Swift Escape 694 motorhome

A little extra length makes all the difference to the 2026 model

The Escape range has moved far from its entry-level beginnings of nearly two decades ago and, these days, sits between the Voyager and Kon-Tiki in Swift’s motorhome line-up (prices start at £88,890). Refreshed for 2026, the company describes it as having a ‘striking new look’ but, in truth, it’s more evolution than revolution. So, there are new exterior graphics, a Bolonia soft furnishings scheme and new Horrex honeycomb blinds, plus Miracle Vanilla solid surface worktops and Angora Grey splashbacks in the kitchen. Black washroom fittings are very much the motorhome trend of the recent seasons, so it’s no surprise to see them arriving here, too. And the addition of a Thule 4200 roll-out awning to the standard spec is sure to be welcome.

But beyond all the cosmetic titivating, there’s one model in the range that has a simple but significant change – the Escape 694 is now 38cm longer. That makes it notably bigger than most other island bed models in its price range, at a supersized 8.22m overall. And it has been done for one specific region – to make the bedroom more spacious.

Bigger in the bedroom

When comparing island bed motorhomes, it is surprising how often space around the bed is compromised – or the bed itself is smaller than you’d hope. As one industry insider confided, it’s harder to design an island bed layout successfully than the equally popular single bed alternative…

If you can live with the extra size and have a licence to drive a 3,700kg motorhome, then the time on the rack has been successful. The Duvalay mattress measures 1.95m by 1.46m and there’s plenty of room to get around the end of the bed even when the bedroom’s sliding doors are closed. Bedside cubbyholes include 230V and USB sockets and a wireless charging pad and there’s room to prop yourself up on your pillows, if not to fully sit up.

Supersized bathroom

Forward of the bedroom’s sliding doors, the washroom is almost of liner-class proportions. There’s loads of room around the loo, while the shower cubicle opposite has a wooden duckboard and a backlit slate-style panel with inset shelf for your 
shampoo.

Max headroom

You’ll find a fabulous feeling of space up front as well, thanks to the overcab sunroof and curved ceiling that gives headroom of up to 2.21m – no need to remove your top hat! Of course, that spaciousness is, in part, achieved by not fitting a drop-down bed. If you need four berths, you’ll have to convert the sofas into a transverse double – and deploy the Aguti travel seats hidden 
below. In truth, then, this is luxury for two with the possibility of occasionally taking the grandkids. Couples, however, can enjoy the comfort of those settees’ raked backrests, while the fold-in-half table and cab reading lights are further pluses. The icing on the cake is the Alde ‘wet’ central heating system.

Well spec'd kitchen

And if you want to actually ice a cake on your hols, then the kitchen here has everything you’d hope for – three gas rings, a mains hotplate, separate oven and grill and, above, a microwave. There’s plenty of worktop once you’ve raised the extension panel and the solid surface counter gives it a premium feel. It’s just a pity that the recesses in the splashback don’t feature 
upstands to keep their contents safe.

Folding bikes only

Much bigger kit can be housed in the rear garage, which is 1.11m wide and 74cm high – so ready for folding bikes more than full-sized cycles. There are 12V, 230V and USB sockets here and a small light (and loading door with gas strut) on each side. Watch that you don’t overstock it, though, as overall payload isn’t huge, at 350kg.

If spacious living is more important to you than manoeuvrability, this big island bed motorhome ticks a lot of boxes and saves you £15k compared with a Kon-Tiki. Better as a luxury two-berth than for four, you’ll also need to ensure the payload is adequate.