Hymer B-MC I 580 motorhome

Berths: 4 Travel seats: 4 Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter Gross weight: 3,500kg Payload: 510kg

Here is the first – and, so far, only – motorhome based on the new front-wheel drive Sprinter. The latest B-Class Hymer wears the ModernComfort moniker and comes in both low-profile and A-class forms.

Hymer says the B-MC (for short) range sets new industry standards and is the culmination of over two years of development in association with Mercedes-Benz Vans. Merc and Hymer call the partnership unique in the industry. The B-MC range uses the award-winning lightweight SLC chassis (which saves around 60kg compared with an Al-Ko), as first seen on the Fiat-based B-SL.

With the B-MC, Hymer has also succeeded in designing an A-class motorhome with a kerbweight of under three tonnes, despite being nearly seven metres long. As standard, these new Sprinter chassis get a 143bhp engine and six-speed manual gearbox but a 177bhp power unit and Merc’s new nine-speed automatic gearbox are optional. A whole raft of base vehicle safety features is available, too.

Interiors have been completely redesigned but follow conventional concepts. As well as this single bed layout, there is a similar-length B-MC with transverse rear double (550) and two longer, 7.39m motorhomes, the single bed 680 and island bed 690. They come with a GRP lightweight double-floor, which as well as accommodating 180-litre fresh and 150-litre waste tanks, plumbing and the heating system, offers storage that’s 36cm high. A clean look is underlined by the continuous living area floor.

In the 580 there’s a 142-litre fridge/freezer alongside the galley. There is also a flip-up worktop extension and three very large soft-close drawers. Opposite the galley is Hymer’s new ‘comfort’ washroom with a large shower featuring 1.94m headroom. The lounge has seating upholstered in a special water-repellent fabric and, thanks to a recess in the washroom wall, a TV up to 32in can be incorporated.

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