CrossOver in the niche within a niche of 4x4 coachbuilt motorhomes.

Ideal for adventurous couples who enjoy a touch of luxury – and can stretch to a price tag north of £150k – this two-berth motorhome offers three travel seats and the flexibility of an optional extra bed in the dining area for occasional guests.

Sprinter 4x4 chassis

The Xtura is engineered for adventure and able to tackle tough terrain, thanks to its Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 base. Powered by a 190bhp diesel engine with nine-speed automatic transmission, it comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

For those serious about going off the beaten track, the Xtura can be further enhanced with optional off-road tyres on Delta wheels, which will be essential for extra grip on difficult terrain. The chassis also boasts 51cm of ground clearance (from ground to underskirt), allowing it to navigate more challenging routes.

One of the key features that makes the Xtura so tough is its body structure. Eura Mobil uses its Sealed Structure technology, which bonds GRP panels to aluminium frames using powerful adhesives. This creates a wood-free body that’s strong, durable and built to last. This design, combined with an 85mm-thick insulated floor, helps prevent creaks and rattles, ensuring a stable and quiet ride even when traversing uneven ground. The vehicle’s practical design also features a sloping rear wall, specifically designed to improve the departure angle for off-road manoeuvres.

Exploring off the beaten track is easier with the Xtura’s built-in Garmin Tread navigation system. It works without a mobile signal, using satellite maps to guide you anywhere in the world.

Mounted on the cab, the optional LED light bar can light up your surroundings after sunset, while additional lights on the rear and side of the roof rack illuminate parking spaces or assist with loading and manoeuvring in the dark. The Xtura also maintains a manageable overall length of 6.88m (slightly less than a LWB Sprinter panel van conversion such as the Hymer Gand Canyon S 700) and a width of just 2.20m (around 15cm slimmer than a typical coachbuilt). However, its flat sides offer more generous interior space than a Sprinter panel van.

Off-grid living

The Xtura is designed to keep you independent of mains hook-up for extended periods, aspiring to a self-sufficiency of 30 days or more, depending on individual consumption and charging habits. At the core of the Xtura’s power system is a lightweight 330Ah lithium battery that delivers reliable energy for off-grid use. It’s paired with a 3kW inverter, which can run most 230V appliances – like a coffee machine or hair dryer. This set-up means you can enjoy home comforts – and the induction hob – even when you’re far from hook-ups.

The Xtura’s energy system includes two roof-mounted 135W solar panels, with an optional 200W folding panel for additional solar input. While you drive, a powerful alternator and two boosters recharge the batteries. And all of the Xtura’s systems are easy to monitor using the Garmin EmpirBus, which gives a clear overview of energy use. You can check it via the control panel, a dedicated pad, or even on your smartphone.

The Xtura also features an Alde hot water and space heating system. It provides warm water to taps and radiators, and even heats the floor, including the cab area (as part of the optional Adventure Pack). Again, it’s all easily managed via the Garmin EmpirBus system.

Rear single beds

The rear sleeping area features two generously sized single beds, each measuring 1.95m in length and 80cm in width, with supportive foam mattresses. If you prefer to sleep closer together, a central pull-out section with an infill cushion easily converts the set-up into a king-sized bed (1.95m by 1.97m), although the centre portion is shorter, at 1.14m. With the extension in place, a ladder is needed for access, which may not appeal to everyone. An optional additional bed for one person can be added in the lounge.

Swan neck lamps with USB ports are conveniently located in the bedroom for reading and device charging. A mini Heki skylight can be found above the rear bed offering daylight and ventilation.

Storage is well catered for, with four overhead lockers—two positioned above the headboards and two at the foot of the beds. Additional space is beneath the beds, including a compact wardrobe. However, this is quite small and wouldn’t accommodate longer garments such as dresses.

Washroom shower

The washroom is thoughtfully designed, featuring a bench cassette toilet and ample storage for toiletries. A discreetly positioned 230V socket, tucked inside a cupboard (typical of European ’vans), allows you to plug in a hair dryer or straighteners. One standout feature is the rotating wall, which swivels to transform the space into an enclosed shower cubicle, making the most of the available room.

Matt black fixtures and fittings tie in with the rest of the motorhome’s contemporary interior. A useful shelf holds your shampoos and gels when showering, while a rooflight provides plenty of natural light and ventilation. There’s a fold-out hook for hanging wet towels or coats –positioned over a shower tray with twin drain holes to aid water runoff.

With a 145-litre fresh water tank and a 105-litre waste water tank, you might achieve 10 showers per fill, if you use the water sparingly and not accounting for other daily tasks like washing up or flushing the toilet. Both tanks are insulated and heated, offering added reassurance when travelling in colder conditions.

On the trend in the kitchen

The kitchen features more matt black fittings, with tea towel rails integrated into the drawer fronts, pull-outs with self-closing mechanisms and soft stops, and a dedicated spice rack. Generously sized drawers provide ample space for pans, plates, and provisions.

That said, food preparation space is limited and there’s no obvious spot for a draining board. The most practical solution I found was to place it over the hob, but it’s essential to let the burners cool completely before doing so.

To further support prolonged off-grid living, the Xtura is equipped with a large compressor refrigerator and a versatile cooker combination featuring two gas rings and one induction hob. This set-up offers flexibility for meal preparation, whether connected to mains hook-up, relying on battery power for the induction hob, or using gas. Optional additions like an oven and an Omnivent further enhance the kitchen’s functionality.

Lounging

Up front, the living area is bright and inviting. The Glendale upholstery is made from 100% natural virgin wool, a sustainable material known for its ability to be warm in winter and cool in summer. The Xtura’s side sofas are combined with a fixed/folding table with a 360-degree turning and sliding fixture, so there’s more than enough room for two to dine.

The felt wall pockets are a practical addition – ideal for storing books, magazines or a mobile device. With USB sockets built into the spotlights above, they also make a handy place to keep your phone while it charges.

When touring for extended periods, having ample storage – especially for bulky items – is essential. The Xtura delivers on this with a generously proportioned rear garage for transporting bikes, outdoor chairs or large sports equipment. Lashing rails help keep everything securely in place while on the move and the garage is constructed with a one-piece GRP floor, making it easy to hose down, and a handy drain hole aids water run-off – also doubling as a practical cable route for the optional folding solar module. With large access doors on both sides, loading and unloading is straightforward.

The Xtura is one of a growing number of 4x4 leisure vehicles but with a considerably more spacious interior than its van-based rivals. It adds off-grid capability to its off-road design and, although it cannot match the leading specialists in this regard, it will suffice for many users. It’s not cheap but it’s a very comprehensive package for the price.