Hymer launches all-new motorhome ranges for 2019

German motorhome and campervan manufacturer, Hymer, has revealed its new 2019 models ahead of their official launch in the UK in October.

The major news from the German manufacturer is the launch of a pair of all-new motorhome ranges under the ModernComfort moniker that, Hymer says, set new benchmarks for A-class and low-profile coachbuilts.

The manufacturer also introduced an improved and enhanced low-profile ML-T on the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and a new special-edition range called the Ambition.

But the big news is the arrival of the ModernComfort coachbuilt motorhomes.

These new 2019 models – A-class, which carry the ‘I’ prefix and low-profiles, which carry the ‘T’ prefix – sit within Hymer’s B-Class range and mark over two years of development with the company’s automotive partner, Mercedes-Benz Vans.

Both Mercedes and Hymer said the partnership is unique in the industry and describe it as an intensive collaboration.

Both ranges, of course, are built using the new Mercedes Sprinter coupled to Hymer’s award-winning lightweight SLC chassis.

Mercedes and Hymer say they have been working on the new models in partnership – and in some secrecy – since 2016, when the latest Sprinter was still at the design sketch stage.

As a result, several motorhome-specific extras and adaptations were made to the Sprinter. In addition both companies worked towards reducing weight, as Christian Bauer, Hymer’s Managing Director, explained: “With the B-MC, we have succeeded in designing a motorhome series in the 3.5-tonne class that boasts a kerb weight of well under 2,900kg despite a nearly seven-metre-long layout. That makes us the first manufacturer for years to achieve such a breakthrough with a Sprinter-based semi-integrated model.”

As a result, both models on the 3.5-tonne chassis come with in excess of 500kg of payload and, if that’s not enough, an upgrade to a 4.5-tonne chassis is available, which gives users a massive 1.5-tonne payload.

As standard, these new Hymers get the six-speed manual 143bhp version of Mercedes’ turbo-diesel but this can be upgraded to the 177bhp version and also coupled to Mercedes’ new nine-speed automatic gearbox.

As well as sitting on the new SLC chassis, which saves some 60kg over an equivalent standard Al-Ko chassis, the two initial models within the new ModernComfort range – the 6.99-metre 580 and the longer 7.39-metre 680 – feature a completely redesigned interior and furniture design.

Both have the same layout with twin rear single beds, central washroom and kitchen (although the 680 has a more generous washroom and opposing shower room and a larger L-shaped kitchen) and front half-dinette lounge incorporating swivel cab seats.

Of course in the A-class there is a drop-down double bed above the cab while the low-profile gets a large roof light set just behind the cab.

They also both have a GRP lightweight double-floor, which as well as accommodating the water tanks (180-litre fresh and 150-litre waste), plumbing and heating system and wiring, offers a dual-access storage compartment that is 36cm high throughout. This is all without affecting internal height. Both are of course, constructed using Hymer’s proven PUAL technology.

The twin rear single beds are good sizes at 195cm by 86cm as standard with the option to have a 220cm-long bed fitted, even in the shorter 580. And they should be comfortable with multi-zone cold foam mattress with high-quality cover including bamboo viscose material for optimal moisture regulation.

Access to the beds (or large double if preferred using the infill cushions) is via a newly developed folding ladder with steps equipped with a non-slip coating to match the floor.

In the shorter 580, there’s an integrated 142-litre Thetford fridge/freezer that sits alongside the galley, which is typical of its type with a three-burner grill and small rectangular basin, both with dark-glass lids. There is also a flip-up worktop extension and three very large soft-close drawers, as well as overhead storage.

The longer 680 benefits from a larger L-shaped kitchen with an inline three-burner hob and circular sink. It also gets three, although smaller, drawers and a drawer and large cupboard beneath the sink. It is expected (but not yet confirmed) that UK models will have an oven. The fridge/freezer in this longer 680 layout is opposite the galley.

Opposite the galley in the 580 is Hymer’s a new ‘comfort’ washroom with, as one enters, the large shower with 1.94-metre headroom on the left and the bench toilet plus integrated washbasin and side shelf on the right.

The longer 680, instead of the comfort washroom, features central twin rooms with doors that can serve as a partition, dividing the interior of the vehicle into two sections.

This twin washroom layout means that alongside the 680’s galley is a generous shower cubicle with 194cm of headroom and, on the opposing side, a separate area containing the toilet and washbasin.

At the very front is the lounge, which has seating upholstered in a special water-repellent fabric. Thanks to a recess in the rear wall of the washroom, an up to 32-inch LED TV can be incorporated into the design giving those in the cab seats the best view. This front lounge is otherwise unsurprising with a typical moving but fixed table, two forward-facing travel seats as part of the half dinette and the option of a side-facing single seat.

Both models get twin exterior access to a huge garage that has a payload of 350kg, which can be increased to 450kg. Garage shelving, external shower, fastening hooks and metal flooring are all available.

UK prices and exact specifications have not yet been confirmed but euro prices are €69,990 for the BMC-T 580, €73,990 for the BMC-T 680, €81,990 for the BMC-I 580 and €85,990 for the BMC-I 680.