Full review

Think A-class motorhome and you’ll think Hymer – or B-Class in Hymer-speak.

But if truth be told, the best-selling B-Class range was beginning to look dated. A new model was needed and here it is. It’s still recognisably a Hymer, but very much a Hymer for 2007 and beyond.

The B504 is the true baby of the new range – the only model measuring under six metres from bow to stern. It may be petite, but the B504 loses none of the features of its bigger brothers.

And there is so much to impress about the B-Class before you even step aboard. Skirt-level hatches on either side open to reveal not only deep stowage bins in the skirts but a shallow void for longer items right across the full width of the vehicle. Then there’s the garage, which in a 6m ’van is rare.

All Hymer’s efforts to engineer a classy new luxury motorhome would have been wasted if the chassis beneath were not up to scratch. But have no fear, new Fiat is here; all B-Class SLs come with an Al-Ko chassis.

The layout is neither exceptional nor revolutionary, but it does leave you wondering if you really need a bigger Hymer than this.

The cab’s armchairs swivel to face an L-shaped settee across an oddly shaped table. Behind the settee is the washroom, while on the opposite side (to the rear of the door) are the kitchen and wardrobe. Above the garage is a fixed single bed.



The B504’s lounge is quite special. And it’s that British favourite – the L-settee – that makes it so. But it’s not just the shape of the sofa that works, it’s the detailing too.

Passenger carrying also gets top marks. What is typically Hymer is the attention to detail. There’s a spice rack behind the sink, hooks on the wall for cloths and an extractor hood.

And catering with just a hob isn’t necessarily too much of a hardship. The fridge is a decent size but worktop is in short supply. You’ll find daylight streams in through the massive opaque vent in the bathroom ceiling.

The clever bit of the bathroom is the swinging wall, which then creates a shower cubicle, leaving the loo and the cupboard in a dry zone. At over £55,000 (as tested), the B504 SL looks expensive for a sub-6m motorhome.

Add in a kitchen which falls short of meeting expectations and some buyers might quickly dismiss the model from their shortlist. Look more closely, though, and Hymer’s quality shines through.

Fact-file:

Hymer B504 SL
Based on new Fiat Ducato (X2/50) 130 Multijet with Al-Ko chassis
Starts at £49,995 ex-works (plus £1,700 on-the-road charges and delivery)


•    A full version of this review appeared in the February 2007 issue of Which Motorcaravan. To order a road test reprint contact Tina Beaumont on 01778 391187.

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