Full review

Bürstner has an intermittent history with Mercedes-Benz – long-term readers will, perhaps, remember the T-Star or the later (stunningly styled) Aero Van. Now, the star is back on a Bürstner with the launch of the Lyseo M.

The Lyseo M takes its design cues from the Fiat-based Lyseo, with both also taking the ‘Harmony Line’ suffix. The Mercedes versions get a dark grey cab as standard and UK-bound models get increased spec.

This is a rear-wheel drive Sprinter (ideal for towing, with a two-tonne limit) and has a 3,880kg gross weight as standard. It comes with the 143bhp motor, while a 163bhp engine and seven-speed automatic are optional.

Alloy wheels, Crosswind Assist, cruise control, an electric parking brake, automatic wipers, air-con and a leather multifunction steering wheel are all standard. A pack of driver assistance features (high beam, lane control and traffic signs) is available as a £960 option.

The relatively compact body comes with flush aluminium-framed windows and a wide habitation door. The overcab Skyroof is standard, as is a roll-out awning. Furniture is Riva Loft, upholstery a choice of Merida Pure or Rosario Pure (shown) and removable carpets are provided throughout on a floor that is step-free from the cab right through to the bedroom.

The lounge in the Bürstner Lyseo MT 690 G comes with an L-settee and swivel cab chairs but no additional seat on the offside. The table is fixed and not too large. Unusual touches are the Vario roller blinds (in addition to the typical cassette blinds) and the tall glasses cabinet by the door. A set of glasses for this – complete with magnetic bases so they stay put on the road! – is available for £110.

The kitchen is just one of the areas that’s upgraded for British buyers as it comes with a Triplex cooker featuring a combined oven/grill. That still leaves room for three large drawers, while an illuminated splashback and wall-mounted storage system (including coffee pod holder) are standard features. Alongside the hob is a 142-litre fridge with automatic energy selection.

Opposite the galley, the washroom has a washbasin that swings out of the way to create a good-sized shower compartment with twin drains and recesses for gels, etc. It’s a washroom with plenty of storage, too.

At the rear are twin beds, each measuring 1.94m long. There’s a wardrobe under the offside mattress and a locker beneath the offsite berth. A pull-out section can increase the central section between the beds if you want to convert the area into a transverse double, while a screen at the foot of the bed provides privacy.

An electric drop-down single bed is available if you need extra sleeping capacity, or an additional cushion to make a lounge bed is a cheaper option.

Finally, of course, there’s a good-sized garage at the rear with a 1.23m internal height, though with a fairly substantial rear overhang you’ll need to take care not to upset the handling by loading too much here. Payload is a generous 680kg – even more if you upgrade to a 4,100kg chassis.