Motorhome news: Hymer presents its 2020 motorhome and campervan models

German premium manufacturer, Hymer, has showcased its 2020 models in a market that it says has seen a 50% growth in campervan and motorhome registrations in Europe over the last four years.

Newcomers and younger buyers are one focus for Hymer’s 3.5-tonne motorhome ranges, which includes new Exsis models and a T-Class coachbuilt based on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.

Also, more Mercedes-based models join the campervan line-up. Hymer is also bringing the campervans back under its brand after dropping the moniker HymerCar. Now we have Hymer Motorcaravans and Hymer Campervans.

But back to the Exsis coachbuilt range, which is now built on a lighter Fiat chassis instead of an Al-Ko as previously to give a 350kg payload across the range. Driver and passenger airbags are standard, while you can specify the new fully automatic nine-speed gearbox and engines between 120bhp to 180bhp.

The Free S 600 campervan

Hymer’s entry-level campervan, the Free range, has been based solely on Fiat’s Ducato. Until now. Meet the Free S 600 based on the front-wheel drive Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis.

The standard Free S 600 comes with a 143bhp engine, start/stop and Crosswind Assist. Options include active distance and blind spot assistance, nine-speed automatic transmission and the MBUX dashboard.

The Free S 600 has new, more comfortable passenger and driver seats, two rear travel seats (with Isofix points for child seats as an option), ambient lighting, plus matt white and oak wood/silver decor. There’s a slide-out folding step to the 1.95m transverse bed, a handy space-saving feature. The kitchen comes from the Fiat-based Free model with a 90-litre compressor fridge, along with 100-litre freshwater tank and an 85-litre waste water tank with electric drainage as standard.

The optional pop-up roof means it can sleep up to four people.

The company also also revealed its production DuoCar S. The compact (5.93m), two-berth model is being built on the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with the 143bhp engine.

Inside, the side sofa turns into a 2-metre-long double bed and has storage space below. If you need more or alternative bed space, you can opt for a pop-up roof, but there are still only two travel seats.

The kitchen has a 70-litre compressor fridge, while the washroom is at the back, featuring a recessed shower tray and a pull-out toilet. A wardrobe in the bathroom means you can use the space as a dressing room.

You also get a diesel heater, instead of gas heating. With a 93-litre fuel tank, and an optional smart battery system, you can remain self-sufficient for longer. This smart battery system manages energy storage, combining the benefits of lithium and lead batteries. You should be able to stay self-sufficient for nearly 10 days, according to Hymer.

The T-Class S motorhome

Finally, the new T-Class S is the latest range to join Hymer’s ever-growing Mercedes-based ranks. Here, the Sprinter is seen in front-wheel drive form with Mercedes’ original chassis, allowing a flat floor from cab to rear.

A modern, light interior is helped by the other new feature, the inwards facing sofas in the lounge, a first for Hymer. You can convert these seats into two front-facing travel seats too which, if you have the drop-down bed option, means you can travel with four easily.

To enable a greater degree of independent camping (away from campsites), this new range is fitted with diesel heating and a 152-litre compressor fridge as standard. This also means the gas locker can be smaller, only taking two 3kg cylinders in this case.

However, these two elements are very power hungry so Hymer offers its Smart Battery System as an option. You could also specify this model with gas heating and a standard three-way fridge from the options list.

Also a noise-abating system has been employed in the furniture design to reduce on-road rattles.

Initially, there will be two layouts, one with an island bed that’s height adjustable and one with high-level singles. Prices are yet to be announced, but this range is expected to sit between the Exsis and B-MC models.

To read full details of all the new 2020 motorhomes and campervans, a special supplement will be available FREE with the November issue of MMM magazine, Britain's best-selling motorhome magazine. You can download a copy of MMM magazine here.

To view the latest Hymer motorhomes for sale, click here.