Hymer ML-T CrossOver

Base vehicle: Mercedes Sprinter Price from: £123,840 Berths: 3 Travel seats: 4 Length: 6.89m Width: 2.22m Height: 3.05m Gross weight: 4,100kg Payload: 637kg

Words Rachel Stothert, photos courtesy of Hymer

The Hymer ML-T 570 CrossOver

Back in the day, overland motorhomes were bespoke one-of-a-kind campers: tough, practical and utilitarian. However, now with many of the base vehicles offering a 4x4 option, we are seeing more and more conventional motorhomes making the transition, like this Hymer ML-T.

The layout

Obviously the main feature is that permanent all-wheel drive 4Matic system from Mercedes, yet this model offers the same living area comforts as the traditional ML-T 570 – fixed high-level single beds at the rear, central kitchen and washroom and an L-shaped sofa up front.

Both beds have wardrobes underneath and the large 152-litre fridge should provide enough chilled space. The sink and three-burner hob take up a lot of the worktop space in the kitchen, but there is an extension and you can always use the table in the lounge for food prep.

The third berth

That aforementioned table is fixed, but it swivels and slides, so it can be pushed out of the way for travelling, and it lowers to make the third berth. Primarily a two berth, though, this 6.89m long model can travel four, with two belted seats in the rear and two in the cab.

The washroom

And as this motorhome is relatively compact, the washroom makes the best use of available space quite cleverly – the basin sits on a wall that swings over to the toilet to make a separate shower area that offers a good amount of space.

It’s not a feature unique to Hymer, but it is one of the better examples of its type, with a shower that has twin drain holes.

The base vehicle

In CrossOver form, you also get Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and 190bhp engine, 11in LED front lightbar, chequerplate in the garage, a roof rack with ladder, 16in black steel wheels with studded tyres and a silver body married to metallic grey cab.

The cab kit includes Active Distance Assist, multifunction steering wheel buttons, 10.25in multimedia system with sat-nav, voice control and reversing camera, and fully automatic climate control.  You even get a proper full-sized spare and tyre affixed to the rear wall, which is both practical and adds to the cool look.

The services

The motorhome also comes with a 150Ah lithium battery system and two 95W solar panels to allow you to go off-grid, along with a 1,800W inverter to power mains devices.

This is further enhanced by the provision of a second toilet cassette, as well as a dedicated place to store it in the gas locker. According to the blurb, this allows you to be self-sufficient for up to 10 days.

The options

IF you’re looking for an extensive options list, you’ll be disappointed as most things are standard. There are a few boxes to tick – TV and bracket, heated cab seats and leather upholstery – but watch that payload.

Finally, you’ll need to check your driving licence as this 4.1-tonne motorhome requires a Category C1 minimum to be able to get behind the wheel.