Hymer ML-T 580 low-profile motorhome

This popular motorhome inherits features from the Venture S

The Hymer ML-T 580 motorhome

Words & photos: Peter Vaughan

The Motorhome of the Year 2023, the Hymer Venture S (with its inflatable rooftop bedroom and real staircase) is both innovative and eye-catching, but it’s also a vehicle that’ll set you back almost a quarter of a million pounds. 

What if you want the off-road capability, the style, the Hymer quality, but in something a bit more conventional – and affordable? Well, Hymer already had the ML-T in its portfolio for such customers, but now there’s a new version. 

You can buy a 3,500kg ML-T in rear-wheel drive form, but where it gets interesting is as a 4x4. In which case, pile on the options and you’re likely to be spending close to £150k and requiring an upgrade to 4,100kg. In this form, the ML-T has very few (if any) real rivals.

That’s especially true of the new version, which boasts increased self-sufficiency, more contemporary design, improved ergonomics and increased connectivity. There’s more than a hint of Venture S, too, especially if you choose the Native Bamboo décor (as seen here). 

The spec

Self-sufficiency is a watchword of the new ML-T to ensure that heading off the beaten track is no problem. Thanks to the new Smart Battery System 2.0, a generous 154-litre compressor fridge and diesel heating (previously gas), you will be more independent on your travels for longer – gas is now only required for cooking (on a three-burner hob and optional oven). 

You can further increase that independence with optional extras such as a water filter, a second toilet cassette (stored in the space made available by the smaller gas locker), three additional 80Ah lithium batteries (one is standard), an 1,800W inverter and two 95W solar panels.

The exterior

Externally, the new ML-T is recognised by its more industrial-looking black roof rack and ladder and revised graphics. 

The rear bedroom’s windows are wider but shallower (to give more elbow-room in bed), and there’s a dimmable awning light. The all-terrain tyres are likely to be a popular choice with the 4x4 version, while underbody protection for the engine and water tank is also available.

The interior

Inside, the layout retains a half-dinette lounge and single beds over the garage but the influence of the Venture S is soon obvious, from the tiled wall and matt black fittings in the kitchen to the real leather straps on the overhead lockers’ catches. 

Ambient lighting can now be individually adjusted, while a pendant lamp hangs over the table à la Venture S or becomes a slot-in downlight over the sofa. 

There are reading lights, too, which can be attached to the multifunctional rails (again, as seen in the flagship). These rails add practical features in the galley, too, and throughout the vehicle the side walls are covered. 

The new furniture has more curves, while the lounge gets headrests that hide and don’t need to be removed when watching the TV, which is now integrated flush into the washroom wall.

The bedroom

Attention has been paid to improved ergonomics in the bedroom, so you’ll no longer hit your head on the overhead lockers as the back wall has a felt-covered S-shape design. 

The nearside bed is now longer (both are over 1.90m). An even longer bed (by 22cm) is available on the offside if you accept reduced wardrobe space.

The washroom

And, in the washroom, the shower and toilet swap places to give more room to move. 

The ML-T also joins the digital age via the Hymer Connect app, which allows the control of heating, etc, while also viewing the water levels and percentage of remaining battery life.

 Summary

Clearly, the Venture S is having a positive effect on ‘lesser’ Hymers and, unlike some models seen at the Caravan Salon, the ML-T can be ordered now.

Where to buy

Hymer has 12 dealers for its motorhome range. 

These include 3 A’s in Wales and Thompson Leisure in Northern Ireland. Knowepark is the Scottish retailer.

Then, in England, you’ll find Hymers at Cranham (two branches in Essex), Travelworld (Stafford), Highbridge (Somerset and Devon branches), Leisure First (Dorset), Lowdhams (Nottingham), Southdowns (Hampshire) and Wandahome (East Yorkshire).