Bürstner Ixeo Plus it 875g

Wow, here’s a big beast. When I approached this 8.76m tag-axle Bürstner, at Chelston in Somerset, I was taken aback by the sheer size of it.

The example I looked at was fitted with the latest 177bhp 3-litre Fiat diesel, so has plenty of power to pull it along, but you’ll just have to be a bit careful rounding corners, or reversing onto your campsite pitch, due to the length and the close-together tyres on the rear axles.

What’s unique about this motorhome, though, isn’t its size, but those dimensions combined with the latest fashion in low-profile motorhomes. The designers have fitted an electrically-operated double bed, which lowers at the touch of a button from the ceiling to cover the front seating. That’s in addition to the rear over-garage beds. Effectively, this Bürstner provides an A-class layout but, because of its traditional coachbuilt body, with the steel cab still in place, you’re paying much less.

PRICE FROM £74,750  PRICE AS TESTED £76,025 (includes £1275 Strada leather option)

BERTHS 4  TRAVEL SEATS (INC DRIVER) 4

DIMENSIONS 8.76m L, 2.30m W, 2.85m H, INTERIOR HEIGHT 2.00m

MAXIMUM WEIGHT 5000kg  PAYLOAD 1150kg

This is an abbreviated version of the full review that appears in the May 2012 issue of Which Motorhome - download your copy here.

Offering masses of room for your touring or bulky hobby kit, this is a palatial motorhome with the emphasis on luxury. You’ll need a big hardstanding pitch to cop with its 8.76m length and 5 tonne chassis, though.