Hymer B-class SupremeLine 708 motorhome

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Fiat Ducato Maxi Al-Ko Gross weight: 4,500kg Payload: 1,110kg

The Hymer B-Class has long been one of the most aspirational motorhomes money can buy. But, today, there are DynamicLine (DL), PremiumLine (PL) and new SupremeLine (SL) versions of the ‘B’. All three layouts in the range share a brand-new chassis, dubbed SLC (Super Light Chassis) and developed to provide a deeper double floor containing all the services, the heating and extra storage, as well as creating the largest garage in its class which can carry up to 350kg.

The B-SL is clearly a motorhome from Bad Waldsee but prettier than before and with new hybrid LED tail-lights and a wider-opening bonnet. Then there’s the latest 100% wood-free PUAL 2.0 construction with an aluminium inner skin (for rapid heat distribution), plus a GRP underfloor that’s seamlessly level – no tanks or services jutting out below – resulting in improved aerodynamics, reduced noise and better MPG.

This is a big motorhome, offered only with a 4,500kg gross weight. The bus-style mirrors are probably the best we’ve come across and forward vision is panoramic. The Aguti captain’s chairs are extremely comfortable, too, while unexpected details include the longer handbrake that you don’t have to stretch to reach. Inside, the air of restrained elegance is applied to a layout that holds no surprises for anyone already considering a European island bed floorplan.

The lounge is a sumptuous space for up to four (possibly five), with comfortable seats and the ability to fully rotate the cab chairs. It’s those captain’s chairs that provide the best view of a telly which neatly pops up from behind the rear passenger seat. Here, up to a 32in screen is possible.

A top locker includes a drop-down compartment for a coffee machine, while special recesses are fitted for the pods. Down below, Hymer is, again, a follower of fashion with a three-burners-in-line hob, although here the controls are stylishly mounted separately on the front of the galley. Then there’s a large sink with reversible cover, the underside revealing a chopping board. And six large drawers provide copious storage. If you want an oven/grill, it goes above the 160-litre fridge/freezer.

The floor is flat from the cab right through to the rear bed, thanks to the double-floor construction. And the entrance is wide, too. The illuminated, folding coat hooks adjacent made me smile; such attention to detail.

The toilet compartment door does the usual trick of providing a solid division between the en suite and the lounge/kitchen. And the ablutions facilities themselves are very pleasing. The shower is obviously much larger than the norm (with no wheelarch intrusion, thanks to that SLC chassis). And, with real glass doors, it looks like something out of a luxury apartment, although headroom in here drops from the 1.98m of the living area to 1.86m. It’s backed up by 180-litre water tanks. Opposite the shower, the toilet compartment is equally suited to the larger motorhomer – and anyone who uses a vast array of toiletries.

At over 2m long and more than 1.50m wide, the rear island bed is very generously sized. Even better, the luxuriously thick mattress slides back electrically, raising the head of the bed as it goes. Now, there’s more dressing space at the foot of the bed, and you can sit up to read. Then there’s the cab bed. It’s another plush mattress, here, sitting on plastic Clima Plux springs and the bed base is held solidly in place by resting on tiny shelves. Headroom is a generous 830mm (max) and you won’t need a ladder for access.

You’ll not want for storage in the B-SL. There’s loads of space in the double floor, with exterior loading hatches on either side opening onto full-width space that’s 360mm high. And the garage is huge.

If you enjoyed this review, you can read loads more like it in What Motorhome magazine. You can get a digital version of this latest issue of What Motorhome magazine here.

I’ve tested many hundreds of motorhomes in my career but this new Hymer B-SL 708 stands out as one of the most impressive yet. You’ll probably spend at least £115k to get the right spec but this is Hymer doing what it does best. Just ensure that you don’t miss out on any of the desirable options that turn a very good ’van into a great one.